The Psychosocial Impact of Infertility: A Conference for Health Care Providers and the Community

Tuesday, May 4th

Registration 8:30am, Conference 9am-12:15pm

at Ohio University, Baker Center Ballroom B

(Parking Passes Available)

Space is Limited, RSVP to infertilityconference@gmail.com

Infertility affects approximately 10% of the population (Resolve, the National Infertility Association, 2008). An infertility diagnosis can be very devastating to couples and has physical, social, emotional, and cultural implications. For this reason, it is important for counselors, health care providers, and community members to have an awareness and understanding of the psychosocial impacts of infertility and how it may appear in patients, clients, friends or family members.

We are honored to present as speakers and panel members:

Dr. Jane Broecker- Ohio University Assistant Professor, Obstetrics & Gynecology

Dr. Frank Schwartz- Ohio University Professor, Endocrinology. Male Infertility Specialist

Ms. Heidi Sommer McAlister- Professional Clinical Counselor specializing in fertility counseling. The Sommer Group- Counseling and Consulting

Ms. Carey Stamberger- support group leader for RESOLVE, the National Infertility Association

* 3 Continuing Education Units will be offered for Counselors

This program is funded by an Ohio University College of Education Grant authored by Dr. Cornelia Patterson, Director of Assessment and Dr. Christine Suniti Bhat, Assistant Professor of Counselor Education. Drs. Patterson and Bhat would like to thank the following individuals or organizations for their support: our panel members, Molly Wales, Director of the Athens Birth Circle, the Alpha Chapter of Chi Sigma Iota, and Amber Koester, Counselor Education doctoral student.

Play Group

Thursday, April 1
3:00 to 5:00pm
in the kids' section of the Athens Library

All ages are welcome for two hours of play, socializing and support. This is a great chance for both children and parents to make new friends!

Sharing Birth Stories

Wednesday, April 28

7:00 to 8:30pm

at the Athens Library

Every year we dedicate one meeting to the sharing of birth stories. Whether your children were born last week or decades ago, we invite you to share your story or just sit and listen to others. All backgrounds, experiences and choices are honored at all Birth Circle events.

*This month's Evening Sponsor is Amy Broderick, a Realtor with Athens Realty. She represents both buyers and sellers of residential real estate and enjoys working with families. Sometimes with the birth of a child comes the need for a change of residence. Let Amy help you with this transition during such an important time in your family's life. You can e-mail her at amy@athens-realty.com or call/text her at (740) 856-2392.

Birth Circle Pregnancy & Baby Fair!

Saturday, May 8

10am to 3pm

at The Market on State (formerly University Mall) in Athens

The second annual Birth Circle Pregnancy and Baby Fair is a free one-day event on Mother’s Day weekend. Learn! Win! Shop! Celebrate!

Schedule of Events:

10:15am Performance by the Athens Irish Dancers

11:00am Kindermusik demo class for ages 0-18 months (open to the public)

12:00pm Music by Flyaway Saturn

1:00pm "Taking Care of Ourselves, Taking Care of Our Patients and Taking Control of the Narrative about Birth" keynote address by Patricia Harman, midwife and author of The Blue Cotton Gown. Book signing to follow.

2:30pm Performance by Music Together® with Laura Nadeau of Music Together in Athens

Door Prizes will include:

A year of professional baby portraits (sittings and prints) by Roberts Family Photography

25 maternity portraits (one sitting and an 8x10 per mom) by Roberts Family Photography

A semester of Kindermusik classes

One-year membership to WellWorks

And much, much more!

Browse booths featuring:

unique baby products (slings, bibs, shoes, diapers)

pregnancy accessories

healthcare providers

photographers

childbirth educators

pediatricians

governmental services

childcare options

prenatal and children’s recreation

Thanks to our sponsors!

Roberts Family Photography

United Medical Associates

Frog Ranch Foods

Holzer Clinic

River Rose Obstetrics & Gynecology

Casa Nueva

Donkey Coffee

Hyacinth Bean Florist

Lamaze Childbirth Classes

Ohio Department of Health

Office of Healthy Ohio

Bureau of Health Promotion and Risk Reduction

Violence and Injury Prevention Program

OUCOM AHEC/CHEAO

Play Group

Thursday, March 4

3:00 to 5:00pm

in the kids' section of the Athens Library

All ages are welcome for two hours of play, socializing and support. This is a great chance for both children and parents to make new friends!

Pregnancy Loss Support Group

Wednesday, March 10

7:00 to 8:00pm

at The Plains Library

This month's support group, facilitated by Dr. Connie Patterson, will focus on pregnancy loss, which can range from miscarriage to stillbirth to grieving your pregnancy after the baby is born. We hope you'll join us for this safe and intimate time of sharing and support.

RSVP: Because the effectiveness of the group is dependent on its size, please RSVP to molly.wales@yahoo.com or 740-592-4408.

Benefits of Doula Care/Role of a Birth Partner

Wednesday, March 31

7:00 to 8:30pm

at the Athens Library

Local doulas will discuss the history and benefits of doula care: What is a doula? How can a doula support you, your partner, and your expanding family through birth and the postpartum period? We'll also exchange ideas for other birth partners such as husbands, mothers, etc.

*This month's sponsor is Jennifer Cochran, Licensed Massage Therapist, offering Swedish massage, myofascial release, and deep tissue massage in the comfort of your own home. Pregnancy massage, or prenatal massage, supports the health and well-being of both mother and child. Massage reduces stress and anxiety, relieves muscle tension and pain, promotes relaxation, improves circulation and immune function, and alleviates physical and mental fatigue. Jennifer can be reached at jennijan@yahoo.com or 740-593-6869.