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© 2008 BirthNet

Educating the Community

Maternity care in the US is rarely evidence-based and few women or families have access to the information needed to make truly informed decisions or understand their full range of birth options.

BirthNet educates the public to both help women and families make such decisions and to help bring awareness to the need for improvement.  We define "educating" and "the public" quite broadly.

Below is some information about our Speakers Bureau, including sample topics, and a link to listings of our past events and workshops.  In addition, included here are some program outlines and other ideas for educating the public.  We are happy and willing to help you plan events and develop your own ideas as well.

We encourage others to use some of our materials and ideas in their education efforts.  We only ask three things:

• that our materials are used in efforts consistent with our beliefs and mission;
• that BirthNet be given full credit for materials we have developed;
• and that any event planned in BirthNet’s name be approved by the Coordinating Council.

BirthNet's Primary Programs

Speakers Bureau -- BirthNet's Speakers Bureau is a service that brings birth professionals, like midwives, doulas, childbirth educators, consumer advocates and others to interested audiences.

Events for Professionals and the Public -- Since our founding, we have engaged in a variety of education activities. See our Events page for upcoming and past events.

College Program -- One of our goals is to reach young women and men well before they are ready for childbearing.  We have developed a guest-speaker program for college-aged students.  We have been most successful in Women's Studies programs, but this curriculum can be adapted to most class subjects.

Other Ideas

• “26 Ways to Change Birth Globally” by Sara Wickham, RM from Midwifery Today– Great article listing ideas small and large for changing birth.

• "Things You Can Do To Make Birth Better- For Everyone" by Suzanne Arms -- Suggestions and ideas for you, your family, other pregnant women, your community, and transforming your culture.

• Pregnancy Information Night – Birth Network of Santa Cruz County, CA conducts Pregnancy Information Nights every few months.  Contact them for more information and ideas.

• “Setting Up a Library Display for Public Awareness” by Karen E. Wallace, Citizens for Midwifery (not currently available online, contact Citizens for Midwifery for a copy) – Some good ideas for setting up displays in your local library.

• "One Woman, One Birth at a Time" by Jan Tritten, Editor, Midwifery Today – Some ideas for those who are less inclined to start an organization or speak in front of a crowd.

• Birth Networks -- BirthNet is but one example of a birth network.  Several others have been around for several years and have ideas to offer as well. 

Videos

BirthNet has used several videos in our education efforts.  Those listed below are particularly useful.

• Giving Birth:  Challenges and Choices by Suzanne Arms – A terrific overview of issues and options. College students find this film particularly moving.  Professional and student versions come with a study guide.

• Born in the USA by Marcia Jarmel and Ken Schneider – Shows a balanced look at birth in the hospital, a birth center, and at home.  Should be presented with ample time for discussion.  Viewer's guide is available for downloading on the web site.

• Bringin' in Da Spirit -- Details the history and heralds the accomplishments of African American midwives beginning in Africa, through three centuries in America, and into the 21st Century.

• Totally Birthing Barbie – A short, funny examination of home birth options that younger audiences (high school or older) will enjoy.