Birth Matters in Winchester

Birth Matters Winchester usually holds meetings on the second Tuesday of each month. The meetings are usually held at Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, 26 W Boscawen St in Old Town Winchester. Please note different location in July. We hold a business meeting from 6:30 - 6:45pm. Our educational talks begin promptly at 7pm.

Meetings are free and anyone interested in learning more about childbirth and childbirth options is invited to attend. We have a lending library for all Birth Matters members. Please call Julie at 540-327-2012 for more information. Parking is available on the street or in the parking lot behind the church.

January 12 Healthy Birth Practices
Julie Pettler, Director of Birth Matters Winchester, will discuss types of care during labor that promote optimal outcomes for mother and baby. Evidence shows that when a birthing mother has unrestricted access to the birth companions of her choice, freedom to move about during labor and is not prevented from eating and drinking, she and her baby have improved birth outcomes. The US spends more on maternity care than any other country and yet, our maternal and infant mortality rates are much worse than most industrialized countries. Learn about simple ways to promote a positive birth environment that will support mother and baby. Information for this talk comes from Lamaze International and The Coalition for Improving Maternity Services.

February 9 Envisioning a Beautiful Birthday Rescheduled for Tuesday Feb 16 due to snow.
We will view several births on video and discuss our own personal visions of a "beautiful birth". How do you want to welcome your baby? Where will you be and who will be with you? Who or what will help you relax? Who or what will give you the courage to continue when the going gets tough? Your baby doesn't need candles or presents for this birthday party, just a welcoming environment. What is your vision?

March 9 The Three P's of Labor
Dr. Juliana Fehr, Director of Shenandoah University's Midwifery Program, will discuss the Passenger, the Power and the Pushes of childbirth. Her experience, passion and dynamic speaking have made Juliana a local legend. She discusses the physical work of birthing a baby and ways that a mother can encourage her body and her baby to work together to ease the baby's transition into this world.

April 13 The Prenatal Environment - A Montessori Perspective
Elaine Glier, from Mountain Laurel Montessori School in Front Royal, will explain the importance of a baby's first environments. She will discuss life in the womb, the first hours after birth and the first few weeks of life.

May 11 Meet the Doulas
Doulas, or birth assistants, can be an important part of the birthing team, contributing to decreased medical intervention and lower levels of discomfort during labor. Learn about the roles of a doula during pregnancy, labor and postpartum. Meet local doulas.

June 8 Prenatal Yoga Class
Lisa Tunick Boward, certified prenatal yoga instructor, will lead us in a prenatal yoga class. Yoga poses can lead to a more comfortable pregnancy and a shorter, easier labor. Lisa will also explain which types of movements and exercises are not a good idea during pregnancy because they can strain the already stretched abdominal muscles.

*July Chiropractic Care and Herbs during Pregnancy (*Different Location)
Active Health Chiropractic in Stephens City
A healthy body during pregnancy is good for mother and baby. Dr. Darrell and Dr. Gretchen, will talk about some ways to improve the health of your body during pregnancy and thus reduce length of labor and decrease chances of complications. Julie Pettler, Director of Birth Matters Winchester, will discuss herbs that, historically, have been used to promote a healthy pregnancy and labor.

August Prenatal Massage
Karen Godfrey, Certified Prenatal Massage Therapist, will demonstrate massage techniques that can be used during pregnancy and labor to increase a mother's comfort. Massage has been shown to decrease length of labor and use of medical interventions during labor. This meeting will be most beneficial if you bring your birth partner with you, but if that is not possible, you are most welcome anyway.

To be determined

October Dad's Talk
Partners are always welcome at our meetings, but this one is especially for them. We will have a panel of dads who will share their birth experiences, fears, joys, concerns.

November Meet the Midwives
Meet local midwives and learn about the Midwives Model of Care (MMOC). Any careprovider, in any birth setting, can practice the Midwives Model of Care. This model of care is based upon the belief that most women, supported with loving care, are able to birth their babies without medical interventions. Learn about this holistic, nurturing approach to childbirth and meet the midwives who serve the families in our community.

December No Meeting. See you next year.