Demeter Retreat - Celebrating Motherhood!

Do you have to give up your life when you become a mother and settle for a life of domesticity and servitude? Only if you want to! Yet it is enormously difficult in Western Culture to find a balance between a mother’s needs and the needs of the family. This retreat aims to uncover hopes that were locked away with the arrival of our babies and to seek this elusive balance.
In times gone by, women supported each other, gathering to... tell their stories and to craft. Research now shows that these activities lead to stronger mental health and better problem solving ability. I believe that we can reclaim this community of women and make our lives richer for it.
Where do we start? Certainly telling our own stories is a powerful beginning. We might also look to myths and fairy tales to find role models and illumination for our lives. The first goddesses were all powerful and ruled all aspects of the heavens and earth, gradually they became diluted and were divided into several gods and goddesses, however we can learn from the attributes of each character. Demeter was the goddess of the harvest and a mother herself, which is why the retreat has been named after her. She divided her time between motherhood and ensuring that the grain grew and the rain fell, pretty fulfilling work!
The retreat will use nature, craft, storytelling and discussion to consider how we can retain our individual identity and dreams whilst nurturing our children, regardless of their age.
We look forward to seeing you there.
A day to explore and celebrate your life as a mother, whether your child is a baby, adult or somewhere in the middle.
Through storytelling, craft, yoga and discussion we will look at aspects of motherhood and consider how to retain our individual identity and dreams whilst nurturing our children.
£65
To include three meals and refreshments.
Payments in installments available, full cost to be paid 28 days in advance of event
Overnight accommodation available Friday & Saturday nights @ £30 per night.


Contact Rebecca @ rebeccacoates74@gmail.com or myself @ fay@sacredspiraldoula.co.uk for a booking form or more information

.......Welcome Baby Finley!.......

A huge welcome to Baby Finley born on Christmas day at home!

Well done to his fantastic mum who decided to have her first baby at home where she felt safe and in control.

Gorgeous Finley was born at 4.09am Christmas morning 2010! What a wonderful and special day that was!

I will always treasure the memories of this very special Christmas, and huge thanks to new mum for giving me the honour of being her Doula. Congratulations and welcome to the world Baby Finley!!!! xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Welcome to the world Baby Ariadne!

Welcome indeed to this little princess, born at home, in the bath on the 25th September 2010
Congratulations to Kayleigh and Antony for the lovely birth of their first daughter!
Thank you for sharing your precious moments with me - you were awesome!
xxxxx

.........Welcome to Baby Lilia!.............

Congratulations to Anna who gave birth to baby Lilia on the 12th August 2010, Well done Anna, you are amazing!!!

.......Welcome Baby Alfred......

Welcome Baby Alfred, born in water, in the hospital birthing pool. A really lovely, sacred, peaceful and completely natural labour and birth.

Well done to his mum, Sarah for achieving something so beautiful! and thank you for giving me the privalage of supporting you. xxxxx

a doula experience...

A lovely article written for a magazine...


My Magical Doula Experience

New Mum Jenny Winser shares her birth story

When Jenny Winser had her first baby, she knew a little about doulas: enough that is to know that she didn’t need one. Jenny tells us here why she changed her mind and how, after a difficult first pregnancy, doula Fay Thomson helped her to have a really positive birth experience the second time around.

I emailed Fay 3½ months into my pregnancy after suffering severe sickness and feeling really depressed about things - I just wanted someone to talk to other than family. In the main, my issue was a feeling of being disconnected from the child I was carrying. I am sure most women who are expecting their second child worry about having enough love for two children but for me it was more than that. I had an extremely difficult first pregnancy and nearly lost the baby on a number of occasions. Because of this I was extremely protective of my son early on. Whilst I was suffering severe sickness with this pregnancy, it was not in danger and so for me the protection instinct wasn’t so strong. Having previously been told it was medically unlikely that I would have any more children, I had focussed on the benefits of having an only child which increased my worries about bonding and of suffering from post-natal depression.


Birth Preparation
After meeting Fay I knew I had made a good decision. She was reassuring and supportive to both me and my partner. We talked through my previous birth experience and my fears for the birth. We talked about how my partner felt during the birth of our son and what role he wanted to play this time. We talked about breastfeeding which did not happen with my son due to problems during his birth and my confidence at the time. I would not have breastfed this time around if it wasn’t for Fay. Fay also introduced me to hypno birthing techniques through a CD which I was really sceptical about at first but actually worked to give me a really positive birth experience. Fay was also at the end of the phone at any time throughout the pregnancy.


The Birth
On the days leading up to the birth I contacted Fay on a regular basis with updates. I went into labour 5 days late feeling ready to face it. I don’t really know when my Braxton Hicks transferred to true labour and I genuinely believe this was because I was able to remain calm thanks to my birth preparation. In the early hours my partner called Fay and she came to the house where we prepared to go to hospital. It was reassuring to have someone with us who knew the hospital procedures and who could help my partner keep calm. It felt nice to know that there was someone there for him so that he could be there for me without being too stressed. After being at the hospital for less than 3 hours my beautiful baby girl Ella Grace Rose was born. Fay was there the whole time and helped me control my breathing which resulted in a really positive birth experience. Shortly after delivery Ella attached to the breast and was able to feed.

To those that worry about sharing the intimacy of birth with a stranger I would say firstly a doula is not a stranger. By the time I gave birth, both I and my partner had built a strong relationship with Fay. Secondly, a doula is not a physically intimate role - they are there for emotional and/or practical support. My partner certainly felt the benefit of this support which cannot be given by hospital staff in the same way.


Back at Home
Once at home Fay continued to provide me with support on breastfeeding and by just coming round in the mornings for an hour while I had a bath. I did bond with my beautiful daughter but did still feel vulnerable after the birth so it was nice to have someone checking in on me. The only downside I can think of with having a Doula is saying goodbye. Fay has to go on to help other women and she has her own family to look after but I do hope that we don’t lose touch and that I have made a friend. I will certainly tell my daughter about the special person that was there on her journey into the world.

http://www.toddleabout.co.uk/articles/misc/doula.php

***VBAC WORKSHOP***

Workshop: Vaginal Birthing following Caesarean Section(s)

Commonly referred to as VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Caesarean)



Presented by Tina Coley, UK Regional Co-ordinator for ICAN, an experienced Recognised Birth Doula specialising in VBAC

who herself has had a VBAC after 3 previous caesareans

&

Gill Blayney PDC.Hyp BSCH – Practitioner in Clinical Hypnotherapy & HypnoBirthing@ (Mongan Method) & Doula





This course is aimed at mothers or couples who, for one reason or another, have experienced a caesarean section birth (commonly known as c-section). It is aimed at educating mothers or couples and will provide the necessary facts and information to enable parents to feel more empowered this time around.

The workshop will include the following:



1. A safe environment to explore the reasons for the previous caesarean(s) and the physical and psychological effects.

2. The facts about VBAC, including statistics, risks and relevant studies

3. How to put together a flexible birth plan aimed at increasing your chance of a successful natural birth

4. How to minimise risk

5. How to retain control should things not go to plan



This workshop will also provide an opportunity to begin the healing process which will allow past traumatic and/or emotional experiences, together with all associated memories to begin to mend, in a gentle, private and homeopathic way. Following this session you will notice the “raw” edge has been taken away from your discomforts and you will be able to move forward feeling more optimistic and hopeful about your future, whatever you’re planning.



After attending this course you will be in full possession of the facts, which will always take into account the safety of baby and mum as its first and foremost priority. You will be able to stand your ground and get an opportunity to experience the birth you hope for, whilst still remaining flexible to be able to adapt should certain circumstances arise – learn how to create a sensible, flexible birth plan to cover your individual requirements and outcomes.



Location of Workshop: Pitsford Village , Northampton



Day: SATURDAY Date: 24th July 2010 Time: 10am until 3pm



Early Bird Discount Prices £45** per person or £70 per couple



Places are limited; you may consider reserving your place with a deposit £20.

**Early bird discount available if paid deposit by 10/7/10. ( Normal prices £60 &£90).

Refreshments & light lunch provided. For more information please contact:



Tina Coley : 07515 527 199

Website: http://vbacqueen.webs.com



Gill Blayney: 01604 643356 or 07801 367 989

Website: www.abcbirthing.co.uk email: info@abcbirthing.co.uk