Upcoming Arizona Birth Events

Wow, we have a lot going on here in Arizona! Check out these events.... if you'd like to be involved or receive regular updates, check out the Arizona Birth Network website or join the Phoenix Birth Circle Yahoo Group.

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First off: "A Picnic in the Park," put on by the Arizona Birth Network:

"The AZBN is proud to sponsor "A Picnic in the Park" on April 24.
This community, pot-luck style picnic is open to the public.

When: 4/24/10
Time: 11am - 3pm
Location: Papago Park Tempe (NOT the Zoo) @ Curry Rd and College Ave
Bring: You, your friends and family, and some yummy grub to share

Details:

- Great raffles prizes for everyone and an AZBN Member-Only gift
- Bring 3 canned food items, to benefit St. Mary's Food Alliance, and receive an extra raffle ticket.
- Clothing/Toy Swap: Bring your gently used toys/clothing and have fun swapping. Leftover items will be donated to Maggie's Place.

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Secondly: An open house event at one of Arizona's biggest and most comprehensive midwifery groups - Nurturing Hearts Birth Services:

"YOU ARE INVITED TO OUR OPEN HOUSE!! PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD!

"We are welcoming Spring by offering all of you the opportunity to
sample all of our wonderful services for FREE!!

"Our first ever OPEN HOUSE will be on Sunday, March 21st (Spring
Solstice) 1pm-5pm. Sample our services, enjoy the snacks, sit in on
classes, watch the screening of "What Babies Want"....

"Please help us spread the word!!! If you know someone in the Phoenix,
AZ area - please let them know of this opportunity!!

"Services offered:
ALL DAY:
~ Free henna art (upgrade designs available for a fee)
~ Free chair massages
~ Free lactation consults
~ One free professional portrait
~ Snacks and Drinks provided
~ Coupons and Discounts for future services
~ Drawings for free give-a-ways

"SCHEDULED EVENTS:
1:30 - Jenny Dubisar-Brost, chiropractor, will explain how
chiropractics can help through pregnancy to prepare for birth
2:00 - Noelia Waldo, certified Hypnobabies instructor, teaches a
seminar on hypnosis and childbirth
2:30 - Stephanie Soderblom, licensed homebirth midwife, will answer
common questions regarding homebirths.
3:00 - Tatiana Indresik, international board certified lactation
consultant, teaches a class on breastfeeding
3:30 - Rose Day and Nikki Ausdemore, childbirth educators and doulas,
speak on the importance/benefits of labor support
4:00 - MOVIE: "What Babies Want" - a 1-hour movie narrated by Noah
Wyle (ER fame)

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While we're on the subject of "things to do in Arizona for birth junkies" - don't forget our regular meetings!

(1) Birth Circle meetings! Locations: Anthem, East Valley, West Valley, Queen Creek, Flagstaff and Phoenix. This monthly forum meets to discuss birth-related topics; I have been attending for 2 1/2 years and have enjoyed every meeting - truly an awesome night. Join us!

(2) Arizona Homebirth Meetings - I'm not a regular attender (too far away), but these are well-attended as well.

(3) ICAN of Central Arizona - Meets monthly in different locations around the valley. I'm not always able to attend, but this is an awesome forum, both for cesarean mums, VBAC-hopefuls, and everyone interested in cesarean awareness.

(4) Arizona Student Midwives - An incredibly well-organized group that hosts monthly meetings, multiple study groups, a book club, social events, classes, and seminars for midwifery students, apprentices, hopefuls, and interested citizens (such as Yours Truly).

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And lastly..... An upcoming fall conference! Woo hoo!

"The AZBN is pleased to announce plans for "Community Conference 2010", a conference scheduled for the fall that will host a variety of informative seminars on pregnancy, birth, and postpartum topics. Discount admission will be offered to all AZBN members!

"****We are in need of ideas for venues to host this event, particularly any that may offer discounts to non-profit organizations. We are in need of 2 conference-style rooms and a large space for a vendor exhibition.****

"Do you have any ideas for us?" (If so, contact the Arizona Birth Network!)

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It's a great time to be a birth junkie in Arizona.... feel free to jump in!