I am looking into doing this in July. I need an idea of who wants to participate.

Right now I am looking at July 10 or 24. If we do it at the Holiday Inn (off Airline in BR) the cost would be $50.00 for an all day workshop, with breakfast, lunch, snacks, coffee, and other beverages provided.

Please let me know if you would be able to attend one of these dates and if you could afford the fee. If this fee is too high I can look into another location, the fee is as high as it is because of the food and beverage provided (which IMO, would be nice to have provided for an all day workshop.)

I am still working on speakers and activities. My vision is for anyone who attends to be able to walk away confident in tending to another women in labor and helping to support her through a natural birth. This would be open to the public. The idea is that anyone can doula to a friend or family member. I plan to get a lineup of childbirth educators, working doulas, midwives, and nurses as well as some mothers to speak.

I want this to be an interactive workshop, not just a whole day of lectures.

Please give your feedback and let me know your level of interest. I would need about 20 people to attend this workshop to cover the cost and time. If interest is lower or participants cannot afford this fee we can start with something smaller maybe.

The 10th would probably be good for me, but it is hard for me to know so far in advance what hubby's work schedule would be. I could probably swing the $50, but could do it a lot easier if it was not so much. So, you can put me down for probably.

Did you get my email? The 10th is better for me too. I should be able to swing the 50 if need be.

If we have less people, is there a church room we could use? And we can just all agree to bring a dish? Maybe two people could be in charge of the drinks and COFFEE.

Jb

I would love to do this! I'll come up with $50, but like Jennybean's idea too. Either day is fine with me.

I mean to ask, are nurslings welcome? Leo still goes where my boobs go (which is in the direction I am headed most of the time).

haha Amanda!! Yes nurslings would certainly be welcome. It will depend on the amount of interest, I like the idea of a small room, maybe the church or library, and a potluck snack type thing but if we can get enough people (and maybe a sponsor) it would be so much nicer to have it catered and be in a nice big room.

Keep letting me know about your interest and I will keep working on this.

Hi Ladies,

Newly pregnant and new to the group. My sister is going to act as my doula since she's had all three of hers naturally (this is my first). We'd like to go together. I can do the $50 per person and agree that it would be nice to have it catered, etc. But since I'm covering both our registrations a little less would be helpful (not a deal breaker though).

Btw, thanks so much for this site. It has been extremely helpful in so many ways. Especially in finding Dr. Dickerson. Can't thank you enough!

I am working on getting the cost lowered. Shooting for maybe $30 a person, and might be able to do something like a discount if two people (like in your situation, or a husband and wife) wanted to sign up together.

Amy,
Will there be an age limit? My 16 year old sister wants to be there to help me labor in September at which point she will be 16.5 and in 11th grade. I thought the class would be a good idea now that she is more mature. She helped me during my labor with my 2 year old and she was great. I was wondering if you thought it would be okay for her to attend or should I just continue to pass on information to her as I gather it. I didn't know if there would be issues with her being a minor since the talk is being given in a public venue. Just let me know what you and the speakers decide. Thanks!!!
-Shawn

I think that is a wonderful idea!! How great to have her exposed to the natural, normal way of childbirth so young!


BTW...
I was thinking the policy on children will be "at your own discretion". Since I know there are some toddlers who are still in arms and it may not be possible to leave them for an all day workshop, and I wouldn't want anyone to have to miss out for this reason, we should allow older children at the parent's discretion. I know my child could not handle this so obviously I would try everything not to have her attend, but some kids might be fine. At the worst you might have to leave the room for a bit to distract or tend to a child that was becoming a distraction. Overall I think those that just have to bring the kids along should be allowed to, we are all parents and should be able to work around this right? I just like the idea of being mother friendly, I cannot really fathom scheduling meetups that don't allow kids. Again, this is an all day workshop and there will not be activities for kids, I would not encouarge that they attend. If you absolutely have to have your child with you, and you have a family member or friend who might attend to help with them contact me to arrange a lower fee for this extra person.

I was also thinking of those that might only be able to attend a segment of the workshop, if work or motherhood interferes with your ability to attend an all day thing please contact me to make other arrangements if possible.

Hey Amy I had gotten your email on this and was wanting to make sure that you saw I am interested in attending. A friend and I would be coming together from Bossier City. Any idea on a date yet so we can start better planning our trip?