Schedule

8:00 am to 6:00 pm
A1—Midwifery Management of Neonatal Resuscitation with Karen Strange

• One day certification session approved for continuing education units
• Attendees will gain and understanding of neonatal transitional phsiology in light of recent research as well as specifics for resuscitation in the out of hospital setting.  This workshop will include the latest studies on thermal management and the baby’s perspective of birth as well as the imprint that resuscitation may leave.
• Learn to evaluate which newborns need resuscitation and how to demonstrate initial ventilatory strategies and indications for resuscitation.
• Enjoy this hands on, thorough full day of training unlike any other neonatal resuscitation workshop.
• Recertification for those already certified is available through this workshop and for those who need medication and intubation certification as well, the exam and practical for these skills will be included.
• MAKE SURE YOU READ ABOUT THE NEW BOOK AND TESTING INFORMATION

6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
A3—Healing from Birth Disappointment and Trauma with Claire Hall and Lisa Barrett

• We will discuss how to recover from, release fears, recapture and reconnect with truth and your ability to trust again after an adverse outcome.
• We will learn through varied perspectives how:
  • The midwife can recover, release her fears, recapture and reconnect with truth and her ability to trust again
  • Birth workers can support one another by recognizing how detrimental “snap judgements” of other midwives can be to the parents, the midwife involved, and the community of birth all together
  • To bring healing to the birth community by encouraging ways to reach out to midwives who are battling when most often we attack, slander, gossip, and ruin reputations based on speculations and hearsay–not facts; and, by learning to encourage and uplift these midwives so as to promote truth and birth trust and just good sense decency and love toward our sisters.

9:00 am to 4:00 pm

A5 – Birthing Peace: How the New Science of Human Thriving Can Bring Joy to Your Life & To Your Clients with Marcy Axness

• Through the magic of transference, clients may see you as The Good Mother. In this workshop you’ll get a practical roadmap and tools to use in your own parenting, for more delight and joy at home (not to mention kids with optimal wiring of their brain circuitry); and ways of being with your clients that will deepen rapport, trust and delight. A user-friendly 7-principle framework for understanding and meeting children’s needs from newborn (or brand new client) to adolescence (or less adoring near-term client)… including ways for you and your clients to:

• • enrich the power of the magic postpartum window
  • harness the most potent means of teaching, and learning
  • share optimal childbirth preparation with our children
  • detour around the most common “peaceful parenting pitfalls” that are epidemic in our culture—and into more joy
  • engender such a level of respect that 99% of discipline issues evaporate and family enjoyment blossoms
  • revise old programming that trips up even the most conscious parents when kids push their buttons…so we don’t recycle it for yet another generation
  • tap into the power we each have to influence who we become in the coming weeks, months and years, thanks to the wonders of neuroplasticity, cell regeneration, and epigenetics: we are always pregnant with and parenting our future selves!

Thursday, April 12, 2012:

9:00 am to 3:00 pm
B1–Ancient Herbs; Modern Medicine with Shonda Parker

• Through lecture, discussion, and hands on research you will learn how the body interacts with, metabolizes, and distributes herbal medicines of different types.
• Learn the factors that can influence the skin, mucous membranes, and gastrointestinal absorption of herbal medicines.
• Examine tissue sensitivity to herbal medicines and be able to demonstrate a knowledge of therapeutic considerations that must be used when counseling the client of childbearing age.
• Present a case study relevant to your personal birth work and as a group offer critical and supportive suggestions for improvement in herbal care.
• Session includes identification of herbs and hands on participation

9:00 am to 4:00 pm
B2–Undisturbed Birth: The Science and Wisdom with Sarah Buckley

• Join Sarah as she explores the science and wisdom of natural, undisturbed birth.
• Learn about the “ecstatic hormones of undisturbed birth” and their importance in optimising safety, ease and pleasure for mother and baby.
• Discover the wisdom of an undisturbed hour after birth and delayed cord clamping, and the long-term benefits for breastfeeding and attachment.

3:00 pm to 6:00 pm
B3–Variations of Normal Birth with Lisa Barrett

• Receive training from one of the World’s leading experts on birth variations such as twin delivery, breech delivery and other considerations that typically bring great fear and lack of training/understanding in the medical and midwifery realm.
• Learn the different variations that can occur in birth and ways in which the birth server can help the mother to transition through them.
• Glean knowledge of positional changes, how to vary ones support of the mother appropriately as well as other techniques used to support each individual situation.
• Learn from actual and amazing birth stories, see pictures/video, in order to glean the best measures of support for the women you will serve.

6:30 pm to 9:00 pm
B4–Liver Rejuvenation and the Art of Cleansing for Women in the Childbearing Years with Sherry Rothwell

• Learn How to Harness the Power of Liver Rejuvenation to Cleanse with CONFIDENCE, so that you can Increase Your Energy and Boost Your Mood WITHOUT nausea, detox symptoms or causing harm to your unborn or breastfed babe!
• Whether you are a caregiver who desires to gain more knowledge about liver rejuvenation to benefit the women you serve, or you are a mama who is curious about cleansing, this class will give you a new and empowering perspective that will help allay your concerns.
• We will look at liver health and rejuvenation not only from the perspective of western science and Naturopathy, but also through the eyes of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
• By embracing the wisdom in each approach and by looking at the broader perspective, we will piece together the common themes that can help us gain a better understanding of how our body functions as a whole.
• We will weave together the knowledge, tools and strategies that are essential to support our bodies’ inherent cleansing capacity, while at the same time discovering the specific distinctions that afford us the wisdom to know how to rejuvenate effectively and cleanse responsibly.

9:00 am to 4:00 pm
B5–Essential Oils, Hormone Balancing, and Emotional Healing w/ Dr. Catherine Rott and Carrie Shepard

• Join these experts as they teach you which essential oils support the endocrine system, including how the unique delivery mechanism for cellular communication affects the body.
• Learn the method(s) of application of essential oils.
• Learn the potential anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) role essential oils play in hormone balancing and stress reduction.
• Learn how to identify what physical, mental, spiritual & emotional root causes result in hormonal disruption and so much more.
• Get samples and participate in hands on work.  You do not want to miss this amazing six hour preconference.

4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
B6 – Comfort Measures in Labor Using the Rebozo with Gena Kirby

• Join Gena as she teaches you the techniques of using the Rebozo to provide comfort before and during labor.

Friday, April 13, 2012:

A complimentary coffee/tea service will begin at 8 am.

Opening Session: 9 am to 11:45 am with Carla Hartley and Dr. Sarah Buckley who will present “Liquid Love: Oxytocin”

Sarah presents new understandings of the critical role of this hormone of “ calm and connection” in birth and mothering and in life-long health and well-being. She argues that the optimal orchestration of the oxytocin system that is associated with undisturbed birth has life-long benefits for mother, baby, father and family,

12-1 Working Lunch with Carla Hartley

(Salads will be available for purchase or bring your own lunch.)
SO YOU THINK YOU WANT TO BE A MIDWIFE?
Reservation required. Limited space so reserve your spot now.
Carla will talk very fast while you chew….so much to cover. Who? What? Why? Why not? How? When?

Track 1: (1:15p to 2:45p)

1A— Nutrition and Pregnancy: The Truth About Health and Complication Prevention Part 1–Joy Jones, RN

What is the most accurate version of the Brewer Diet? How does the Brewer Diet help mothers to follow the normal physiology of pregnancy? What are the mechanics of osmotic pressure, and how do those mechanics relate to a blood volume increase in pregnancy, and to the Brewer Diet? Come and find out!

1B—Oxygen and the Midwife, Part 1–Jill McDanal

Can you answer me this: What is your drive to breathe? What are the three types of fetal heart decelerations and their causes? What risks are there to using oxygen and the legal ramifications?
If you don’t know, you want to be here….

I will be discussing this and much more. A completed survey will be required for admittance for this session – details to follow.

1C—Keeping the Fires Burning–Conquering Stress and Burnout for Mother/Baby Professionals—Micky Jones

Do you long for that “balanced life” people talk about? Wonder why so many midwives, doulas and birth activists seem to burnout after a few short years? Is it your desire to support mothers and babies for years to come? In this session we will discuss the place of stress in our lives and begin personalized plans for stress reduction and elimination of burnout.

1D—Anyone Can Palpate!—Bettie Sheets

Bettie will take the mystery out of finding baby’s position while doing stand up comedy. Just kidding… but if anyone could do both at the same time, it is Bettie Sheets.

1F—Vaccination Information and Holistic Preparedness—Deanna Hlywka, ND

Learn the history of vaccinations and the controversy behind them. We will discuss the rationale behind the currently recommended vaccination schedule and analyze the major vaccinations, their ingredients and the risks associated with each. Finally we will explore from a holistic perspective how to protect children who are vaccinated as well as those who are not.

Track 2: (3:15p to 4:45p)

2A—Nurturing and Nourishing Women in the Postpartum Period—Sherry Rothwell

Explore how other cultures deal with postpartum. We will discuss nutrients in high demand during the postpartum period for breastfeeding women and learn proper principles of food preparation for new mothers. We will also discuss specific ways to nurture women in the postpartum such as blessings, herbal infusions, moxibustion, relaxation massage, belly wrapping, and more.

2B—Panel—The Reality of Cytotec and Pitocin: Maddie Oden and Gloria Lemay

This workshop will consist of a panel who will present the risks and benefits of Cytotec Inductions along with first hand experiences of real life adverse events that can and do occur due to the off label use of Cytotec ( Misoprostol).

2C—Birth from the Biblical Perspective—Terri LaPoint

In this session, we will look at birth through the Scriptures and dig deep into the original languages to see what God really says. It might be surprising to you. Not that the answers haven’t always been there – they have. But very few have actually looked in the right places. We will look at Biblical perspectives on midwives, as well as the baby in the womb, who can be called as well as wounded, and how we can minister to these issues. This will be a powerful session, going places few have gone before. We will be faithful to the Word, and we will see people set free, and equip you to see captives set free. This session is not only for Christians, but for anyone who has wondered if maybe there is something more than what you’ve been taught. (And yes, there is.)

2D—”Push-less Birth”–Heather Brock and Laura Shanley

Forced pushing (pushing when the mother has no impulse to do so) is not only unnecessary, it can also be dangerous for both the mother and the baby. When a woman is relaxed, most babies can be born with little or no pushing.

2E— Oxygen and the Midwife, Part 2–Jill McDanal

Can you answer me this: What is your drive to breathe? What are the three types of fetal heart decelerations and their causes? What risks are there to using oxygen and the legal ramifications?
If you don’t know, you want to be here….
I will be discussing this and much more. A completed survey will be required for admittance for this session – details to follow.

2F— Baby’s Experience of Birth Part 1–Karen Strange

Learn to interact consciously with the prenate and neonate and why this is so important in working with pregnant women and babies. Recognize the hormones of birth and how they impact the experience of bonding and learn how to help mom and baby “tell their story.”

Awards Dinner Banquet: Friday from 7 pm to 9:30 pm in the Ballroom; Keynote: “Transitioning from the Male Model of Measurement” with Claire Hall

Many midwives do not do routine vaginal examinations because they are intrusive and painful and there are other ways of monitoring progress. This is a very good thing, but I would suggest it doesn’t go far enough. We need to critically apply “why” we monitor as well as examine “how” we monitor. We need to care more about how she is rather than where she is. Since medicine first took over birth as their domain, it has looked at the whole issue with a male-mind. Progress of labor was assessed, measured and monitored, categorized and boxed and put on a time line with a clear beginning, clear progression and clear end. All of this was so that the observer could have some understanding of a process that they were otherwise excluded from and powerless over. The authority and power of birth shifted from the birthing woman to the attendant. In reality, birth is a purely feminine phenomenon that is NOT linear and we cannot understand it with a male mind. Women have the body and the innate wisdom to birth, but we will never see the power and authority of birth be returned to the birthing woman until birth attendants change their mindset about birth.

Saturday, April 14, 2012:

A complimentary service of coffee/tea will begin at 8am

Track 3: (8:30a to 10:00a)

3A–The Umbilical Cord–Rachel Reed

Learn about the anatomy and physiology of the umbilical cord and its common variations We will discuss its functions and how the cord works in transition from intrauterine to extrauterine life. Ethical and practical considerations regarding the care of the cord will also be explored.

3B–Holistic Treatment of Mood Disorders in Pregnancy and the Postpartum Periods–Deanna Hlywka, ND

Perinatal mood disorders can be handled in a variety of different ways. We will learn about dietary ways to support optimal mental health and discuss supplementation that encourages good endocrine health as well. A discussion of acupuncture and Chinese medicine will also ensue.

3C–Nutrition and Pregnancy: The Truth About Health and Complication Prevention Part 2–Joy Jones, RN

How does a falling blood volume trigger various complications of pregnancy, including the PIH/PE/E/HELLP syndrome and IUGR, among others? What kinds of nutritional responses can be used to prevent or reverse those complications? Can some herbs actually counteract the efforts of mothers who are on the Brewer Diet? Come and find out!

3D—PANEL: Why Women Stay Home Alone–Heather Brock, Emily Reeves, Laura Shanley, and Cindy Hetzer

Learn how to embrace the couple that chooses unassisted/unattended/family birth and find out how to support and offer educational as well as physical support in accordance with their individual needs.

3E—The Womanly Art of Birthing–Sheila Stubbs

Childbirth doesn’t have to be the scary medical event we see on tv.
This session explores some of the many ways the beauty and mystery and joy of childbirth have been overshadowed by its institutionalization. Discover ways to give birth with dignity and power instead of fear and pain. Learn how the media manipulates our views on what it means to give birth.

Track 4: (10:30a to Noon)

4A—The Hour After Birth: Postgraduate Education for Mother and Baby–Dr. Sarah Buckley

4B–Post Dates Pregnancy–Gloria Lemay

Recognize pregnancy in the postdates as a healthy normal event. Understand the risks of interfering with nature’s pregnancy timeline in any way.

4C–PANEL: Trusting Birth After a Cesarean–Jessica Tiderman and guests

How does a pregnant woman wade through the morass of inadequate, incorrect, and just plain bad information and fear after she’s had a cesarean? With the help of her friends. Come hear Jessica and the other guests share their experiences, and help you learn to help the VBACing women around you.

4D–Does the Experience Matter?–Claire Hall

Planned home birth is a subject of ongoing controversy and women are often accused of selfishly putting their experience over the well being of their baby by choosing to birth at home. This session looks at why “the experience” is vitally important to the well being of both mother and baby. Midwives need to understand that they cannot interfere with this process and there be no consequences. Merely observing the process has consequences for both the observer and the observed. How does your presence impact on a mother’s birth experience and how can you lessen your negative impact?

4E–Evidence Based Practice—Rachel Reed

A thorough discussion of how authoritative knowledge is reflected within a technocratic approach to birth. Learn how to interpret evidence based practice and its influence in maternity care. Understand the alternative forms of knowledge and how to support a woman’s own birthing knowledge.

4F–Female Physics: Correct Exercise Prescription to Maximize Vaginal Birthing Space and Mechanics (Kegels No More)–Katy Bowman

Commonly misunderstood, pelvic floor exercise can actually exacerbate pelvic floor issues before, during, and after pregnancy. How does the pelvic floor actually work in conjunction with the rest of the human machine and what should birthing professionals know about guidelines for correct, birth enhancing movement programs.

Track 5: (1:30p to 3:00p)

5A—”You Are Not In Labor: One of the Hardest Things You Will Ever Have to Share”–Gloria Lemay

Are you aware of the signs of prodromal labor and the difference between it and progressive, active labor? Join us and Learn why the hardest statement you will ever have to say–is also at times the most helpful when educating mama about what to expect and how to determine realistic progress.

5B–Shoulder Dystocia–A Situation Based Approach–Rachel Reed – **CLASS IS FULL**

Gain new insight and clarity on one of the most feared issues in labor care today—Shoulder Dystocia. Understands signs of true dystocia and ways to reduce the chances of seeing it occur. Also see demonstration of ways to manage a true dystocia.

5C–The Trust Birth Doula—Lisa Wass

How can one serve as a doula in a setting that does not typically trust birth? Join us and find out practical ways to serve the parents who desire to trust in their bodies and intuition regardless of their birth setting.

5D–Baby’s Experience of Birth Part 2–Karen Strange

Learn to interact consciously with the prenate and neonate and why this is so important in working with pregnant women and babies. Recognize the hormones of birth and how they impact the experience of bonding and learn how to help mom and baby “tell their story.”

5F–UC Stories and Vignettes—Laura Shanley

Left to its own devices, birth can be a fascinating adventure. Join me as I share some of the more interesting and unusual unassisted birth stories I’ve received over the years.

Track 6: (3:30p to 5:00p)

6A— Mapping the Pelvis—Lisa Barrett

Come prepared for this interactive workshop to find out all about your pelvis, get to know your body and help yourself to help others. You may want to be sure and wear trousers to this class.

6B–Mommy Diagnostics–Shonda Parker

Do you feel confident in recognizing normal health conditions faced as a parent for your children. Are you famililar with ways to change diet and use herbs and other supplements when encountering illnesses in children? Join us for these answers and more as Shonda Parker helps to make us more confident in our care over our children.

6C–Maternal Fatigue and Labor Dystocia—Gloria Lemay

Fatigue can be a huge issue for the laboring mama. Find out ways to prevent this issue before it arises as well as supporting the one who finds themself caught at “the end of her rope”

6D–How Male Attendants Changed the Way Childbirth is Handled–Sheila Stubbs

Childbirth has traditionally been a woman’s secret domain. This session will explore the reasons for and results of changes in birth since males have become the most common attendants for childbearing women in North America. Discover what was lost when birth changed from a female-supported family event to a male-dominated medical event.

6E–Cultured at Birth–Sherry Rothwell

Learn why adding cultured foods to your diet is essential to prevent digestive discomforts, prevent prematurity, GBS, hemorrhage and post partum depression while protecting your baby from susceptibility to colic, autism, ADD/ADHD, food sensitivities, tummy aches and more! Learn how simple and economical it is to make your own probiotic foods and lacto fermented bubbly beverages in the comfort of your own kitchen!

6F–”You Don’t Know Squat”–Katy Bowman

The biomechanics of the squat, when done correctly, can increase pelvic floor tone and strength without increasing tension — an issue that often makes natural birthing more challenging. The squat, however, is often prescribed too generally, creating more tension in the trunk, possibly leading to downward Valsalva pressure (unsafe for later trimesters), and excessive forces in the hips and knees — making this essential position unattainable for many women. This course teaches how to effectively break down the squat into pieces over the second and third trimester, giving birthing professionals the opportunity to offer better movement guidelines for natural birth.

Track 7 (EXTENDED SESSIONS): (7:00p to 9:30p)

7A—Panel: Licensure—Planning to Practice With or Without–Carla Hartley, Lisa Barrett, Gloria Lemay, and Maryn Leister - **CLASS IS FULL**

Do you know where you stand on the topic of licensure and certification? Do you know what the organizations and states mean to do regarding the regulation of birth work and how this affects the mothers you serve? Are you aware of how you could serve outside of this current regulated plan without fear of being “underground” and being dishonest? Join a panel who has walked the road and understands fully the ramifications of regulation from both sides.

7B—Perinatal Pearls: Offering Comprehensive Naturopathic Care–Deanna Hlywka, ND

Today’s families go to great lengths to achieve pregnancy! It is a very influential time and a great opportunity to provide comprehensive care with a holistic approach that listens to the needs of the growing family. This seminar provides information and practical protocols on everything pregnancy.

7C—Transitioning from Doula Service to Midwifery–Lisa Wass

Many birth workers begin their service as doula’s but often fret over how to make the transition from doula work to midwife. Join Jane and learn how to make the transition via education and training and how your doula work can actually strengthen your marketability as a midwife in the future.

Sunday, April 15, 2012

A complimentary service of coffee/tea will begin at 8am Track 8: (8:30a to 10:00a)

Track 8:

8A—Stages of Labor–The Emperor’s New Clothes–Rachel Reed

Through discussion of the concept of stages of labor, we will explore how maternity care is influenced as a result. Learn about woman centered care and how it can benefit a woman’s birth journey.

8B–Making the Transition from Hospital to Home Birth–Bettie Sheets

Women come home after having hospital births for many reasons, this session will focus on ways to help women to make that transition seamless by recognizing the needs of the woman prenatally and gaining an awareness for patterns of behavior prominent in women who desire home birth but have only previously given birth in a hospital setting.

8C–”I Have To Do What?”–Claire Hall

Is the obstetric system really set up to provide care to women, or to seek compliance from them? As a care provider to women, what is your priority? How do your actions affect a woman’s autonomy? This session is an interactive look at the most common things that happen to women during pregnancy and birth. What is necessary, and what is not? We will examine the evidence and discuss philosophy and real life situations and examples. Participates can choose the direction of the discussion by choosing which topics to be discussed. Topics will include such things as Antenatal Care, Post Dates, GBS status, Fetal Heart Rates in pregnancy and labour, Optimal Fetal Positioning, Glucose Tolerance Test, PLROM, presence of Meconium, Prolonged Labour (“Failure” to Progress), Prolonged Second Stage and Extended Pushing, Prolonged Third Stage, Transferring from a Home Birth – and anything else you want to discuss

8D–Placentophagy–Lisa Barrett

Come learn what your placenta can do for you after birth. How to make a remedy and how to use your placenta to the best effect.

8E–Meconium: Facts, Implications; and Perspectives–Karen Strange

Learn the risks and be able to define and discuss why Meconium Aspiration Syndrome occurs and discuss ways to support in the home or transport if need be. We will discuss the medical guildelines and evidenced based studies and learn from the past experiences of others based on newly gained knowledge regarding meconium.

8F–Introduction to Essential Oils–Carrie Sheppard

What do you know about Essential Oils? Join us as we gain a basic overview of essential oils and ways we can use them in our birth work.

Track 9: (10:30a to Noon)

9A—Prenatal Testing and Ultrasound: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly—Dr. Sarah Buckley – **CLASS IS FULL**

Routine maternity care involves an increasing number of tests, aimed at diagnosing problems in the unborn baby. These include testing for Down Syndrome and other chromosomal abnormalities; and routine ultrasound. Neither of these systems can guarantee a healthy child and both can involve difficult decision-making and, for some families, significant emotional trauma. In addition, the risks of modern ultrasound remain unknown. This workshop provides evidence-based information to guide women and those who care for them in making informed choices in this complex area.

9B–Advanced Maternal Age–Gloria Lemay

Join us as we learn facts to support and enhance a pregnancy of the mother with advanced age.

9C–The Truth About Gestational Diabetes–Joy Jones

Why do some women spill sugar in their urine in pregnancy, and why is this usually a normal event in pregnancy? What are the weaknesses of the GTT? What are the artificial constructs in the medical system which have created the phenomenon called “gestational diabetes”? What does the placenta do that creates higher blood sugars in pregnancy? Hopefully, this session will give you new questions to ask of the current “standard of care”.

9F–Maya Abdominal Therapy–Tracy Freeman

Join me in this talk as I share with you a bit of history and basic concepts surrounding the ancient techniques of the Maya Abdominal Therapy. I will discuss how the common condition of uterine displacement impacts fertility and how these techniques assist to bring the body back into its natural balance.

Sunday, Round Table Luncheon—noon to 1:45 pm in the Ballroom

Closing Session: 2 pm to 4 pm

Stragglers Dinner– 6:30 pm at a nearby restaurant. Many of the speakers and staff will attend and enjoy fellowshipping with any attendees who remain (Please register ahead of time for reservation purposes)