Community Events
Birth Doula Training Workshop in Fresno
Sat. and Sun., June 1 - 2, 2013
*New dates*
8 am - 6 pm both days
This 16-hour DONA-approved workshop is the first step towards becoming a certified doula. Cost: $350, $100 deposit due by May 10.
Trainer: Debra Merritt Bruflat, CD(DONA) - registration flyer
Ongoing Events
Nurture 2 Nurture Support Groups
Mondays and Thursdays, 9:30 - 11:00 am
California Health Collaborative
1680 W. Shaw Ave., Fresno
If you are pregnant or have had a baby in the past year and feel overwhelmed, sad, anxious, or depressed, this group will be helpful for you. Free of charge, and babies up to 1 year are welcome.
birthcircle
Every 2nd Monday of the month, 7:00 - 8:30 pm
Fresno Women's Medical Group - Downtown
1122 "S" St., Fresno
Birthcircle meetings are free and open to all interested women. Babes-in-arms are welcomed. Although there is a general topic for each month, questions and concerns that women bring will be addressed. www.birthcirclefresno.com
Free Breastfeeding Support Group
Every 4th Friday of the month, 12:30 - 2:00 pm
University of California Center
550 E. Shaw Ave., Fresno
Facilitated by Tess Johnson, join this warm circle of friendship as we explore the ups and downs of breastfeeding and offer one another the support that every mom needs from time to time. Contact Tess Johnson 905-6635 www.tjlactation.com
Previous Events
Community Spring Fling
Saturday, April 6, 2013
Spring Egg Fest at Discovery Center
Saturday, March 30, 2013
Headstart Preschool Parent Training Conference
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Birth Doula Training Workshops in Fresno
Sat. and Sun., Feb. 16-17, 2013
Birth Doula Workshop - registration flyer
This 16-hour DONA-approved workshop is the first step towards becoming a certified doula. Cost: by Jan. 31 $350, by Feb. 8 $375 and $400 thereafter.
TENS Training - registration flyer
This 2-hour workshop instructs you how to properly use the Lady TENS unit for clients in labor. This is a great tool to have for back labor. DONA members will be able to purchase a TENS unit and supplies after completing the workshop. Cost: $100 plus 4 CEUs and a certification that never needs to be re-certified
Rebozo Training - registration flyer
This 2-hour workshop shows you how to use the Mexican shawl as an extension of the doula's arms. In this hands-on class you will learn how the rebozo can relieve common discomforts in pregnancy, enhance relaxation in labor, provide support for specific positions, and techniques for second stage. Cost: $50 plus 2 CEUs
About the trainer:
Tammy Ryan, CD(DONA) is one of the few birth doula trainers that also offers advanced doula trainings in TENS and rebozos. She is also currently serving as DONA's third party reimbursement coordinator. You may also enjoy reading this article about her work in the Congo. Inspiring!
Meet the Doulas
Wed., Jan. 9, 2013 from 4 pm to 6 pm
Ga Ga Chic, 712 W Shaw Ave, Fresno
Come meet local doulas, get some information about local birth issues and speak with local birth assistants. Get many of your questions answered about giving birth in the Fresno area, and begin to develop rapport with the woman you may want to have with you at your birth.
Rebozo Workshop with Gena Kirby
Sat., Jan. 5, 2013 from 11 am to 5 pm
Ga Ga Chic, 712 W Shaw Ave, Fresno
Join Gena Kirby for a 6 hour workshop where you will learn about the history of the rebozo. She will share how midwives in Mexico have used it for centuries to provide comfort relaxation and strength to women in labor. The class is broken up into three parts. There will be a break for 45 minutes for lunch. We will go over how to encourage a malpositioned baby to move, and how to empower the birth partner. The rebozo brings everyone participating in labor together. Expect plenty of laughter and some tears as we journey together in this workshop celebrating the history and wisdom of the rebozo.
Ticket prices: 10 early bird tickets available $75, general admission $95, expecting couples $65. Register online via EventBrite.
Film Screening: "Birth Story"
Sunday, November 18, 2012
Film starts at 4:00 PM
Unitarian Universalist Church of Fresno
2672 E. Alluvial Ave, Fresno
$10 suggested donation, refreshments provided
BIRTH STORY captures a spirited group of women who taught themselves how to deliver babies on a 1970s hippie commune, rescued modern midwifery from extinction, and changed the way a generation thought about childbirth. Today, as nearly 1/3 of all U.S. babies are born via C-section, they labor on, fighting to preserve their knowledge and pushing, once again, for the rebirth of birth. With incredible access to the midwives' archival video collection, the film not only captures the unique sisterhood at The Farm Clinic, but shows childbirth the way most people have never seen it - unadorned, unabashed, and awe-inspiring.
Ina May Gaskin, CPM, has been called "the most famous midwife in the world," is the founder and director of The Farm Midwifery Center in Tennessee, and is the author of four books, including the wildly popular Spiritual Midwifery. BIRTH STORY premiered at the 2012 LA Film Festival and won the prestigious Audience Award. www.birthstorymovie.com
This film will not be released to the public until the spring, and they will be showing a limited amount of pre-screening events around the country. CRN was fortunate enough to get our hands on this film to show to our community! Please join us for a fun afternoon and share the love with the awesome birth loving folks in the valley. Download the event flyer, and help us spread the word.
National Rally for Change
September 3, 2012
Riverway Sports Park on Dinuba Hwy, Visalia
10 am to noon.
This Labor Day, come stand in support of evidence based care for all mothers and babies.
A massive uprising is on the horizon. Thousands of men, women and children will gather on September 3rd, 2012 as part of a national movement. Improving Birth's "National Rally for Change on Labor Day" is being hosted in close to 100 major cities, in all 50 states across the country. Thanks to the intricate works of social media, ImprovingBirth.org has been able to organize a massive movement to bring awareness to the lack of evidence-based maternity care in the US. One writer coined it as
"The largest women's movement in decades"
www.improvingBirth.org
CRN September Meeting
September 17, 2012
7pm
Brain Balance, 645 W. Herndon Ave. #20, Clovis, 93612
Our next meeting dates are November 19, January 21, and March 18
Whole Baby - An Informational Series for Happy and Healthy Mamas and Babies
Thursdays, starting May 17th to June 14th, 2012
10:30 to 11:30 am
Ga Ga Chic in Fig Garden Village
Check out the Whole Baby Event put on by Whole Foods and Ga Ga Chic. CRN will have a table at Thursday May 17th session about Holistic Pregnancy and Fitness.
CRN Potluck Social
June 18, 2012
7pm
Brain Balance, 645 W. Herndon Ave. #20, Clovis, 93612
Postpartum Doula Training Workshop
June 1-3, 2012
Fresno, CA
Spend a weekend gaining in-depth knowledge about the role of a doula during the postpartum period as well as a personal understanding of the emotions and spiritual nature of birth and life with a newborn. The 3-day workshop is part of the requirements for becoming a certified postpartum doula through Doulas of North America (DONA) International. The workshop combines lectures, texts, supplementary literature, videos, role-play, and hands-on practice. Postpartum care is now the most requested part of a doula's business. The need for trained and certified postpartum doulas is overwhelming.
The course curriculum will consist of:
~ Understanding the role of the postpartum doula.
~ How pregnancy and birth influence the postpartum period.
~The importance of bonding
~The physical care and emotional and spiritual aspects of the newborn and mother.
~Understanding newborn characteristics and infant care.
~The dynamics of family and friends after birth.
~ Differentiating "Baby Blues" from postpartum mood disorder.
~ Dealing with loss and grief.
~ Household management.
~ Business aspects of the postpartum doula practice.
For information on postpartum doula certification requirements, go to www.dona.org
Contact workshop instructor Kathrin Auger at kathrin@losangelesdoula.co / 310-430-1113. To appy for workshop, visit www.losangelesdoula.com
Fresno Earth Day
April 14, 2012
11am - 4 pm
Unitarian Universalist 2672 East Alluvial Ave., Fresno, CA 93720
Come visit the CRN table. Booths, healthy local food, live music, kids activities. Demonstrations include installing solar, solar cooking, composting with worms, raw food meals, home efficiency, bike safety, bike repair. E-waste drop and bike valet parking. FREE. www.fresnoearthday.org
Just Between Friends
April 12-14, 2011
Fresno Fairgrounds Junior Exhibits Building Enter off Butler Ave GATE 7
Just Between Friends Consignment sells all children's, teens, and maternity clothing. But it's not just about clothes, don't forget toys, juvenile bedding and furniture, strollers, cribs, books, outside play equipment, and much more. Be a consignor and/or find some bargains.
www.fresno.jbfsale.com
Film Screening: "More Business of Being Born"
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Film starts at 1:00 PM -- doors open at 12:30 pm
Woodward Park Library Auditorium, 944 East Perrin Ave.
Childbirth Resource Network presents "More Business of Being Born", a follow up of the landmark documentary, "The Business of Being Born" by from Executive Producer Ricki Lake and Filmmaker Abby Epstein. This all-new series continues the provocative and entertaining exploration of the modern maternity care system. More Business of Being Born offers a practical look at birthing options. www.thebusinessofbeingborn.com
Stay for a discussion, and meet the local birth professionals that serve the Central Valley.
Doula Meeting
Monday, January 23, 2012
7:00 PM
Contact Andrea for more information 559-707-0056
It's time for another meeting for the fabulous Fresno area doulas. Please join us as we hear from Lisa Gartin and Andrea Cole on the following topic:
"How To Organize Your Doula Business"
Session #1: Inquiries, Interviews & Prenatal Meetings
Bring a snack or dessert to share if you can. Look forward to seeing you there! We hope you will be able to join us in April for Session #2: Labor/Birth & Postpartum Meetings
Film Screening: "More Business of Being Born"
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Film starts at 1:00 PM -- doors open at 12:30 pm
Woodward Park Library Auditorium, 944 East Perrin Ave.
Childbirth Resource Network presents "More Business of Being Born", a follow up of the landmark documentary, "The Business of Being Born" by from Executive Producer Ricki Lake and Filmmaker Abby Epstein. This all-new series continues the provocative and entertaining exploration of the modern maternity care system. More Business of Being Born offers a practical look at birthing options as well as poignant celebrity birth stories from stars including Alanis Morissette, Gisele Bundchen, Christy Turlington-Burns, Cindy Crawford, Molly Ringwald, Kimberly Williams-Paisley and Melissa Joan Hart. www.thebusinessofbeingborn.com
Stay for a discussion, and meet the local birth professionals that serve the Central Valley.
Doula Training Workshop and
Breastfeeding Support Class
November 12 & 13, 2011
446 W. Tenaya Ave. Clovis, Ca 93612
To register or for more information about this DONA approved workshop, please call Debra Merritt Bruflat at (707) 579-6064 or email her at Debdoula234@aol.com
Doula Meeting
Monday, October 24, 2011
7:00 PM
Contact Andrea for more information 559-707-0056
It's time for another meeting for the fabulous Fresno area doulas. Please join us for a meeting of the Fresno area doulas as we hear from Kathy Cromwell, Director of the Center for Grief and Loss and Angel Babies at Hinds Hospice.
Empowered Birth Awareness Week
Join CRN as we celebrate Empowered Birth Awareness
Meet local birth professionals over light refreshments
Thursday, September 8 at 12:00pm
Location: Brain Balance, 645 W. Herndon Ave., Fresno, CA 93612
Like it on Facebook
Uptown Kids Consignment Sale and Marketplace
Sep 8-11, 2011
Manchester Center, 3302 N. Blackstone Ave., Fresno
Use the Blackstone entrance, near the Carousel
Uptown Kids Consignment sells quality kids and maternity clothing, strollers, games, and furniture. Also features a UNIQUE BOUTIQUE featuring many home-based businesses with one of a kind merchandise including jewelry, accessories, room decor, slings, blankets, pampered chef, tupperware, and more.
www.uptownkidssale.com
Doula Meeting
Monday, July 25, 2011
7:00pm
Sunnyside Branch Library Meeting Room
It's time for another meeting for the fabulous Fresno area doulas. Please join the CRN doulas for a time of discussion and encouragment. The topic for the evening will be: How to manage a doula business/Doula Ethics
Our discussion will be facilitated by Lisa Gartin. Lisa is a certified doula through DONA, a registered nurse (practicing mostly in pediatrics) since 1993, a Certified Lactation Education Counselor, a Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator, a student midwife and mother of four.
Bring a snack or dessert to share if you can. Look forward to seeing you there!
Doula Meeting
Monday, April 25, 2011
7:00pm - 10:00pm
Sunnyside Branch Library Meeting Room
It's time for another meeting for the fabulous Fresno area doulas. Please join the CRN doulas for a time of discussion and encouragment. The topic for the evening will be: Evaluation of our Doula Services - Learning from Client Feedback
We will be going over the results of a survey sent to anyone who has ever been on the receiving end of doula services. We are all hoping to have as many participants as possible in the survey. If you or your previous clients/students, etc. would like to participate, please forward them the following link to participate in this anonymous survey:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/MVM8PW5
Just Between Friends
April 1-3, 2011
Manchester Center, 3302 N. Blackstone Ave. Suite D135, Fresno
Just Between Friends Consignment sells all children's, teens, and maternity clothing. But it's not just about clothes, don't forget toys, juvenile bedding and furniture, strollers, cribs, books, outside play equipment, and much more. Be a consignor and/or find some bargains.
www.fresno.jbfsale.com
Postpartum Doula Training Workshop
March 18-20, 2011
Fresno - Location TBA
Spend a weekend gaining in-depth knowledge about the role of a doula during the postpartum period as well as a personal understanding of the emotions and spiritual nature of birth and life with a newborn. The 3-day workshop is part of the requirements for becoming a certified postpartum doula through Doulas of North America (DONA) International. Meet the trainer and download a registration brochure at www.losangelesdoula.com/postpartum. For information on postpartum doula certification requirements, go to www.dona.org.
Uptown Kids Consignment Sale and Marketplace
March 4-6, 2011
Manchester Center, 3302 N. Blackstone Ave., Fresno
Use the Blackstone entrance, near the Carousel
Uptown Kids Consignment sells quality kids and maternity clothing, strollers, games, and furniture. Also features a UNIQUE BOUTIQUE featuring many home-based businesses with one of a kind merchandise including jewelry, accessories, room decor, slings, blankets, pampered chef, tupperware, and more.
www.uptownkidssale.com
Birth Doula Training Workshop
March 4-6, 2011
Fresno - Location TBA
Spend a luscious weekend sharing, laughing, and learning the skills needed to support birthing women. The 16-hour workshop is part of the requirements for becoming a certified doula through Doulas of North America (DONA) International. Meet the trainer and download a registration brochure at www.doulabella.com. For information on birth doula certification requirements, go to www.dona.org.
Film Screening: "Born in the USA"
and select scenes from "Laboring Under An Illusion, Mass Media Childbirth vs The Real Thing"
February 24, 2011
Film starts at 6:30 PM
Woodward Park Library Auditorium, 944 East Perrin Ave.
Childbirth Resource Network presents "Born in the USA", a 60 minute documentary film about three birth caregivers—a obstetrician, a nurse-midwife, and a licensed homebirth midwife—each with a dramatically different idea about what constitutes best care for birthing women. Learn how they see their work and what factors—medical, legal, and cultural—influence women's choices in the birthing room. www.patchworksfilms.net
We will also be showing select scenes from" Laboring Under an Illusian, Mass Media Childbirth vs The Real Thing". This documentary explores media-generated myths about childbirth and how our culture affects our birth experiences. The result is hilarious, engaging, and enlightening. http://www.birth-media.com
Stay for a discussion, and meet the local birth professionals that serve the Central Valley.
Massage Marathon
February 12, 2011
1629 Pollasky #102, Clovis
Sierra Massage School is having a massage marathon fundraiser!
A $20 donation to Childbirth Resource Network gets you in the prize raffle AND a 45-minute massage. For more information, call Steve 325 - 7600. www.sierrachiropractic.com
Film Screening: DOULA! The Ultimate Birth Companion
October 7th, 2010
Film starts at 7 PM / Doors open at 6:30 PM
Woodward Park Library Auditorium, 944 East Perrin Ave.
Childbirth Resource Network presents DOULA!, a 65 minute uniquely intimate and emotionally charged documentary film that captures in close-up detail the practical and emotional support given by a doula to parents before, during and after childbirth. Come early, and meet the local doulas that serve the Central Valley. http://doulafilm.com/
Just Between Friends
October 1-3, 2010
Friday from 10:00 AM to 7 PM; Saturday from 10:00 AM to 7 PM; Sunday from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Manchester Center, 3302 N. Blackstone Ave. Suite D135, Fresno
Just Between Friends Consignment sells all children's, teens, and maternity clothing. But it's not just about clothes, don't forget toys, juvenile bedding and furniture, strollers, cribs, books, outside play equipment, and much more. Be a consignor, find some bargains, and be sure to visit the CRN informational booth.
www.fresno.jbfsale.com
The Rebozo: Uses in labor and life after birth
6:00 - 8:00 pm Thursday, July 29, 2010
1406 N. Thorne, Fresno
Presented by MommyMattersOnline, Gena Kirby will lead this workshop for doulas and birth partners. Learn how to provide your partner or client with relief and comfort throughout their labor. The Rebozo is ageless and priceless. Fee: $25; $10 for MMOPED members. Contact Gena Kirby 930-2032
Doula Meeting
6:30 pm, Saturday, July 31, 2010
It's time for another meeting for the fabulous Fresno area doulas. Please join the CRN doulas for a time of discussion and encouragment. Refreshments will be provided. Contact Andrea Cole 707-0056
Topics of Discussion will include:
-Back-up
-Etiquette
-Business Licenses
-Weird situations
-Unexpected outcomes
Baby Wearing The Why's and How's
6:30 - 8:30 pm Monday, August 2, 2010
The Iron Bird Cafe, 1950 Fulton, Fresno
Presented by MommyMattersOnline, Gena Kirby will discuss why wearing your baby is important, and learn how. Bring, swap, donate, or buy a new one. Enter a raffle to win a Sakura Bloom linen sling - proceeds to Slings for Teens program. Contact Gena Kirby 930-2032
5th Annual Breastfeeding Awareness Walk
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Roeding Park, Umbrella Grove (front entrance)
890 W. Belmont, Fresno
check in time: 8 am / walk begins at 9 am
Hosted by Babies First Breastfeeding Task Force, whose goal is to increase the number of women in Fresno County who breastfeed optimally in their infant's first year of life.
FREE event. Free T-shirt if pre-register. Note there is a $5 vehicle entry fee.
Contact: Pat Tello 445-3307 www.babiesfirstfresno.com
Film Screening: Guerilla Midwife
6:30 to 9:30 pm, Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Iron Bird Cafe, 1915 Fulton St., Fresno
Presented by MommyMattersOnline. Donation requested $2, half of proceeds go to LunaMaya birth center in San Cristobal de las Casas.
Along the fragrant streets of Bali and desolate Acehnese refugee camps of the Indonesian Archipelago, Guerrilla Midwife Ibu Robin Lim finds herself in the ring of fire, where the midwifery model of care is put to the test, at the epicenter of the turmoil following the December 2004 Tsunami. In this culturally mesmerizing, heart-wrenching documentary, you will discover why we must reinvent our protocols for pregnancy and childbirth. skwattacamp.com
Birth Doula Training Workshop
March 19-21, 2010
5634 W. Everett Ave., Fresno
$350
Spend a luscious weekend sharing, laughing, and learning the skills needed to support birthing women. The 16-hour workshop is part of the requirements for becoming a certified doula through Doulas of North America (DONA) International. Meet the trainer and download a registration brochure at www.doulabella.com. For information on birth doula certification requirements, go to www.dona.org.
6th Annual Babyfest
April 18th, 2009
10 AM - 2 PM
Discovery Center, 1937 N. Winery, Fresno
FREE
Childbirth Resource Network will host a booth at this spring festival that encourages positive parenting, as well as food, family entertainment, and more. Visit www.fresnobabyfest.com for more information.
Born in the USA, a documentary film
February 28th, 2009
2 - 3:30 PM
Fowler Branch Library, 306 S. 7th Street, Fowler
FREE
Childbirth Resource Network will host a screening of the documentary Born in the USA, the first public television documentary to provide an in-depth look at childbirth in America. The film follows three births that take place in a teaching hospital, in a home, and in a birthing center. The film captures the candid reflections of a variety of mothers, doctors and midwives, providing a fascinating inside look into the world of birthing in America. Click here for more information.
Fresno Birth Film Festival
February 7th, 2009
1 - 5 PM
Go Natural Wellness Center, 5091 N. Fresno St. Suite #122, Fresno
$15 each, $25 per couple (suggested donation)
Childbirth Resource Network presents a Birth Film Festival. Sumptuous appetizers and drinks included.
The Business of Being Born
Birth is a miracle, a rite of passage, a natural part of life. But birth is also big business. Compelled to explore the way American women have babies, the film interlaces intimate birth stories with surprising historical, political and scientific insights and shocking statistics about the current maternity care system. Visit www.thebusinessofbeingborn.com for more information.
Orgasmic Birth
This ground-breaking film presents birth as an ecstatic experience. Eleven couples share their intimate personal journeys. Visit www.orgasmicbirth.com for more information.
Born in Water: A Sacred Journey
A beautiful collection of seven waterbirths at home and the Andaluz Waterbirth Center in Guatamala and Oregon. Visit www.waterbirth.net for more information.
Wellness Fair
January 25th, 2009
10 AM - 5 PM
Regency Palace Event Center, 1600 North Willow Ave., Fresno
$7/ $5 advance
Childbirth Resource Network will host a table at the annual Wellness Fair. Visit www.wellnessconnections.net for more information.
Birth, a Play by Karen Brody
September 28th, 2008
Two performances at 1 PM and 6 PM
Tower Theatre, 815 E. Olive Ave., Fresno
$25/ $20 advance/ $10 student
Childbirth Resource Network presents Birth, a play by Karen Brody. A talkback panel with local birth professionals and a silent auction follows each performance.
Brody's play has sparked a BOLD arts movement (Birth-On-Labor-Day) to improve maternity care. Using a theater-for-social-change model, over 100 communities have performed Birth to bring awareness to the state of giving birth in America today. Through telling the stories of eight women, Birth delivers a theatrical experience that melds hilarity, unexpected poignancy, and the tragic truth about maternity care. Visit www.boldaction.org for more information.
Progressive Parenting
Radio Show: Progressive Parenting with host Gena Kirby
online streaming and archived shows.
Mommy Matters Live!
TV Show: Mommy Matters Live! with host Gena Kirby