Westside Birth Connection

New Year childbirth classes are starting!

2011-12-30T21:05:00.001-07:00

The next group class series starts on Thursday, January 5th, 6:30pm-9pm, at Colorado Springs OB/GYN (the office of Dr. John Baer) on the corner of Dublin and Rangewood.

I teach childbirth education classes that pull from many great resources such as Dr. Robert Bradley, the Lamaze Institute for Normal Birth, author Sheila Kitzinger and midwife Ina May Gaskin. We focus on breathing techniques and many different comfort techniques that I have learned from my experience attending births as a doula and a midwife assistant, both in the hospital setting and the home setting.

Classes are $250 (per couple) for an 8 week course and includes multi-dimensional instruction, a ten chapter student notebook, a postpartum breastfeeding visit, and unlimited phone / email support.

If you have given birth before, please feel free to pick and choose the classes you would like to be "refreshed" on, only $30 per class! Also ask about the discounts that are available for my current doula clients, active military and low income families.

BirthNetwork monthly meeting - Toxins and Pregnancy

2011-11-08T09:13:00.001-07:00

WHEN: Wednesday, November 16th, 6:30pm-8pm

WHERE: Whole Foods cafe, First and Main Shopping Center, on Powers between North Carefree and South Carefree, 3180 New Center Point, Colorado Springs, CO 80922

WHAT: This month Dr. Ryan Betz from 100% Chiropractic will be talking about "Toxins and Pregnancy." How do we limit toxins in the toys that we purchase for our children, toxins in household items, toxins in our food, and toxins in the mother & baby's blood streams? BirthNetwork is a non-profit organization that meets monthly to offer support and information for safe and satisfying pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum. Meetings are free, families welcome! For more info contact coloradospringsbn@yahoo.com or visit http://www.birthnetwork.org/colorado.htm

**Save the Date: Our 7th annual Healthy Pregnancy Fair will be on Saturday, March 3rd, 2012**

Meet The Doulas presents “The FIVE Critical Factors for a Natural Birth”

2011-11-07T12:45:00.000-07:00

The Pikes Peak Regional Doula Association (PPRDA) is offering FREE informational sessions for expecting families. Come see us at our Meet-The-Doulas forums on the second Sunday of every odd-numbered month 7pm-8pm at The Dwelling Place, 508 North Tejon Street, in between St. Vrain and Willamette.

This month, on Sunday, November 13th, come hear Keith Roberts talk about “The FIVE Critical Factors for a Natural Birth.” You can also come find out how doulas can enhance the birth and postpartum experience. If you like the idea of a safe and satisfying birth, you cannot miss this informative event! www.pprda.com

BirthNetwork monthly meeting - HypnoBirthing

2011-10-10T15:43:00.000-06:00

WHEN: Wednesday, October 19th, 6:30pm-8pm

WHERE: Whole Foods cafe, First and Main Shopping Center, on Powers between North Carefree and South Carefree, 3180 New Center Point, Colorado Springs, CO 80922

WHAT: This month Katie Johnson and Sarah Stidham will be talking about "The Power of the Mind: The Key to an Easier, Shorter Birth." BirthNetwork is a non-profit organization that meets monthly to offer support and information for safe and satisfying pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum. Meetings are free, families welcome! For more info contact coloradospringsbn@yahoo.com or visit http://www.birthnetwork.org/colorado.htm

BirthNetwork monthly meeting - Vaccinations

2011-09-07T08:52:00.000-06:00

WHEN: Wednesday, September 21st, 6:30pm-8pm

WHERE: Whole Foods cafe, First and Main Shopping Center, on Powers between North Carefree and South Carefree, 3180 New Center Point, Colorado Springs, CO 80922

WHAT: This month Dr. Jonathan Streit, DC from Align For Life Chiropractic will be talking about "Vaccinations: Over Promising and Under Delivering." BirthNetwork is a non-profit organization that meets monthly to offer support and information for safe and satisfying pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum. Meetings are free, families welcome! For more info contact coloradospringsbn@yahoo.com or visit http://www.birthnetwork.org/colorado.htm

Meet The Doulas presents “Labor/Birth Scenarios”

2011-08-31T18:42:00.000-06:00

The Pikes Peak Regional Doula Association (PPRDA) is offering FREE informational sessions for expecting families. Come see us at our Meet-The-Doulas forums on the second Sunday of every odd-numbered month 7pm-8pm at The Dwelling Place, 508 North Tejon Street, in between St. Vrain and Willamette.

This month, on Sunday, September 11th, come hear our doula panel talk about when to go to the hospital in labor and we will be role playing some other labor scenarios. Also come find out how doulas can enhance the birth and postpartum experience. If you like the idea of a safe and satisfying birth, you cannot miss this informative event! www.pprda.com

BirthNetwork monthly meeting - Breastfeeding Support

2011-08-16T11:58:00.000-06:00

WHEN: Wednesday, August 17th, 6:30pm-8pm

WHERE: Whole Foods cafe, First and Main Shopping Center, on Powers between North Carefree and South Carefree, 3180 New Center Point, Colorado Springs, CO 80922

WHAT: This month Lactation Consultant Annie Peterson will be talking about “21st Century Breastfeeding Support: Bring Your Computers!” This class will give up-to-date information for expecting parents, brand new mothers and healthcare professionals. Just for attending, everyone will receive a free Breastfeeding Assessment Tool (valued at $20). BirthNetwork is a non-profit organization that meets monthly to offer support and information for safe and satisfying pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum. Meetings are free, families welcome! For more info contact coloradospringsbn@yahoo.com or visit http://www.birthnetwork.org/colorado.htm

Pikes Peak Regional Doula Association (PPRDA) Monthly Meeting for Birth Professionals - Peer Review

2011-08-10T11:45:00.002-06:00

WHEN: Sunday, August 14th 7pm-8pm

WHERE: The Dwelling Place, 508 North Tejon Street, in between St. Vrain and Willamette, Colorado Springs, CO 80903

WHAT: Peer review time! Come share your challenging birth experiences and get some feedback from your peers. PPRDA provides services and resources for birthing and postpartum families. If you are a doula or thinking about becoming a doula, please come join us. If you support safe and satisfying birth and parenting, you cannot miss this informative event!

If you are a doula looking to become a member of PPRDA, please join us for our business meeting 6pm-7pm, which is before the public presentation. After you have been to two business meetings, bring at least three references from your past clients AND an application for membership. For more info, please contact info@csdoulas.com

Birth Network monthly meeting - Natural Inductions

2011-06-09T16:54:00.003-06:00

WHEN: Wednesday, June 15th, 6:30pm-8pm

WHERE: Whole Foods cafe, First and Main Shopping Center, on Powers between North Carefree and South Carefree, 3180 New Center Point, Colorado Springs, CO 80922

WHAT: This month Kimberlee Littau, CD (DONA) will be discussing "Pineapples and Trampolines: A Guide to Natural Inductions.” BirthNetwork is a non-profit organization that meets monthly to offer support and information for a safe and satisfying pregnancy and childbirth. Meetings are free, families welcome! For more, info contact coloradospringsbn@yahoo.com or visit http://www.birthnetwork.org/colorado.htm

PPRDA Monthly Meeting - Marketing

2011-06-08T17:08:00.000-06:00

WHEN: Sunday, June 12th 7pm-8pm

WHERE: The Dwelling Place, 508 North Tejon Street, in between St. Vrain and Willamette, Colorado Springs, CO 80903

WHAT: Come hear our doula panel talk about marketing strategies for the birth professional. PPRDA provides services and resources for birthing and postpartum families. Come find out how doulas can enhance the birth and postpartum experience. If you support safe and satisfying birth and parenting, you cannot miss this informative event!

If you are a doula looking to become a member of PPRDA, please join us for our business meeting 6pm-7pm, which is before the public presentation. After you have been to two business meetings, bring at least three references from your past clients AND an application for membership. For more info, please contact info@csdoulas.com

BirthNetwork monthly meeting - Delayed Cord Clamping

2011-05-17T17:09:00.000-06:00

WHEN: Wednesday, May 18th, 6:30pm-8pm

WHERE: Whole Foods cafe, First and Main Shopping Center, on Powers between North Carefree and South Carefree, 3180 New Center Point, Colorado Springs, CO 80922

WHAT: This month Jessica Hulin, CBE, CLD will be discussing "Protecting the Natural Third Stage of Labor: Delivery of the Placenta and Delayed Cord Clamping." BirthNetwork is a non-profit organization that meets monthly to offer support and information for a safe and satisfying pregnancy and childbirth. Meetings are free, families welcome! For more, info contact coloradospringsbn@yahoo.com or visit http://www.birthnetwork.org/colorado.htm

Summer Childbirth Classes are starting!

2011-04-25T20:44:00.002-06:00

The next group class series starts on Thursday, May 5th, 6:30pm-9pm, at Colorado Springs OB/GYN (the offices of Dr. John Baer and Sharon Ruyak, CNM) on the corner of Dublin and Rangewood.
　
I teach childbirth education classes that pull from many great resources such as Dr. Robert Bradley, the Lamaze Institute for Normal Birth, author Sheila Kitzinger and midwife Ina May Gaskin. We focus on breathing techniques and many different comfort techniques that I have learned from my experience attending births as a doula and a midwife assistant, both in the hospital setting and the home setting.
　
Classes are $250 (per couple) for an 8 week course and includes multi-dimensional instruction, a ten chapter student notebook, a postpartum breastfeeding visit, and unlimited phone / email support.
　
If you have given birth before, please feel free to pick and choose the classes you would like to be "refreshed" on, only $30 per class! Also ask about the discounts that are available for my current doula clients, active military and low income families.

BirthNetwork monthly meeting - Cloth Diapers

2011-04-13T13:29:00.001-06:00

WHEN: Wednesday, April 20th, 6:30pm-8pm WHERE: Whole Foods cafe, First and Main Shopping Center, on Powers between North Carefree and South Carefree, 3180 New Center Point, Colorado Springs, CO 80922 WHAT: This month Tracie Whittemore, owner of Cloth Diaper Market, will be talking about "Cloth Diapers: Economical, Adorable, Environmentally Friendly and so Easy to Use." And as an extra bonus for birth professionals only, come to the meeting and receive a cloth diaper demo bag worth $100 as a gift from Tracie! BirthNetwork is a non-profit organization that meets monthly to offer support and information for a safe and satisfying pregnancy and childbirth. Meetings are free, families welcome! For more, info contact http://www.blogger.com/ or visit http://www.birthnetwork.org/colorado.htm

Doula Group Monthly Meeting - Breastfeeding Friendly Initiative

2011-04-06T13:34:00.002-06:00

Pikes Peak Regional Doula Association (PPRDA) Monthly Meeting for Birth Professionals - The Breastfeeding Friendly Initiative (BFI) WHEN: Sunday, April 10th 7pm-8pm WHERE: The Dwelling Place, 508 North Tejon Street, in between St. Vrain and Willamette, Colorado Springs, CO 80903 WHAT: Come hear Deirdre deProspero introduce the Breastfeeding Friendly Initiative (BFI) and then open a discussion on how we, as advocates for normal birth and feeding, can educate the Pikes Peak Region on babies’ right to breastfeed in public. PPRDA provides services and resources for birthing and postpartum families. Come find out how doulas can enhance the birth and postpartum experience. If you support safe and satisfying birth and parenting, you cannot miss this informative event! If you are a doula looking to become a member of PPRDA, please join us for our business meeting 6pm-7pm, which is before the public presentation. After you have been to two business meetings, bring at least three references from your past clients AND an application for membership. For more info, please contact info@csdoulas.com

Westside Birth Connection Open House

2011-03-20T14:11:00.000-06:00

WHEN: Saturday, March 26th 10am-2pm

WHERE: Woodman and I-25, 487 Windchime Place, Suite 300, Colorado Springs, CO 80919

WHAT: After working out of a home office for 7 years, Candace McCollett and the Westside Birth Connection (WSBC) have moved into a new "big girl" office! There will be door prizes, light refreshments and friendly faces! Pop in for a bit to see my baby wall, browse my lending library or stay for a snack & a chat. The WSBC provides independent childbirth education classes and experienced labor/birth doula services. For more info contact candace@westsidebirthconnection.com

You can find the Westside Birth Connection group on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=67396260169 . Become a member!

The Westside Birth Connection Facebook page is at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Westside-Birth-Connection/54232710753 . Become a fan!

BirthNetwork monthly meeting - Newborns

2011-03-11T18:14:00.000-07:00

WHEN: Wednesday, March 16th, 6:30pm-8pm

WHERE: Whole Foods cafe, First and Main Shopping Center, on Powers between North Carefree and South Carefree, 3180 New Center Point, Colorado Springs, CO 80922

WHAT: This month Candace McCollett of Westside Birth Connection will be talking about "Immediate Newborn Procedures: How to keep your baby with you for the first couple hours after birth." BirthNetwork is a non-profit organization that meets monthly to offer support and information for a safe and satisfying pregnancy and childbirth. Meetings are free, families welcome! For more, info contact coloradospringsbn@yahoo.com or visit http://www.birthnetwork.org/colorado.htm

Meet The Doulas presents “I-CAN Birth Strategies”

2011-03-03T17:04:00.000-07:00

The Pikes Peak Regional Doula Association (PPRDA) is offering FREE informational sessions for expecting families. Come see us at our Meet-The-Doulas forums on the second Sunday of every odd-numbered month 7pm-8pm at The Dwelling Place, 508 North Tejon Street, in between St. Vrain and Willamette.

This month, on Sunday, March 13th, come hear the International Cesarean Awareness Network (ICAN) President, Desirre Andrews, talk about “I-CAN Birth Strategies: How to avoid a cesarean birth and how to have a successful Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC) birth.” Also come find out how doulas can enhance the birth and postpartum experience. If you like the idea of safe and satisfying births, you cannot miss this informative event! www.pprda.com

Spring childbirth classes are starting!

2011-02-24T14:37:00.001-07:00

The next group class series starts on Thursday, March 3rd, 6:30pm-9pm, at Colorado Springs OB/GYN (the offices of Dr. John Baer and Sharon Ruyak, CNM) on the corner of Dublin and Rangewood.
　
I teach childbirth education classes that pull from many great resources such as Dr. Robert Bradley, the Lamaze Institute for Normal Birth, author Sheila Kitzinger and midwife Ina May Gaskin. We focus on breathing techniques and many different comfort techniques that I have learned from my experience attending births as a doula and a midwife assistant, both in the hospital setting and the home setting.
　
Classes are $250 (per couple) for an 8 week course and includes multi-dimensional instruction, a ten chapter student notebook, a postpartum breastfeeding visit, and unlimited phone / email support.
　
If you have given birth before, please feel free to pick and choose the classes you would like to be "refreshed" on, only $30 per class! Also ask about the discounts that are available for my current doula clients, active military and low income families.

6th Annual Healthy Pregnancy Fair

2011-02-11T07:41:00.000-07:00

BirthNetwork will be hosting their 6th Annual Healthy Pregnancy Fair on Saturday, March 5th from 11:00 am—2:00 pm. The fair will take place at Baby Depot in Burlington Coat Factory Citadel Mall, 750 Citadel Drive East, Colorado Springs, CO. There will be a variety of resources for expectant parents, including information on babies, pregnancy, labor, birth, postpartum and MORE!! Come pick up your Free Resource Guide: Birth & Beyond 2011, provided by Colorado Springs BirthNetwork. Participants will also have a chance to enter and win a variety of door prizes from our 25+ different vendors. We estimate that we had over 200 people visit the fair last year and believe it will be bigger this year!

If you are a BirthNetwork Member than you may participate in the fair at no cost. If you are not a BirthNetwork member, the cost to participate is $30. If you are a member, all you need to do to register is email coloradospringsbn@yahoo.com and tell us you would like to participate. If you are not a member, please call Laura 219-0732 to register.

Colorado Springs BirthNetwork is a non-profit organization that meets monthly on the 3rd Wed of every month from 6:30-8pm at Whole Foods (S. Carefree/Powers) to offer support and information for safe and satisfying pregnancies and childbirth. Families are welcome! http://www.birthnetwork.org/colorado.htm

BirthNetwork monthly meeting - Active Birth

2011-02-07T10:16:00.001-07:00

WHEN: Wednesday, February 16th, 6:30pm-8pm

WHERE: Whole Foods cafe, First and Main Shopping Center, on Powers between North Carefree and South Carefree, 3180 New Center Point, Colorado Springs, CO 80922

WHAT: This month Tiffany Miller of Birth In Joy will be talking about "Active Birth: how changing positions can make labor go faster." BirthNetwork is a non-profit organization that meets monthly to offer support and information for a safe and satisfying pregnancy and childbirth. Meetings are free, families welcome! For more, info contact coloradospringsbn@yahoo.com or visit http://www.birthnetwork.org/colorado.htm

SAVE THE DATE: Our 6th annual Healthy Pregnancy Fair will be held on Saturday, March 5th 11:00-2:00 at the Baby Depot in the Burlington Coat Factory Citadel Mall. You don't want to miss this exciting event!

One of the secrets to less pain and a faster childbirth is Optimal Fetal Positioning

2011-02-05T20:29:00.000-07:00

We have all heard how breech deliveries are more complicated and usually guarantee a surgical birth these days. I am here to tell you that there is more to baby’s position than just head down (vertex). We also want to keep the baby's back in the anterior arc of the mother's abdomen to help make childbirth easier for all those involved. You will often hear me tell my childbirth students, "Keep your baby in the hammock!"

A baby in an optimal position will reduce the need for a medicalized childbirth, by shortening labors and creating less pain in labors. A baby in optimal position will have less trauma and a baby in optimal position will increase job satisfaction among birth professionals. I highly recommend that pregnant women be proactive, instead of waiting for labor to begin, by having an awareness of their baby's position by 37 weeks gestation.

It is common for a woman to blame herself for a labor that has gone off course, when in fact it was most likely the baby’s position that was responsible. But through the knowledge of Optimal Fetal Positioning, when a woman knows that she has tried everything to rotate her baby and it does not happen, then she will be more prepared for plan “C.” But keep in mind that a posterior position is not the end of the world because sometimes babies come out in the posterior position anyway, thanks to a roomy pelvis, a happy baby and a patient provider.

Pikes Peak Regional Doula Association (PPRDA) Bi-Monthly Meeting for Birth Professionals - Optimal Fetal Positioning

WHEN: Sunday, February 13th 7pm-8pm

WHERE: The Dwelling Place, 508 North Tejon Street, in between St. Vrain and Willamette, Colorado Springs, CO 80903

WHAT: Come hear Candace McCollett talk about Optimal Fetal Positioning for an easier labor and how to keep your clients moving with an epidural. PPRDA provides services and resources for birthing and postpartum families. Come find out how doulas can enhance the birth and postpartum experience. If you support safe and satisfying births, you cannot miss this informative event!

If you are a doula looking to become a member of PPRDA, please join us for our business meeting 6pm-7pm, which is before the public presentation. After you have been to two business meetings, bring at least three references from your past clients AND an application for membership. For more info, please contact info@csdoulas.com

Winter Childbirth Classes are starting!

2010-12-20T23:11:00.000-07:00

The next group class series starts on Thursday, January 6th, 6:30pm-9pm, at Colorado Springs OB/GYN (the offices of Dr. John Baer and Sharon Ruyak, CNM) on the corner of Dublin and Rangewood.

I teach childbirth education classes that pull from many great resources such as Dr. Robert Bradley, the Lamaze Institute for Normal Birth, author Sheila Kitzinger and midwife Ina May Gaskin. We focus on breathing techniques and many different comfort techniques that I have learned from my experience attending births as a doula and a midwife assistant, both in the hospital setting and the home setting.

Classes are $250 (per couple) for an 8 week course and includes multi-dimensional instruction, a ten chapter student notebook, a postpartum breastfeeding visit, and unlimited phone / email support.

If you have given birth before, please feel free to pick and choose the classes you would like to be "refreshed" on, only $30 per class! Also ask about the discounts that are available for my current doula clients, active military and low income families.

For more information, please contact:
Candace McCollett, CBE, CLD
Owner, The Westside Birth Connection
www.westsidebirthconnection.com
719-213-3740

BirthNetwork monthly meeting - Flu Vaccine

2010-12-11T12:38:00.000-07:00

WHEN: Wednesday, December 15th, 6:30pm-8pm

WHERE: Whole Foods cafe, First and Main Shopping Center, on Powers between North Carefree and South Carefree, 3180 New Center Point, Colorado Springs, CO 80922

WHAT: This month Dr. Jon Streit of Align For Life Chiropractic will be talking about "Immunity: (Natural or Engineered) The Science of the Flu Vaccine and the Human Response." BirthNetwork is a non-profit organization that meets monthly to offer support and information for a safe and satisfying pregnancy and childbirth. Meetings are free, families welcome! For more, info contact coloradospringsbn@yahoo.com or visit http://www.birthnetwork.org/colorado.htm

SAVE THE DATE: Our 6th annual Healthy Pregnancy Fair will be held on Saturday, March 5th 11:00-2:00 at the Baby Depot in the Burlington Coat Factory Citadel Mall. You don't want to miss this exciting event!

BirthNetwork monthly meeting - Facing Postpartum

2010-11-15T15:44:00.000-07:00

WHEN: Wednesday, November 17th, 6:30pm-8pm

WHERE: Whole Foods cafe, First and Main Shopping Center, on Powers between North Carefree and South Carefree, 3180 New Center Point, Colorado Springs, CO 80922

WHAT: This month Erica Palmer, M.A. will be discussing "Making the Most of Motherhood: Facing Postpartum Head-On." BirthNetwork is a non-profit organization that meets monthly to offer support and information for a safe and satisfying pregnancy and childbirth. Meetings are free, families welcome! For more, info contact coloradospringsbn@yahoo.com or visit http://www.birthnetwork.org/colorado.htm

Meet The Doulas presents "The Five Critical Factors for a Natural Birth"

2010-11-03T15:19:00.000-06:00

This month, on Sunday, November 14th, come hear our Doula Of The Month, Keith Roberts, speak about the five critical factors for a natural birth. Light refreshments will be provided, please join us! Come find out how a doula can enhance your birth and postpartum experience. If you are thinking about having a safe and satisfying birth, you cannot miss this informative event! www.pprda.com

2010-10-28T19:36:00.001-06:00

Tracie from Cloth Diaper Market speaking to the WSBC newborn care class!

Holiday childbirth classes are starting!

2010-10-27T16:11:00.000-06:00

The next group class series starts on Thursday, November 4th, 6:30pm-9pm, at Colorado Springs OB/GYN (the offices of Dr. John Baer and Sharon Ruyak, CNM) on the corner of Dublin and Rangewood.

I teach childbirth education classes that pull from many great resources such as Dr. Robert Bradley, the Lamaze Institute for Normal Birth, author Sheila Kitzinger and midwife Ina May Gaskin. We focus on breathing techniques and many different comfort techniques that I have learned from my experience attending births as a doula and a midwife assistant, both in the hospital setting and the home setting.

Classes are $250 (per couple) for an 8 week course and includes multi-dimensional instruction, a ten chapter student notebook, a postpartum breastfeeding visit, and unlimited phone / email support.

If you have given birth before, please feel free to pick and choose the classes you would like to be "refreshed" on, only $30 per class! Also ask about the discounts that are available for my current doula clients, active military and low income families.

Class One: Getting to Know You (NOV 4th)
· Introductions & registration
· Ten myths
· Your choices for providers
· Prenatal exercises & relaxation techniques

Class Two: Nutrition & Anatomy (NOV 11th)
· Nutrition with the Brewer diet
· Things to avoid
· Fetal development & prenatal testing
· Changes in the pregnant body
· Prematurity prevention
· Breathing & massage techniques

Class Three: First Stage Labor (NOV 18th)
· The 3 stages of labor overview
· Internal exams
· Timing contractions
· Labor coping techniques & positions
· Inductions

Class Four: Second & Third Stage Labor (DEC 2nd)
· Positions for pushing
· Breathing for pushing
· Perineal care
· Immediate postpartum

Class Five: Writing a Birth Plan (DEC 9th)
· How to organize for hospital or home delivery
· Baby movement & kick count exercise
· The role of your partner
· Interventions
· Informed consent & Bill of Rights

Class Six: Unexpected Events (DEC 16th)
· Cesarean birth
· Emergencies & complications
· Labor scenarios/stations
· Visual relaxation exercise

Class Seven: Newborn Care (DEC 23rd)
· Jaundice
· Immediate newborn procedures
· How to calm baby
· How to diaper & swaddle your baby

Class Eight: Postpartum & Breastfeeding (DEC 30th)
· What to expect immediately after birth
· Breast feeding discussion
· Care for mom & baby
· Postpartum depression

For more information, please contact:
Candace McCollett, CBE, CLD
Owner, The Westside Birth Connection
www.westsidebirthconnection.com
719-213-3740

Pikes Peak Regional Doula Association (PPRDA) Open House

2010-10-07T08:30:00.000-06:00

WHEN: Sunday, October 10th 6pm-7pm for birth professionals and 7pm-8pm for the general public.

WHERE: Alliance Breastfeeding Center, on the southwest corner of Academy and Vickers, 5664 North Academy Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO 80918

WHAT: Come hear a presentation about TINDROPS (an international doula registry). We will also be announcing our new meeting location and discussing the benefits of membership to PPRDA. During the second hour, we will be discussing the rising cesarean birth rate and the link between Pitocin and autism. PPRDA provides services and resources for birthing and postpartum families. Come find out how doulas can enhance the birth and postpartum experience. If you support safe and satisfying births, you cannot miss this informative event! For more info, please contact info@csdoulas.com

Fall Childbirth Classes are starting!

2010-08-27T21:50:00.000-06:00

The next group class series starts on Thursday, September 2nd, 6:30pm-9pm, at Colorado Springs OB/GYN (the offices of Dr. John Baer and Sharon Ruyak, CNM) on the corner of Dublin and Rangewood.
　
I teach childbirth education classes that pull from many great resources such as Dr. Robert Bradley, the Lamaze Institute for Normal Birth, author Sheila Kitzinger and midwife Ina May Gaskin. We focus on breathing techniques and many different comfort techniques that I have learned from my experience attending births as a doula and a midwife assistant, both in the hospital setting and the home setting.
　
Classes are $250 (per couple) for an 8 week course and includes multi-dimensional instruction, a ten chapter student notebook, a postpartum breastfeeding visit, and unlimited phone / email support.
　
If you have given birth before, please feel free to pick and choose the classes you would like to be "refreshed" on, only $30 per class! Also ask about the discounts that are available for my current doula clients, active military and low income families. For more information, please visit www.westsidebirthconnection.com

Colorado Springs BirthNetwork monthly meeting

2010-06-10T16:36:00.000-06:00

WHEN: Wednesday, June 16th at 6:30pm

WHERE: Whole Foods cafe on Powers and Carefree, 3180 New Center Point, Colorado Springs, CO 80922

WHAT: This month Candice Koch, DC will be discussing "The 10 Secrets to a Happy, Healthy Pregnancy." BirthNetwork is a non-profit organization that meets monthly to offer support and information for a safe and satisfying pregnancy and childbirth. Meetings are free, families welcome! For more, info contact coloradospringsbn@yahoo.com or visit http://www.birthnetwork.org/colorado.htm

The Westside Birth Connection was born on the Westside

2010-05-28T22:58:00.000-06:00

What would possess a person to want to stay up all night, sometimes two or three nights in a row? Is Starbucks coffee really that good? No, it is the fact that mothers are really powerful and it is a blessing to witness women in their power. It is the smell of newborn babies, it is the natural high of oxytocin, and it is seeing a grown man cry. These are some of things I get to witness as a labor/birth doula and as a homebirth midwife assistant. The life of being on call and witnessing miracles happen at birth is glamorous to some, too much of a sacrifice for others. Goodness knows I have to miss my children’s birthday parties once in awhile, I cannot go out of town at a distance that is more than an hour away for 11 months out of the year, and I cannot have more than one glass of wine at a sitting. All because I might get called to a birth! So why did I do it? As for many women in my profession, it started with my first birth experience.

Read more at http://www.csfreshink.com/group/oldcoloradocity/forum/topics/the-westside-birth-connection

Summer Childbirth Classes are starting!

2010-05-19T15:09:00.000-06:00

BirthNetwork monthly meeting

2010-05-11T14:19:00.000-06:00

WHEN: Wednesday, May 19th at 6:30pm

WHERE: Whole Foods cafe on Powers and Carefree, 3180 New Center Point, Colorado Springs, CO 80922

WHAT: This month Heidi Flight, AAHCC will be discussing "How Group Beta Strep (GBS) Can Affect the Birth of Your Baby." BirthNetwork is a non-profit organization that meets monthly to offer support and information for a safe and satisfying pregnancy and childbirth. Meetings are free, families welcome! For more, info contact coloradospringsbn@yahoo.com or visit http://www.birthnetwork.org/colorado.htm

May is International Doula Month

2010-05-10T12:17:00.000-06:00

Doulas, who offer informational, physical and emotional support to women and families during the childbearing year, celebrate our profession in May. Doulas are one of your biggest fans for a healthy, normal pregnancy, birth and postpartum. The word "doula" comes from the Greeks meaning "woman servant" or "mothering the mother." The modern meaning is a professional, experienced person giving non-medical support in the maternity field. There are three types of doulas: antepartum, birth, and postpartum.

An Antepartum Doula is defined as a person who has achieved specific training that relates to assisting pregnant women who are classified as high risk, pregnant women who may or may not be on bedrest, or pregnant women with medical conditions necessitating the need for help. This assistance includes education and physical support such as bed rest assistance, sibling care, errands, meal preparation, home care, and emotional support. The antepartum doula has extensive knowledge and training in the area of high risk pregnancy support. (CAPPA)

A Postpartum Doula is defined as a woman who assists the new mother, baby, and the rest of her family after the birth of the baby. She offers education, companionship and nonjudgmental support during the postpartum fourth trimester . She assists with newborn care, family adjustment, meal preparation and light household tidying. The postpartum doula offers evidence-based information on infant feeding, emotional and physical recovery from birth, infant soothing and coping skills for new parents and makes appropriate referrals when necessary. (DONA & CAPPA)

A Birth/Labor Doula is defined as a trained and experienced professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the mother before, during and just after birth. The certified doula is trained to deliver emotional support from home to hospital, ease the transition into the hospital environment, and to be there through changing hospital shifts and alternating provider schedules. The doula serves as an advocate, labor coach, and information source to give the mother and her partner the added comfort of additional support throughout the entire labor. There are a variety of titles used by women offering these kinds of services such as "birth assistant," "labor support specialist" and "doula". It is important to know that it is not necessary to want a natural birth to hire a birth/labor doula, they support all kinds, even epidural & cesarean births. (DONA & CAPPA)

A few years ago, when childbirth educators asked pregnant women how many of them knew what a doula was, maybe two out of about 25 in the class would raise their hands. Today almost all the hands go up. Doulas are fast becoming a mainstay of labor and birth support. Maybe it is because low-risk, expecting couples feel like they need to fight for a non-medicalized birth in a hospital. Maybe it is because we live in such a transient society, that we do not benefit from being around our experienced, supportive families anymore. Regardless of the reason, doulas are becoming a worthwhile option. The profession has gone from a luxery service to almost a necessity. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, researchers found that women who had used doulas had shorter labors and fewer cesarean births. Recent research shows women who have doula support also have increased rates of breastfeeding, more positive mother-infant relationships and greater satisfaction with their birth experience.Use of doulas is on the rise, which accounts for the growth of DONA International, the world’s oldest and largest doula association. They have grown to more than 6,100 professional doula members today in 20 countries around the globe, up from 750 in 1994. Also, from the CAPPA website http://www.cappa.net/ :

"In 1998, with nothing but determination and a dream, Donna Johnson and Tracy Wilson Peters created CAPPA (Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Association), the childbirth educator and labor doula certifying organization. If you asked them if they knew it would become the fastest growing certifying organization available, they would tell you they 'are pleasantly surprised'."

To sum it up, doulas will usually be the first to arrive to your assistance, doulas have a much needed objective viewpoint into your care, doulas do not have to focus on the medical/clinical side of your care, and doulas provide many options and alternatives, along with the medical advice from your doctor or midwife, in order to give you the full spectrum of information for informed consent/refusal. Talk to a doula today!

Meet The Doulas presents "Your Options for Birth Attendants"

2010-05-08T09:47:00.000-06:00

The Pikes Peak Regional Doula Association (PPRDA) is offering FREE informational sessions for pregnant families. Come see us at our Meet-The-Doula forums on the second Sunday of every odd-numbered month 7pm-8pm at Alliance Breastfeeding Center (5664 North Academy Blvd) in north Colorado Springs on the southwest corner of North Academy and Vickers, right behind the Taco Bell.

This month, on Sunday, May 9th, 7pm-8pm, come hear our Doula Of The Month ~ Tiffany Miller speak about choice in birth providers. Did you know that there are more options other than obstetricians? Can a midwife attend a high-risk birth?

Light refreshments will be provided, please join us! Come find out how a doula can enhance your birth and postpartum experience. If you are thinking about having a safe and satisfying birth, you cannot miss this informative event! www.csdoulas.com

8th Annual Herb Fest 2010

2010-04-30T08:39:00.000-06:00

I will be wo-manning a table for BirthNetwork at the 8th Annual Herb Fest on Saturday, May 1st 9am-4pm at the Center for Spiritual Living, 3685 Jeannine Drive, 80917. Come find out what herbs are used for pregnancy, birth and postpartum! This is a FREE event when you bring a bag of canned goods to be donated to Silver Key Senior Pantry. Free Chai Tea on tap, all day!

In a fun setting, enjoy the opportunity of meeting great owners of Colorado businesses and some of our local health professionals: Bodyworkers, Aromatherapists, Herbalists, Alternative & Chinese Medicine Practitioners, and a chance to talk with home-based business owners about employment opportunities.

Attend free, hourly educational presentations with lots of great information; i.e. Feng Shui for Color & Fragrance in Herb Garden, and Hormones Gone Wild! Are Your Hormones in Balance? and Better Alternatives to Synthetic HRT, by Herbalist & Pharm.D, Tiffani Schilling, etc.

Bid at the Silent Auction with over 50+ useful healing gift certificates, gift items and many services. This is such an energetic event, you won't want to miss it!

Are We Running?

2010-04-23T13:26:00.000-06:00

This is a test to see if Blogger has Westside Birth Connection up and running.

WSBC Summer Childbirth Classes are starting!

2010-04-23T12:14:00.000-06:00

The next group class series starts on Thursday, June 3rd, 6:30pm-9pm, at Colorado Springs OB/GYN (the offices of Dr. John Baer and Sharon Ruyak, CNM) on the corner of Dublin and Rangewood.

I teach childbirth education classes that pull from many great resources such as Dr. Robert Bradley, the Lamaze Institute for Normal Birth, author Sheila Kitzinger and midwife Ina May Gaskin. We focus on breathing techniques and many different comfort techniques that I have learned from my experience attending births as a doula and a midwife assistant, both in the hospital setting and the home setting.

Classes are $250 for an 8 week course and includes multi-dimensional instruction, a ten chapter student notebook, and unlimited phone / email support.

If you have given birth before, please feel free to pick and choose the classes you would like to be "refreshed" on, only $30 per class! Also ask about the discounts that are available for my current doula clients, active military and low income families.

Class One: Getting to Know You (JUNE 3rd)
· Introductions & registration
· Ten myths
· Your choices for providers
· Prenatal exercises & relaxation techniques

Class Two: Nutrition & Anatomy (JUNE 10th)
· Nutrition with the Brewer diet
· Things to avoid
· Fetal development & prenatal testing
· Changes in the pregnant body
· Prematurity prevention
· Breathing & massage techniques

Class Three: First Stage Labor (JUNE 17th)
· The 3 stages of labor
· Internal exams
· Timing contractions
· Labor coping techniques & positions
· Inductions

Class Four: Second & Third Stage Labor (JUNE 24th)
· Definitions (including transition)
· Breathing & pushing techniques
· Perineal care
· Prolonged pushing prevention

Class Five: Writing a Birth Plan (JULY 1st)
· How to organize for hospital or home delivery
· Baby movement & kick count exercise
· The role of your partner
· Interventions
· Informed consent & Bill of Rights

Class Six: Unexpected Events (JULY 8th)
· Cesarean birth
· Emergencies & complications
· Labor scenarios/stations
· Visual relaxation exercise

Class Seven: Newborn Care (JULY 15th)
· Jaundice
· Immediate newborn procedures
· How to calm baby
· How to diaper & swaddle your baby

Class Eight: Postpartum & Breastfeeding (JULY 22nd)
· What to expect immediately after birth
· Breast feeding discussion
· Care for mom & baby
· Postpartum depression

For more information, please contact:
Candace McCollett, CBE, CLD
Owner, The Westside Birth Connection
www.westsidebirthconnection.com
719-213-3740