Expecting a baby in today's busy world can be exhausting! With your regular daily activities, doctor appointments, rearranging schedules, plus work or school, you may have found it hard to "enjoy" your pregnancy.

Birth Options Resource Network recognizes this dilemma and announces the New-Parent Forums. The New-Parent Forums are designed for expectant and new parents to explore interesting topics in a very casual setting with others at a similar place in their lives.

There is a different topic featured each month. These topics are additional to the information that you receive from your health care provider and/or prenatal classes and are not meant to be a substitute. We encourage moms (and dads too!) to attend and enjoy the company of others experiencing the childbearing year.

Attending a free New-Parent Forum provides a great opportunity to relax, socialize, and enjoy good conversation! Refreshments are provided. New-Parent Forums are held the first Thursday of each month usually at the Ronning Library, 3900 East 49th Street, Sioux Falls from 7:00 to 8:30pm.

***Because the schedule is subject to change, check the updated information available on the Home Page of our website at www.born-midwest.org.***

2008 New-Parent Forum Schedule 

* January - No Forum Scheduled

* February 7th - ^"Natural Childbirth...What's All the Fuss About?"    Here is your opportunity to hear some of the reasons why current medical research supports normal, natural, healthy childbirth as the best way to have a baby, if possible.  Join us as birth providers discuss the compelling scientific studies along with moms who have experienced positive, natural birth.  Come with your questions and input as this promises to be a very thought-provoking evening!

* March 6th - "Healthy Body, Healthy Birth, Healthy Baby"    Explore how nutrition, exercise, chiropractic, acupressure, acupuncture, massage and regular prenatal care can help make you feel better, move better and enjoy significantly fewer pregnancy and birth complications.

* April 3rd  - "From Pregnant to Parent...Now What???"    Making the transition from pregnancy to parenthood is an exciting, but sometimes scary event!  Every family and every baby is different. Join us as we talk some practical ideas for the new postpartum family directly from moms with babies of their own.  Learn what preparations can help make this special transition time as smooth as possible.

* May 1st  - "Baby Calming"     Crying is a normal everyday activity in the lives of most babies, but it can be very distressing for the parents!  Since they can't talk, crying is the only way babies have to communicate.  Join us to learn several baby-calming techniques that have worked for many families and feel more confident about meeting the needs of your own baby.   

* June 6th  - Resource Fair    Watch for More Details!!

* July - No Forum Scheduled

* August 7th  - "Who's Who On Your Birth Team"   A primary care provider, childbirth educator, doula, nurse, breastfeeding specialist and others will answer your questions and provide additional information about birth options and choices available for pregnant and new parents.  This information is intended to help you better communicate your own expectations and preferences to the people on your birth team.

* September 4th  - "Comfort Measures for Labor and Birth"   Mini- stations will be set up to demonstrate and experiment with at least 25 different comfort techniques for labor and birth using massage, aromatherapy, upright positions, the birth ball, plus much more!

* October 2nd  -  "From Pregnant to Parent...Now What???"    Making the transition from pregnancy to parenthood is an exciting, but sometimes scary event!  Every family and every baby is different. Join us as we talk some practical ideas for the new postpartum family directly from moms with babies of their own.  Learn what preparations can help make this special transition time as smooth as possible.

* November 6th  - "Baby Calming"     Crying is a normal everyday activity in the lives of most babies, but it can be very distressing for the parents!  Since they can't talk, crying is the only way babies have to communicate.  Join us to learn several baby-calming techniques that have worked for many families and feel more confident about meeting the needs of your own baby. 

* December 4th  - Resource Fair    Watch for More Details!!