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 All About Birth Expo
Presented by ICAN of Southwest Virginia Saturday, April 1st, 2006 in Roanoke, VA |
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Approximately 300 people were in attendance at the All About Birth Expo on April 1, 2006 in Roanoke, VA. Of those, 155 attended the various classes we had available. Participants represented a diverse financial and ethnic background. We received rave reviews from our presenters, vendors, and participants, with requests that we do this again every year. The expo was a free event (except for those professionals wanting Continuing Education Credits) with the following goals:
The event was held at the Roanoke Higher Education Center in downtown Roanoke, VA. There were about 25 booths with information and products specifically for women and families in their childbearing years. Both major area hospitals were in attendance, an Acupuncturist, La Leche League, Snooty Booty Diapers, Chiropractors, Professional Photographer, etc also had booths. During the expo 19 different free presentations ran from 10:00am-5:00pm. The event was not just for women of childbearing age it was also for childbirth care providers including doctors, nurses, midwives, doulas, and childbirth educators. We offered Nursing Continuing Education Credits jointly with Virginia Western Community College (VWCC) Nursing Department. Some of the nursing students from VWCC were also on hand to help us with expo details on the day of the event. Participants thanked us for doing this and survey feedback resulted in a resounding "do this again next year!" A follow up phone survey showed particpants would be willing to pay for participation in future All About Birth Expos. The event was advertised through flyers and brochures distributed throughout the community and also radio advertising on a popular radio station the week prior. We advertised that we were giving away goody bags and lots of door prizes at the event. The door prizes included books, a car seat, cloth diaper, jewelry, artwork, etc. which were donated by local companies. Participants were enticed to visit all the booths by handing them a blank index card which they had to get initials from each of the vendors, write their contact information on the card and hand it in for a "special" ICAN door prize. The "special" door prize contained a Lamaze book, keepsake baby hand plaster kit, picture frame and other small items. Vendors really liked this idea, as it ensured they had contact with nearly every participant.
The first 100 participants at the expo received a free goody bag containing coupons, tea samples, a water bottle (with pre-term labor signs and importance of drinking water printed on them), ICAN brochures, ICAN of SW VA open house flyer, information about ICAN's Cesarean Awareness Month (CAM) and Lamaze's folder of information. Other companies also donated items to be placed in the goody bags. ICAN of SW VA also had a booth at the Expo displaying information about ICAN. CAM ribbons in honor of cesarean awareness month were handed out - it was great seeing people who were newly introduced to ICAN wearing the ribbon. Participants found our ribbon explanation to be very interesting and "cool". We also handed out bite-sized candy with a cesarean risk label on each, which was a great conversation starter.
The birth expo planning team was led by ICAN of SW VA co-leaders, Dawn Kubik and Tammy Braaten in conjunction with the Head of Nursing at Virginia Western Community College and concerned nurses in the community. All the hard working volunteers were greatly appreciated! Also, we were honored to have ICAN Vice President, Sally Hebert and Southeast Regional Coordinator, Lisa Pratt in attendance at the expo. Both provided much needed help during the expo…they helped run the ICAN booth, answered questions and gave their input during the presentations. Various local companies also donated food, water, and printing services - the community support for this event was outstanding! The $1,000 grant ICAN of SW VA received from Lamaze International allowed us to reach out to so many diverse women and care providers in such a short time period, thus quadrupling (or more) our contacts for the future. We have already started planning for the All About Birth Expo 2007, which will be bigger and better than the first. Our lessons learned from the first expo will ensure the financial and educational success of future All About Birth Expos. PRE-EVENT INFORMATION |
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The Virginia Nurses Association is offering continuing education credits for most presentations. The following criteria must be met to be awarded CEUs: Payment received for CEU credit, submission of evaluation form and documented attendance for entire session for which CEUs are requested. Class sizes are limited and therefore are on a first-come, first-served basis. However, if you would like to reserve your spot in advance you can contact Dawn Kubik (540)890-5502 by March 28, 2006. For more information about about contact hours, please call Dawn Kubik at ICAN of SW VA (890-5502) or Martha Barnas at Virginia Western Community College (857-6283). | |
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EXHIBITORS and SPONSORS | |
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Classroom 104:
"Erasing Fear/Taking Responsibility for Your Births" Presented by Peggy Franklin and Doran E. Richards (CPM / Midwife Apprentice, Co-owners of Blessing God's Way, LLC). This presentation takes the religious view of childbirth and presents why there is a problem surrounding birth in our culture. Ways women can take responsibility for their births will be discussed. Also, there are ways we can change our culture's view - come learn how.
"Avoiding a Cesarean" - Presented by Dawn Kubik (Leader, ICAN of SW VA, MBA). There are significant risks with cesarean delivery over vaginal birth. Many don't realize there are things that can be done to improve the chances that a labor won't end with major abdominal surgery. However, there are ways to prevent a cesarean before and during labor. Both the pregnant woman and her care provider can take steps now to prevent a cesarean.
"Maternal Rights - How To Take Action" - Presented by Freeda Cathcart (BA, FLMI). Learn about the Maternal Civil Rights (MCR) Movement and what benefits mothers have received from the MCR. Find out what you can do to help the MCR movement gain momentum.
"Benefits of Natural Birth and Risks of Technical Interventions" - Presented by Freeda Cathcart (BA, FLMI). Learn the benefits of using natural pain relieving techniques. Learn about the different types of pain relief available during labor. Find out more information about technical interventions and the risks they carry. Learn to recognize when technical intervention benefits may outweigh the risks so you can make better choices for you and your baby.
"Homebirth" - Presented by Leslie Payne (CPM, LM). Can you believe that homebirth is actually a safe option? Find out how safe by attending this presentation. Learn about the studies that have been done in regards to the safety of homebirth. Also, learn the differences between homebirth and hospital birth.
"Real Life Birth Stories" - This will be a panel discussion with lots of time for questions and answers. Listen to local women share their birthing experiences. There will be a wide variety of experiences ranging from homebirth, hospital birth, cesarean, forceps, etc. You will learn about what factors influence the place of birth. There are so many benefits to birth story sharing - you won't want to miss this!
Classroom 115:
"Hypnosis and Childbirth" - Presented by Alicia King (Childbirth Educator, doula, midwife apprentice). Learn non-drug methods to reduce pain in childbirth. Learn how visualization can result in a physiological response. Hypnosis usage in childbirth can help to avoid complications.
"Nutrition in Pregnancy" - Presented by Kimberly Dulaney (MD). Discover the nutritional needs of pregnant women, learn how to choose the right foods, and knowing what vitamins to take. Special conditions such as teen pregnancy, multiples, etc will also be discussed.
"Newborn Care" - Presented by Kimberly Dulaney (MD). Explore the common concerns about newborns. Learn about the options regarding various aspects of newborn care and learn how to encourage parental bonding with the newborn.
"Postpartum Depression" - . Presented by Sallie Noonkester (National Board Certified Licensed Professional Counselor). Learn the symptoms of Postpartum Depression and how it differs from baby blues, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and postpartum psychosis. Understand what causes PPD and how to prevent or minimize the effects and know when to get necessary help.
"Benefits of Breastfeeding" - Presented by Vickie Honer (BA, LCCE-R, IBCLC). Learn the latest aspects of breast anatomy from current research. Find out what the 3 basic components of human milk are and learn how breastfeeding benefits the entire family and community. Understand how breastfeeding compares with formula feeding.
"Benefits of Chiropractic in Pregnancy" - Presented by Michael Burgoon (DC)
Pregnancy is a time of great joys, new discoveries-
and all too often- a myriad of nagging aches and
pains. But you don't want to take medication that
will pass to the baby...So what's a girl to do?
Parents and professionals alike simply must not miss
this amazing presentation! Learn how chiropractic
care can not only help the symptoms of pain, but also
address the underlying causes- all in safe, natural,
drug-free ways. How can a breech baby be turned
without even touching the mother's belly? How can you
ease early labor pain? Moms, Dads and support people,
both lay and professional, will be introduced to these
great techniques through hands-on practice and a
question and answer time. Can't wait to see you
there!
"Benefits of Chiropractic in Pediatrics" - Presented by Karen Maxwell (DC)
As a Chiropractor who is certified
in Pediatrics, Dr. Maxwell focuses on the health of women,
pregnant women and children of all ages and feels they
are the ones most misunderstood when it comes to
health care. She practices from a wellness
prospective with emphasis on nutrition and emotional
well-being with a low force approach to adjusting. Her
presentation will focus on the importance of having
children checked by a chiropractor at birth and as the
child grows in life.
Classroom 117:
"Midwifery Model of Care" - Presented by Karen A. Winstead (RN, CNM, MSN). Learn the historical facts about the development of midwifery care in the U.S. Find out what the underlying philosophies are that direct midwifery care. During this presentation you will learn the benefits of the midwifery model of care and understand how it differs from the medical model of care. You will also learn about the different types of midwives and the care they provide.
"The 10 Steps to Successful Breastfeeding" - Presented by Lynda Cook Sawyer (RN, BSN/MBA, IBCLC). Learn about the importance of The 10 Steps to Successful Breastfeeding. Learn how the 10 steps can be immediately implemented in your practice of caring for birthing women. Common barriers/objections in the United States birthing culture to the implementation of The 10 Steps to Successful Breastfeeding will be discussed.
"What Pregnant Woman Want" - Presented by Lynda Cook Sawyer (RN, BSN/MBA, IBCLC). Learn about 3 methods of evaluating health care outcomes. Discuss the 2 known satisfaction surveys for mothers and how mothers responded. Find out what the major "wants" of mothers are based on Satisfaction Surveys that coincide with the evidence-base from published research.
"Trusting Birth and The Process Thereof" - Presented by Peggy Franklin and Doran E. Richards (CPM / Midwife Apprentice, Co-owners of Blessing God's Way, LLC). Learn about the cultural issues surrounding birth in the U.S. and understand why care providers feel they need to rescue women in labor. The facts surrounding normal birth will be discussed, which will include the safety of homebirths.
"Erasing Fear/ Celebrating Birth" - Presented by Peggy Franklin and Doran E. Richards (CPM / Midwife Apprentice, Co-owners of Blessing God's Way, LLC). Learn different ways to celebrate birth and perform parts of a Blessing God's Way celebration. This session will also include brainstorming on ways to show positive attitudes in birth.
"Healthy Mommy, Healthy Baby: The holistic benefits of Traditional Asian Medicine" - Presented by Sheila Guarnagia (M.Ac., L.Ac., Dipl. Ac., Dipl. C.H.)