Conference promotion:
Mamalanda [Photo by Ilene English]
Please click linked names to view speaker biographies.
8:00 am – 8:50 am
Registration and Munch and Mingle networking time.
Breakfast snacks provided.
8:50 am – 9:00 am
Jan Tritten and Eneyda Spradlin-Ramos Opening
Jan and Eneyda will open the retreat with a few words.
9:00 am – 10:00 am
Elizabeth DavisHeart and Hands
With skillful hands and open heart, true midwifery marries science and art, forges the deepest alliances and operates at a level of intimacy uncommon in our busy society. Join us as we delve into the joys and mysteries of our sacred calling.
10:00 am – 11:30 am
Gail HartResolving Shoulder Dystocia
Do you know that the clues of the impending development of shoulder dystocia can help us actually prevent its occurrence? Gail will discuss the mechanical and physical causes of shoulder dystocia; the associated risk factors; the symptoms and signs to predict it; how to prevent it; and how to remedy it. She will analyze tools and methods used to overcome panic reactions and demonstrate effective treatments. Come learn about Gail’s new methods.
11:30 am – 12:00 pm
Gail HartPrematurity Is Often Preventable
We will discuss how to identify those most at risk, and various treatments tried over the years in the search for an effective treatment. The best treatment is prevention! Let’s look at the research to find what works.
12:00 pm – 1:10 pm
Lunch provided by Midwifery Today.
Vegetarian fare.
1:10 pm – 1:30 pm
Eneyda Spradlin-RamosOur Eyes and Non-verbal Communication
What do the eyes say? Why do newborns and their mamas seek each others eyes in that profound gaze of the early hours of life? Research evidence on communicating through eye contact throughout the life will be shared.
1:30 pm – 2:00 pm
Eneyda Spradlin-RamosTrusting Yourself to Trust Birth
Learn about how we can develop the trust necessary to allow the patient unfolding of the birth process, while remaining alert and prepared for any problems or complications.
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Elizabeth DavisOne-on-One Care “With Women”
Taking a holistic approach, we begin care with a complete exam that includes much more than the physical level. How is our client doing in her life as a whole? Is she healthy, or does she have chronic health problems? Is she happy, sad, busy or stressed? With this as a background, we examine her: head to toe, system by system, with particular focus on obstetrical and gynecological functioning and with attention to making the exam a valuable experience for both client and practitioner.
3:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Gail HartNew and Old: Techniques for Controlling and Preventing Hemorrhage
We will study the problems that may arise in third stage and how to prevent them or treat them. Postpartum bleeding has many causes, from incomplete separation, to placental retention to uterine atony. Learn about how to deal with these situations with available medications, but also with non-pharmacological and manual methods which are frequently faster and more effective than medications. Gail will also talk about the use of the placenta, cord and membranes for hemorrhage control: this is a revival of a midwife technique which could save many maternal lives worldwide.
4:30 pm – 5:00 pm
Jan Tritten and Eneyda Spradlin-RamosVisions and Dreams for Birth Change
You are needed as a birth change agent, wherever you are studying, practicing or teaching. Women want to have healthy babies and good experiences. Around the world women are prevented from achieving these goals, causing trauma to them and their babies. Learn what you can do in your community to promote positive birth change. We will discuss how each of us plays a part in changing the birth future for mothers and babies, with a discussion of what other birth practitioners are doing around the world. We encourage you to discover your dream and carry it out. Time for questions, comments and wrap up.
5:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Dinner: On your own.
You can purchase dinner (vegetarian fare) at the farm for $20 per person. Please pre-register by September 1 to be assured of sufficient food preparation.
7:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Elizabeth DavisThe Beauty, Power and Uniqueness of Birth
The true beauty of birth is in its power to transform not just the mother but all who witness it. What is the foundation of this power at the physiologic level, and how can we best support it? Why are some births more difficult than others when we least expect it? Explore the deeper aspects and impacts of trauma on the birthing process, how these may involve the practitioner, and what we can do to promote healing, not only during but in advance of the birth.
8:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Jan Tritten and Eneyda Spradlin-Ramos*Tricks of the Trade — In the garden, weather permitting!
Share the techniques you’ve perfected in your practice or bring your burning questions to this roundtable of pertinent tips on a wide variety of topics. Previous sessions have included facilitating effective contractions, dealing with prolonged labor, preventing perineal tears, helping the slow-to-start baby and holistic first aid. This is always a much-appreciated session, for its sense of sisterhood as well as its information. “Worth at least two weeks of academic training,” said one participant.
9:30 pm
Those spending the night can go to bed or tell birth stories! Those going home can go now or before Tricks. (Please note: Tricks does not have CEUs.)
Constance Miles [Photo by Ilene English]
Accommodations: There are spots to spend the night (see under Conference Costs above) but you can also join us for the day, albeit a long one! Space is limited for spending the night so secure your spot early.
