A birth circle is a gathering of women.  It's a chance to meet people, to share experience and to ask questions about the journey to motherhood in a non-judgmental, supportive environment.  It is an opportunity to tell your birth story and be heard, to process your birth story in new ways, to listen to a a range of experiences as you prepare to birth your baby, to ask questions about birth, babies and parenting, to connect with other pregnant and new moms in the community, and maybe meet some birth profesionals as well.  

Birth Circles are focused on new moms and pregnant women, but all women are welcome, even if your baby's not so new or you're just thinking about getting pregnant.  Grandmothers, sisters, friends and female partners are all welcome.  New moms can bring non-mobile babes in arms or take the opportunity for a mom's night out.  Come to ask questions, to tell your story, to process your experience and to connect with other pregnant women and new moms.  

Dads also have a lot to add to the conversation and go through the birth experience with their own perspective.  We thought about opening all the birth circle sessions to men as well as women, but we worried that women might not feel as comfortable sharing in a mixed gender group.  We don't want to miss out on men's voices entirely so we're opening the September circle to male partners.  Let us know what you think.  Maybe we'll run more mixed gender circles in the future.  

The Jewish Birth Network does not promote one stream of Judaism or one way of giving birth.  We're excited about helping families explore their options, learn what's out there, and make the choices that are right for them about birth and Jewish practice.  Women who approach Judaism and birth in all different ways should feel comfortable and supported at the birth circle.

The Birth Circle program identifies the birth experience as a significant milestone in the life-cycle of a Jewish family, to be anticipated, experienced, and reflected on through a Jewish lens.  Birth Circles can help bring a sense of the miraculous back into the birth experience by building supportive community around the experience for women both anticipating and processing giving birth.  A JBN Birth Circle is a way to connect with Jewish community at a time when our social lives are being rearranged and the ways we used to connect may not be practical anymore, or when we suddenly feel a need to be part of something Jewish.  

We're asking for a $10 suggested donation.  

Each session can stand on its own, so if you only come to one, you won't feel like you've missed something.  But they'll all be a little different, with a unique theme to help focus the stories that are told and a different mix of participants.  Come to one, or come to them all!  

We'd love to have more co-sponsors in the Jewish and birth communities, and would appreciate the support of local businesses.  Contact us to become a co-sponsor.  partnerships@jewishbirthnetwork.com