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Conference 2016

Finding the TRUTHS About Birth

October 14-16, 2016

Preconference: Thursday October 13, 2016

Full Day Workshop with Nils Bergman, MD 8:30am-5:00pm

Keynote Title: “Turning Ancient Truths Into Modern Science”

Description: There is at times a gap, even a chasm, between the truths about birth that all

women instinctively know inside themselves, and the real world of the health services providing

obstetric care based on evidence based medicine. Perhaps the reality is that we do not know

enough about “instinctive truth", nor do we have enough evidence to address the whole picture.

This workshop will seek to provide a broad and holistic conceptual framework for understanding

birth. It will be based on the current knowledge of “truth” that we now have from life sciences

theory, the broad scope of reproductive biology, developmental neuroscience along with

epigenetics, brain based reproductive behavior and the role of milk and the microbiome. Such a

big picture is necessary for holistic care, but also for formulating future research questions, so

that we can create the necessary evidence base that will make what is “ancient and instinctive”

also “modern and standard”.

8:00pm-10:00pm Showing of film INUTERO (fee event) with obstetrician Joel Evans

moderating discussion

Friday

7:30am-8:30am Registration and Breakfast. Exhibits

8:30am-8:45am Welcome and Introduction for Carol Sakala by Cathy Daub

8:45am-9:45am Keynote: Carol Sakala, PhD, MSPH

Title: It’s an Exciting Time for Maternity Care Advocacy: Moving

Toward High-Value Care

Description: The experience at the front lines of maternity care practice

can be disheartening in terms of the gap between the care that women and

babies are receiving and the safest, most effective care. However,

unprecedented change is under way and will ripple out in the coming

years. This talk reviews many of the significant initiatives that are afoot.

Awareness of these can help practitioners and advocates strengthen and

accelerate care transformation. This is gratifying news for those who

understand what mothers and babies need and are dedicated to making that

a reality.

9:45am-9:50am Welcome and Introduction Jennifer Margulis

9:50am-10:50am Keynote: Jennifer Margulis: The Business of Pregnancy & Childbirth

Description: Why does the United States have the highest maternal

mortality rate of any country in the industrialized world? Why do so many

American women feel so badly about their childbirth experiences after

giving birth? This talk is an eye-opening look into common

misconceptions about pregnancy and childbirth, revealing how corporate

interests and for-profit medicine in America often take precedence over

the health and well-being of the mother and baby. Includes information

about prenatal care, the overuse and dangers of ultrasound, the midwifery

versus the obstetric model of maternity care, and the childbirth and

postpartum experience in American hospitals

10:50am-11:30am Break and Exhibits

11:30am-12:30pm Workshops

1. Carol Sakala: Workshop: New Blueprint for Fostering Perinatal

Physiologic Processes in Women and Babies: Joining the Conversation

and Solutions

Description: During the past year, Childbirth Connection Programs at the

National Partnership for Women & Families convened an illustrious National

Advisory Council (NAC) to develop priority recommendations for reliable

provision of care around the time of birth that fosters healthy physiologic

processes in women and babies and use of interventions that are truly

indicated. Diverse evidence and growing consensus clarifies that this model is

optimal for women and babies. This workshop will provide an early look at

the NAC’s recommendations and will explore how participants can join in

advancing them and accelerating urgently needed change.

2. Brittany McCollum: Creating Space: Pelvic Bodywork and Optimal Fetal

Positioning

Description: This workshop begins with the role of the birth worker in both

educating the client about and encouraging the client to understand her

pelvis and her baby's movement through labor in relation to pelvic space and

in supporting mom in taking advantage of this knowledge during

labor. Several common fetal and maternal position-related labor

complications throughout the labor process will be covered, along with pelvic

bodywork and pelvic floor release techniques for working through

them. Discussion and hands-on practice of positions for facilitating optimal

positioning of the baby and encouraging descent and rotation through all

stages and phases of labor provides birth workers with insight and tools for

working with clients.

3. Jeanne Ohm DC: Great Expectations

Description: Understanding the physiology of pregnancy to evaluate and

substantiate the need for chiropractic care throughout pregnancy, will show

how the three primary causes of Dystocia in birth: Physiological, Medical and

Emotional relate to salutogenic care. Current research on the injurious effects

of modern birth: c- sections, breech births and other technologically assisted

births will be reviewed.

4. Karen Shields, CNM: Physiologic Birth in a Hospital Setting

Description: Although out of hospital births are on the rise in the United

States, more than 98% of births continue to occur in a hospital setting. It is

imperative to the health of women and their babies that physiologic birth be

supported in a hospital setting. In 1996 the World Health Organization called

for the elimination of unnecessary intervention in childbirth. In 2012 ACNM,

MANA and NACPM published a consensus statement intended for health care

professionals and policy makers “Supporting Healthy and Normal Physiologic

Childbirth” This workshop will explore these statements along with elements

that support physiologic birth in a hospital setting. It will also provide

practical measures to affect change.

12:30pm-1:45pm Lunch and Exhibits/ Book Signings/ Book Store

1:45pm-1:50pm Introduction Lori Feldman Winter

1:50pm-2:50pm Keynote: Lori Feldman-Winter MD, MPH:

Why Not Just One Bottle? The Evidence Behind Exclusive Breastfeeding

Description : The development of the human immune system is reliant on components of

human milk that are both bioactive and passive. Each of the processes that occur after

birth require specific timing, balance, and an exclusive human milk diet which ultimately

leads to a protective and mutualistic microbiome and properly functioning immune

system. Any interference with these processes leads to an increased risk of disease in

both the mother and offspring. Thus, the protection of exclusive breastfeeding is a public

health priority.

2:50pm-3:00pm Introduction for Joel Evans

3:00pm-4:00pm Keynote: Joel Evans MD

Keynote Title: Prenatal Origins of Adult Disease

Description: The intrauterine experience has now been shown to be a major

determinant of physical and emotional health from infancy to adulthood. In this

session Dr Evans will describe how the illnesses that plague developed countries

around the world have their origins in utero, and how caring for pregnant women

holistically is the ultimate upstream intervention to improve health worldwide.

4:00pm-4:30pm Break and Exhibits

4:30pm-5:30pm Workshops

1. Michel Odent: Learning from the Primal Health Database

Description: We'll present the Primal Health Research Database as a tool to train

ourselves to think long-term. Experiences a baby has in the Primal Period (conception to

the end of the first year of life), have a direct effect on our health as adults. Come and

learn more about the connections of primal health and adult health and how they can be

improved upon.

2. Lori Feldman-Winter: Creating a New Paradigm in Breastfeeding

Description: The WHO/UNICEF Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding outlines

evidence-based practices that support breastfeeding, aid in transition of the mother and

newborn, and promote the healthiest and safest method of caring for the mother-infant

dyad during the postpartum period. Nevertheless, safety must be a priority when making

the changes required to adopt the Ten Steps. Using patient safety standards as a

framework, and taking into consideration safe sleep practices, there are specific

recommendations that should be considered by health care providers participating in

implementation of the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative.

3. Ina May Gaskin: Helping Women to Feel Safe in Labor: The Power of the Sphincters

Description: We’ll discuss the mind-body connection, the release of bodily hormones

that promote efficient labor and birth and how these are keyed to women’s emotions and

beliefs. We’ll take a look at the factors which can affect their function in zones where

women’s private parts are no longer so private. Listening to women about what will help

them feel safe in birth is key.

4. API Barbara Nicholson and Lysa Parker: Navigating the Journey to Conscious Parenting Through Conscious Birth

Description: The road to conscious parenting can be challenging but profoundly

rewarding. Self-reflections on one's own childhood history, and the culture in which we

are brought up, help us understand how these influences can impact birth. This session

will cover important scientific and cultural information, including strategies for

becoming a mindful parent starting with our choices for birth.

5:30pm-9:15pm Exhibits

7:00pm-8:00pm Children’s Entertainment

8:00pm-10:30pm An Evening With Ina May. Includes highlights of her film The Birth Story:

Description: Ina May Gaskin will show highlights of her film The Birth

Story followed by an intimate session of discussion, laughter, and fun as

we hear her stories about birth from The Farm. Popcorn snack.

(separate evening fee event)

Saturday

7:30am-8:30am Registration and Breakfast. Exhibits

8:30am-8:35am Introduction Henci Goer

8:35am-9:35am Keynote: Henci Goer: Rx for an Ailing Maternity Care System

Description: There are serious systemic problems with maternity care

today. What is it that drives the conventional medical-model of

management? How is it that many low-risk pregnant women entering the

hospital to give birth, leave high risk? Learn resources you can access

describing models of optimal care and how you can implement strategies

for improving maternity care.

9:35am-9:40am Introduction Ina May Gaskin

9:40am-10:40am Keynote: Ina May Gaskin: Finding the TRUTHS About Birth

Description: Is it possible to be logical about a subject as emotional as

birth? The answer is that it’s possible but sometimes difficult, since many

people think they’re being logical when they are actually being emotional

or looking at only part of the available evidence. How do instinct and

intuition fit into this? These are some of the ideas I’ll discuss in this

meditation on the paradoxes and conundrums of birth in our world today.

10:40am-11:30am Break and Exhibits 11:30am-12:30pm Workshops

1. Henci Goer: Mother-Friendly Care vs Obstetric Management; How Beliefs Determine

Care.

Description: We will contrast and compare styles of care in birth in hospitals, free-

standing birth centers, and home births and determine which are in line with evidence-

based principles of Mother-Friendly care.

2. Sally Dear Healey: The Biology of Beliefs About Birth

Description: This workshop invites birthing women and caregivers to focus on the ways

in which women receive and embody pregnancy and birth related information and images

and, more specifically, how powerful thoughts, beliefs, and values impact the birth

experience by creating the context within which ‘choice’ and decision-making take place.

Participants will leave with a greater understanding of the science involved in the biology

of belief as well as strategies and tools for creating better birth experiences and outcomes.

3. Jill Wodnick : Bridging Birth Into the “From Neurons to Neighborhood” Movement.

Description: In the United States, “birth to three” initiatives are identified and funded in

various domains of health and social services. Yet all too often, the birth component is

left out. In 2000, Dr. Jack Shonkoff edited ‘From Neurons to Neighborhoods’ which

examined the science of early childhood development and it’s critical we posit the role of

birth and breastfeeding in these instrumental community health programs.

4. Jennifer Margulis: Your Baby, Your Way: 7 Ways to Take Charge of Your Pregnancy,

Childbirth and Parenting Decisions

Description: A hands-on interactive workshop that helps participants—birth

professionals and expecting parents alike—learn how individualized medicine and self-

advocacy around nutrition, prenatal testing, physical activity, and healthy relationships

with care providers and support teams can positively shape the outcome of the pregnancy

and childbirth experience.

12:30pm-1:45pm Lunch and Exhibits/Book Signings

1:45pm-1:55pm Introduction Michel Odent MD

1:55pm-2:55pm Keynote: Michel Odent MD: Neocortical Inhibition: A Key to Understanding

Human Nature in General and Human Birth in Particular

Description: :-We all know that our species has developed to an extreme degree the

''new brain'', i.e. the neocortex, thanks to which we can use sophisticated ways to

communicate, diversify and enlarge our scientific perspectives, increase our power

through technological advances, etc. At first sight, our huge neocortex may be considered

a tool at the service of vital functions. In fact, in some precise situations, this powerful

tool can take control of such functions and obscure them. This is called ''neocortical

inhibition''. We'll present the concept of neocortical inhibition as a key to understanding

human nature in general and also as a tool to prepare a necessary paradigm shift after

thousands of years of socialization of childbirth.

2:55pm-3:00pm Introduction: Lysa Parker and Barbara Nicholson

3:00pm-4:00pm Keynote: Lysa Parker and Barbara Nicholson from API: Living a Life of

Connection

Description: Choosing conscious birth has life-long ramifications for a family. Not only

does it empower and forever change the parents but it can actually change the

architecture of the baby's brain. Exciting new research in neuroscience affirms what

doulas and midwives have known for centuries; support and nurture the parents and they

will be able to form lasting bonds with their children, ultimately creating a more

compassionate society.

4:00pm-4:30pm Break and Exhibits

4:30pm-5:30pm Workshops

1. Debra Pascali Bonaro: The Best Kept Secrets: Passion, Power, and Pleasure

Description: Join Debra to explore and learn ways to find more passion, power and

pleasure in birth and life. Expand your practice and stimulate your creativity with music,

movement and more…

2. Valerie Borek: Birth Rights and Empowerment

Description: “Peace on Earth Begins at Birth.” How can a mother create a peaceful and

powerful birth experience in an environment where medical and legal tensions are pitted

against rights in birth? Participants in this interactive workshop will gain practical tools

and in-the-moment advice for how to avoid conflict or to stand up to push-back against

birthing choices, based on my experiences as a birth rights attorney. You will learn about

the tensions between legal and health care considerations when pitted against pregnancy

rights. You’ll learn about current legal battles and answer to questions like: When can a

health provider or a state intervene in your pregnancy choices? When does a fetus have

rights? What are your rights in VBAC? Can a doctor get a court order to force a cesarean

surgery? What happens when I’m told I have no choice because of “hospital policy?”

Bring your questions and stories for this lively discussion on Birth Rights.

3. Michel Odent: Learning from the Primal Health Database

Description: We'll present the Primal Health Research Database as a tool to train

ourselves to think long-term. Experiences a baby has in the Primal Period (conception to

the end of the first year of life), have a direct effect on our health as adults. Come and

learn more about the connections of primal health and adult health and how they can be

improved upon.

4. Jennifer Gleeson Blue Title: Natural Movement for the Childbearing Year

Description: Pregnancy and childbirth are powerful experiences in a woman’s life, but it

doesn’t always feel that way. Many women experience physical pain beyond the normal

discomforts of pregnancy. Too many women have difficult births that require a myriad of

interventions. Mechanical issues are among the primary causes of these problems,

reflecting our culture's move away from a movement-focused life. Fortunately, we can

look to the women who have been birthing throughout the ages to see that addressing key

lifestyle factors and exploring alignment-based corrective exercises can have a significant

impact on a woman's experience of childbearing. In this workshop, we will explore the

foundations of whole-body alignment and natural movement to begin creating a more

responsive and powerful body for pregnancy, birth and beyond.

5:30pm-8:00pm Children event: TBA

8:00pm-10:00pm 5rhythms Dancing with Rebekah Zhuraw

Sunday

7:30am-8:30am Registration, Breakfast, Exhibits

8:30am-9:30am “Micro Birth” Film Showing

9:00am-11:00am An Interactive Professional Forum moderated by Ruth Wilf: “What are

the Truths about Birth that can lead us to improving birth for women and

their families?” The truths are those that are infallible – true in the past,

present, and future and are therefore changeless.

Panelists: Carol Sakala, Jennifer Margulis, Ina May Gaskin, Michel

Odent , Henci Goer, Lysa Parker and Barbara Nicholson,

11:00am-11:30am Award Ceremony for Michel Odent

A tree will be planted in his name and a poem will be written honoring his life

work helping women to regain their power in birth.

11:30am-11:50am Slide show with music of the BirthWorks Conference 2016

11:50am-12:00pm Closing Remarks and Ceremony

Monday-Thursday: October 17-20, 2016 BWI ACED Workshop

Monday-Wednesday: October 17-19, 2016 BWI CEW Workshop

Monday-Wednesday: October 17-19, 2016 BWI Doula Education Workshop (DEW)