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Birth Circle Bylaws

The Birth Circle is an informational discussion and support group for pregnant women, their partners and new parents in the Athens, Ohio area. It is a group that gathers once a month to share in each other's lives, creating a sense of community through the experience of parenthood.

The Birth Circle promotes a feeling of openness, encouraging women and their partners to share their thoughts or concerns about pregnancy, childbirth and parenting.

As a group, we explore all options available to birthing families, with emphasis on supporting each other while sharing resources that contribute to knowledge and understanding of alternatives.

We are a 501-c-3 organization so all funds donated to our work are tax deductable. 

To read the Bylaws of this organization click here.

And click here for the Winter 2007 Birth Circle Newsletter!

Beginnings

The Birth Circle was started in May, 2002 by two local women: Brandi Holloway and Jenny Hughes. Brandi is a certified doula (a person offering professional labor support) and ICEA trained childbirth educator. Jennifer Hughes is a certified childbirth educator through ALACE. Both Brandi and Jenny, being mothers interested in birth issues, noticed the lack of options for women seeking education and support during this time in their lives. They established the Athens Birth Circle to help fill this gap.

The Birth Circle has a lending library of educational books, DVDs, videos, and magazines.

We also have a lending library of birthing supplies -- balls, waterbirth tubs, birthing stools, etc. --  available to women in our community. 

We have program called "Meals for Moms".  Expectant mothers who desire to have postpartum help in the form of meals may sign up with us sometime during their pregnancy.  After the baby arrives, the mom or her partner notifies the volunteer coordinator, who then coordinators the meals, which are prepared and delivered by other Birth Circle Volunteers. 

Lastly, we have a "Meet a Mom" program where we link up new mothers with more experienced mothers for friendship and sharing of strategies and information. 

Please contact our Executive Director, Brandi Holloway, for more information about these services.  She can be reached at hollowaygrady@yahoo.com or 740-592-5875.  Also let her know if you would like to volunteer with any of these programs or if you have an idea for another service that you could begin -- Thank you!