PBB Birthkeeper Circle
Our Pregnancy, Birth and Beyond Birthkeeper circles are a celebration and recognition of the work that is Birthkeeping (see below 'What is a Birthkeeper' for more details). Held monthly, we provide a spacious and nurturing home for attendees to safely share, connect and be together. Join us for an upcoming circle or sign up below to stay updated on future meetings and events.
We now offer the hosting of these events to local birthkeepers so they can hold the space for other birthkeepers in their own way. We provide the venue, marketing and catering for these events so it is easy for our birthkeepers to step into the role of host if they would like.
We now offer the hosting of these events to local birthkeepers so they can hold the space for other birthkeepers in their own way. We provide the venue, marketing and catering for these events so it is easy for our birthkeepers to step into the role of host if they would like.
Upcoming Birthkeeper Circles for 2022First Tuesday of the month, 6-8pm
at the Pregnancy, Birth & Beyond Hub 51 Stuart Street, Mullumbimby $20 book via Humanitix or at show up on the night. Bring a cushion, tea and yums provided. Dedicated to honouring and supporting Birthkeepers in our region, we aim to create a safe and nourishing space for judgement-free interaction and a connected and inspiring experience for all those that heed the call. Meeting on Bundjalung Country we pay our deep respects to local Elders, past Elders and those emerging. |
|
Why a Birthkeeper Circle?We have all felt the call in one way or another at PBB to hold this space regularly for the courageous Birthkeepers in our region - the Northern Rivers in NSW, Australia. We have a deep respect for all those that dedicate their time and selves, often selflessly, in the support of mothers, their babies, their families and their wider communities. Knowing that their role, in its own unique way, can be challenging at times and even strenuous, we wanted to offer an alternative space for winding down and being held and nurtured and most importantly - being acknowledged for their work.
A chat with friends or peer debriefing may not always be enough or congruous with the daily actualities of supporting women and their families. We offer this gentle, non-judgemental and all welcoming space to anyone who hears the call to support birth and mothers to connect positively and with purpose. We offer this gentle, non-judgemental and all welcoming space to anyone who hears the call to support birth and mothers. 
From left: Birthkeepers - Mira Stannard, Angela Fitzgerald, Nicole Moore, Cécile Colares, Ti Harrison, Annalee Atia and Sally Cusack.
|
A Warm Welcome to You.
Welcome! our Birthkeeper Circles are dedicated to honouring and supporting the birthkeepers in our region. We aim to create a safe and nourishing space for judgement-free interaction and a connected and inspiring experience. 
What is a Birthkeeper?The term birth keeper has been around for a while, it often refers to anyone who is passionate about, works in/with or feels that birth is part of their life's calling. There is no Gender associated with birthkeepers and one does not necessarily need to hold a traditional role such as a Midwife, Obstetrician or Doula in order to feel connected to the term. It may well be a mother who has supported other women in her community during pregnancy and childbirth or a father that has seen his wife give birth and has discovered the great courage and deep commitment one finds in supporting a woman in labour.. it may be a grandmother who has attended the many births of her family members, a pregnancy support group facilitator or an Obstetrician who supports mothers and babies to achieve the best possible outcomes for them in their unique situation. It may be a person working in policy or the media or law, or a person that works in the local health district moving forward and implementing new procedures and pathways. There are no rules in feeling that deeper connection and purpose when it comes to childbirth.
Birthkeeper and local elder Mira
|
|
What do we offer at our Birthkeeping Circles?To begin with, we offer these circles monthly. The location and time may change depending on the requirements of the group. We aim to offer this supportive space in Mullumbimby, Byron Bay, Lismore Ballina and Bangalow. It is wonderful to have a space to share, connect and be held in our work. We provide light refreshments, warm tea and space to chat, informally debrief and connect with one another.
A screening of a birth or woman* related topic will be played at the beginning of each circle, followed by a short break for tea and then a relaxed/informal sitting in circle to discuss whatever it is that comes up that day (in relation to the topic of the screening or not). In the past we have screened keynote addresses from the Healthy Birth, Healthy Earth conference held in Findhorn in 2016. We know that it is not always possible to attend each meeting, and there is no requirement to sign up or commit to attending regularly. You can register your interest below, we will notify you for the next event. |
Register your interest |
|