About Us

Mission Statement

• Promote informed decision-making by consumers of pregnancy, birth and parenting services.
• Work cooperatively within the current system of care and to advocate for additional services and/or service-providers desired by consumers.
• Serve as a support and network organization for pregnancy and birth service providers and advocates.
• Support Normal Birth as defined by Lamaze Institute for Normal Birth; the Midwives Model of Care as defined by Citizens for Midwifery ; and the World Health Organization's breastfeeding guidelines.

History

Shortly after having her first child, Erin Barrette Goodman, a DONA-trained doula, prenatal yoga teacher and writer, began dreaming of creating a group that would bring mothers and birth service providers together. She wanted to create a place where empowered decision-making during the childbearing years would be nurtured and celebrated.

In the fall of 2004 she began talking to others about her idea and found great enthusiasm for the creation of such a group. In April, 2005 the Rhode Island Birth Network (originally called the South County Birth Network) held its first meeting at the Kingston Free Library.

With the support of Lindsey Crowninshield, birth doula and longtime La Leche League leader, Michelle Palmer, RN, CNM and passionate homebirth advocate, Dr. Kelly Frye, a chiropractor with special interest in the childbearing years, Dr. Kimberly Beauchamp, a naturopath and DONA-trained birth doula, Dr. Russell Stokes, pediatrician, and Homeopath Jennifer Cunningham word spread and the group began to grow.

In the first year we covered topics such as: Chiropractic Care for the Childbearing Years, The Midwifery Model of Care, Living Better with Fewer Chemicals, Prenatal Yoga and Breastfeeding Basics.

In 2006 we covered the following topics: Homeopathy, Herbal Healing, Co-Sleeping, Alternatives to Disposable Diapers, Celebrating Daily and Seasonal Rhythm with Children, and Fostering Normal Birth in the Hospital Setting.