Upcoming Events
An Evening of Music, Art, and Wine: A Benefit for North Carolina Friends of Midwives
July 12, 7:00 pm
Bottega Art and Wine; 208 N. Front Street, Wilmington
$20 admission: live music (Marysue Proveaux with Johnny Saturday), art, wine tasting, light appetizers provided by The Union Cafe, and a raffle, to benefit North Carolina Friends of Midwives. Come learn about the state of midwifery in North Carolina, about current efforts to license Certified Professional Midwives, and about home birth in our state. Sponsored by NCFOM With support from You Are My Sunshine and The Union Café
Wilmington Birth Circle
Old moms, new moms, moms to be come be inspired and strengthened by the women in our community. You may share your birth story or simply listen to the stories of others. Refreshments will be provided. Addmission is by donation.
The 3rd Monday of every month, 7:00 pm at You are My Sunshine in the Cotton Exchange, 317 N. Front Street
July 21, 7:00 pm
August 18, 7:00 pm
September 15, 7:00 pm
How Birth Works in Wilmington, NC
An Overview of Labor From a Doula's Perspective
This free class is an excellent starting point as you begin to explore your birth options. You will learn about the birth process and relaxation/pain reduction techniques. You will also learn simple steps you can take to avoid unnecessary interventions and have a more satisfying birth experience. We will introduce you to birth and parenting resources in our community, and there will be plenty of time for questions and answers. Classes are the second Saturday of the month following the La Leche League meeting. To register contact Celey
July 12, 12:00 pm
August 9, 12:00 pm
September 13, 12:00 pm
All classes are held at the Breastfeeding Center of Wilmington, located at 4406 Wrightsville Ave.
To read more about our members or to find a doula click here.
Check out our short documentary "What is a Doula?" made by Kirsti Kreutzer and Anna Van Wagoner.
Why have a Doula?
During birth a doula will stay by the laboring woman's side offering reassurance and support— both to the mother and her partner. She will do everything she can to make the woman more comfortable and to help the mother have the birth she has hoped for. Before, during, and after birth the doula is available to answer questions. There are many advantages to this kind of care. In recent years scientists have been attempting to understand and measure these benefits. Ten randomized studies* involving nearly 4000 first time mothers demonstrate that the presence of a doula results in:
- 45% decrease in Cesarean sections.
- 25% decrease in length of labor.
- 34% decrease in use of forceps.
- 50% decrease in use of oxytocin.
- 60% decrease in use of epidurals.
- 31% decrease in use of pain medications.
Doulas not only improve the birth experience, there are also long term benefits including:
- Improved breastfeeding.
- Decreased postpartum depression.
- Greater maternal satisfaction.
- Better mother-infant interaction.