Emerging Birth Stories: Disappointment, Power, and Meaning (Byron Bay)

Through thought-provoking teachings and experiential processes, we explore the power of birth stories (whether disappointing, traumatic, or triumphant), how they emerge and evolve, and how to look at any birth through a nuanced and compassionate lens. This informative and inspiring workshop is designed for birth professionals (and anyone who works with families in the childbearing year) and focuses on reducing shame, judgment, guilt, confusion, blame, and anger about childbirth and early postpartum experiences (including breastfeeding). Together, we will dive into a holistic exploration of how expectations, resilience, self-perception, support, language, and cultural and personal belief systems affect the subjective and emotional experiences and stories of those who give (and witness) birth. You'll learn some surprising, yet simple and powerful, ways to shift how birth stories are shaped and shared, in order to increase healing, community, and wholeness around birth, breastfeeding, and parenting.

Virginia Bobro, workshop facilitator, is from California. She's been offering education and support to birth professionals globally since 2005 and managed Birthing From Within's certification and training programs for eight years. To find out more about Virginia, please visit: www.vbobro.com

The morning session (11 am-1 pm) is focused on personal work and exploring our own experiences of giving birth and/or of witnessing/supporting other people's births. It's particularly appropriate for mothers who are looking for emotional support and healing after a difficult birth, as well as birth workers and grandmothers. The afternoon session (2-6 pm) is for both new and experienced birth workers (especially midwives, nurses, doulas, and educators) who wish to deepen their understanding of trauma and how to support families who are grappling with difficult births. 

Workshop includes presentation and discussion, as well as experiential activities such as journaling, drawing, and movement. Tea and light snacks will be served. One hour lunch break from 1-2 pm (lunch not provided).

Space is limited, so register soon to save your spot!   Early registration price: $169 (pay in full by May 20); regular price: $190 (May 21-June 10); late registration/door price: $220 (if space available). (All prices in AU$). Group discounts available; please enquire.

Earlier in the week, Virginia will be giving a "PBB Talks" public lecture and Q&A in Byron Bay, sponsored by Pregnancy, Birth, and Beyond Media

--FAQs--

Can I bring my baby? Due to the nature of the work we will be doing together, unfortunately babies and children cannot be present. 

What should I bring? You only need to bring yourself and your open heart. You are encouraged to bring a notebook/journal and something to write with. Some art supplies will be provided-- feel free to bring your own as well, such as watercolors, colored pencils, markers, etc. Lunch is not provided, so please bring a lunch with you, or plan on eating out nearby.

Anything else I should know? You are welcome to bring a snack to share. Do let us know if you have any food or environmental allergies. Please do not wear or bring scented or fragranced items.

How can I contact the organizer with any questions? Please contact Virginia with any questions: www.vbobro.com

What's the refund policy? Eventbrite fees cannot be refunded (approx AU$6 per ticket). If you cancel at least 7 days in advance (before 10 am on June 9), you will receive a full refund (less Eventbrite fees). If you cancel between 1-6 days before start of event, we can either hold your payment as a credit (less Eventbrite fees), to be used for any other events or services with Virginia Bobro before July 1, 2019, or we can give you a refund, less a AU$35 admin fee. No-shows or cancellations less than 24 hours before start of workshop cannot be refunded, but payment (less AU$35) can be held as a credit until July 1, 2019.