The Red Tent Event is a gathering of women, sharing the stories of birth, telling the stories

that made us who we are, that brought forth our children, that changed our bodies, our

minds, our lives.  It is an opportunity to give, to listen, to heal, to laugh, to grieve, to

celebrate, to pass on what wisdom there is to be shared.

 

 

...is to raise funds for La Leche of League of Frankfort, a new chapter coming in

October, as well as to promote healthy consumer choices in birthing, and to connect

women of the community with resources and providers with similar goals and interests to their own.  On a larger scale, it is hoped that these events and ideas will contribute to a cultural shift over time, and assist in the taking back of birth for women, and a reassertion of the power women have through their reproductive choices.

 

Please come help improve birth for yourself, your neighbors, and your daughters.

 

 

 

 

·-Childbirth has been a feminine, woman-to-woman legacy. For most expectant

mothers, this traditional communication has been an influential, primary way to learn about giving birth.

 

-In your family, how was childbirth talked about? Did you hear stories about

strength and power in birthing, or difficulty and suffering? Was it talked about? How did it affect you? How will you talk to your children about birth?

 

-What is the role of feminism in birth, and what should the future of the field be?

 

-Do you know the story of your own birth? Your mother’s birth? Your grandmother’s?

 

-Because mothers and daughters share the capacity to give birth, the transmission

of birth stories from mother to daughter seems quite important in terms of family life,

values, and unity. What do you intend to share with your daughters?

 

-As you tell your birth story, do you find that your interpretation changes? Do you

remember some aspects and let others recede?

 

- What was the most challenging aspect of your birth experience? Emotionally?

Physically? What came easiest? How did this differ than from what you expected?

 

- If you were to create the perfect birthing space for the next generation of mothers,

what would it look like, based on your experience?

 

-If your birth experience were a lesson, what would it be?

 

- What did you gain? What did you lose?

 

-How did birth change your relationship with your partner? Your other children? Your

own mother?

 

-How did it change how you feel about your body? How your body looks to you?

Your sexual life?

 

 

 

 -The Belly Factory in Frankfort.  The owner not only provides fantastic

3D Ultrasound, but is an avid supporter of bringing resources to moms new and old through meetings and supplemental courses offered in the store.   This is a great place to get access to resources throughout your pregnancy!

 

-La Leche League of Frankfort will be the recipient of any funds raised on that day, and I know other local chapters will come out to support me.  The first meeting of this new group will be at The Belly Factory in Frankfort on October 12 at 7pm.

 

-ICAN of the South Suburbs, run by Debbie Pocica, a fabulous doula and friend of mine, will also be in attendance to give support, encouragement, and information to mothers who are interested.  She will be donating a book of Cesarean stories.

 

-Deb Pocica, also a doula, will be donating a beautiful newborn hand or foot casting.

 

 -The West Chicagoland Meetup VBAC Support group will be donating a raffle prize and there to provide information and support to mothers who have had cesarean sections.

 

-Myself and Jennie Bohlman will be available to talk about natural birthing options, and to answer questions about The Bradley Method.

 

-Christina Oser, CNM, of Genesis Family Midwifery-- a fabulous midwife will also be present to talk about homebirthing options for this area.

 

-The Holistic Moms Networkwill be there with two pouch slings to donate, and lots of love for moms of a more natural inclination

 

-Beth Bustos, the leader of Holistic Moms Network and La Leche League of Palos Hills has been very generous with her time, and is also donating a luxurious hand cream set from Votre Vu.

 

-Rachel Roberts, a doula, and her 'All Natural Mommies' are supporting us through the

donation of a wonderful Earth Mama Angel Baby breastfeeding starter kit!

 

-Jennie Bohlman, a Bradley instructor has donated her time, helped me find the location, and is donating some brownies made with love!  She will also be planning the music and arranging many details of the event.

 

-Silvia Gonzalez, CIMI, MS of Wee Play and Relax is donating a session good for a 4 week class or private in-home instruction for Infant Massage and is providing some snacks for our event.

 

-Dona Grassity, also a doula and CIMI will be donating her time and love to help make this happen!  You will likely see her at the door or taking pictures!

 

-Colleen Sherman, a La Leche League leader from Joliet/Bolingbrook is donating a

gorgeous, hand-made ring sling with hidden pocket in a red with lady bug accent pattern.

 

-Jennifer and Randall Gniadecki are consumers supporting the event through the donation of the lastest book 'Your Best Birth' by Ricki Lake and Abby Epstein through their business marketing curve.  Jennie hopes to attend but is due with her baby, so let's hope s/he comes before or after the big day!

 

-Michelle Tarrant Willaims was hoping to come but is out of town, and has offered a

gently used boppy from one momma who was unable to breastfeed how she wanted

to in the hopes that through LLL and ICAN, another momma can.

 

-There will also be a PLETHORA of local doulas and other labor support personnel, so

please, come learn about what wonderful things doulas can do for you!