Embracing the Miracle

The bond between a parent and child is the the foundation for the rest of the child's life. The attachment created in the womb, during birth and the first precious hours after or the absence of this critical bond, determines much about the child's resiliency and what kind of adult they can grow up to be. How do your birth choices affect this critical and essential event? Is it possible for babies to be born gently and for the mother to give birth in joy, experiencing pleasure instead of pain? Barbara blends the latest science, heart, soul and humor to present a riveting and challenging case for everyone to examine.

Join us for this wonderful presentation, delicious food, and discussion.

Light refreshments and beverages are included in the price of admission.

**Babes in arms are welcome.

Proceeds from this event will benefit the new midwifery program at IHW: http://www.instituteofhealthandwellness.com/

About Barbara Harper

Barbara Harper is a registered nurse as well as a midwife, doula and childbirth educator. An internationally recognized expert on waterbirth and childbirth reform, she lectures and consults within hospitals, universities and community groups worldwide. The Oregonian newspaper, in 2005, referred to her as “the Billy Graham of waterbirth,” as she travels around the world spreading the good news that birth can be an ecstatic and gentle experience. She was recognized in 2003, by Lamaze International for her contributions in promoting normal birth on an international level. Barbara has published three editions of the best selling book, Gentle Birth Choices, now translated into seven languages, including Chinese in 2007. She has produced two remarkable videos, Gentle Birth Choices and Birth Into Being: The Russian Waterbirth Experience. She has two new books in the works – “The Complete Guide to Waterbirth”, which will be out early 2010, followed by, “Embracing the Miracle: How Pregnancy, Birth and the First Hour Influence Human Potential,” to be released in 2011. Barbara has dedicated her life to helping heal the way babies are welcomed into the world and to helping parents and providers understand the benefits of the use of warm water immersion during labor. She is the founder of Waterbirth International, a socially conscious organization whose mission is making waterbirth an available option for all women. Barbara is the mother of three, her two youngest sons born at home in water. She is a new resident of Lighthouse Point, Florida, after spending 27 years on the West Coast. But is rarely home, as her work has taken her to 44 countries and over 1000 cities! Her next international journey is back to China for a four city lecture tour.

Visit her website at www.waterbirth.org