The Rocking Chair Project
. . .helps women and families at that most precious and challenging of times, the birth of a new baby. The seed of the idea, that every mother should have a rocking chair to rock her child, was planted by a woman in the Mother Peace Women's Circle, a group of old friends who get together to talk and sing. The idea quickly grew, and we are now a group of women from Big Bend, Montgomery Creek, Round Mountain, Oak Run and Whitmore who are offering the kind of help that many of us have enjoyed during the births of our own children.
Our gifts to families include. . .
- A rocking chair and a baby blanket, handcrafted by local women of all generations
- A collection of books that will include information on child development and care, activities, and books for young children, age 0-3
- Access to a library of books and videos on pregnancy, childbirth, parenting and child development
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In addition to these gifts, the heart of our project is the offering of "doula" services to birthing families. Doula, a Greek word, refers to a woman experienced in childbirth who provides physical, emotional and informational support to a family before, during, and just after childbirth.
Nine local women participated in a three-day Doula Training, and are excited about this opportunity to welcome new babies into our communities.
Doula services can include. . . .
- Mother and newborn care
- Breastfeeding support
- Some cooking, childcare of siblings
- Errands and light housekeeping
- Connections to other people and resources that might be helpful
As mothers, we all know the challenges of birth and parenting. We hope that each element of the Rocking Chair Project - the chair, the blanket, the meals - will nurture not only the baby, but the family as well. We hope this support will help families enjoy this very special time more, and that over time, we will weave a local tradition of welcoming babies that will be passed on from family to family.
Funding for the project comes from Shasta First-5. We are using that money for rocking chairs, books, training, and to provide a small stipend to a coordinator. Doulas are providing their services as volunteers.
If you are pregnant and would like to know more, or if you would like to help by making baby blankets, fixing meals, etc, please call Terri Orwig at 337-6982, or leave a message for her at 337-6736.
The Rocking Chair Project is sponsored by Acorn Community Enterprises, a tax-exempt non-profit corporation. Donations are tax deductible. Please specify that your donation is for the Rocking Chair Project.
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