One Day Birthworks Childbirth Class

Brittany's path led her through many experiences before focusing her work on the need for respect and humility in the amazing power, instinct, and normalcy of birth. Completing high school after her junior year with distinguished honors and a focus in visual art and writing , Brittany went on to study Literature at Temple University, graduating cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and certificates in both writing and honors. She maintains membership with Phi Beta Kappa, a national academic honor society.

Throughout college, Brittany worked for Trio Upward Bound, a national organization that prepares inner city high school students for college. In her role as tutor and counselor, she gained experience in dealing with several different ages from ninth through twelfth grade, understanding of differences in learning pace and ability, and comfort in leading group discussions and projects.

Brittany went on to substitute teach for pre-school through eighth grade at Frankford Friends School, strengthening her abilities in areas including the facilitation of group activities, the development of all aspects of the person - physical, academic, spiritual, emotional, and social, and the mentoring of children of all different ages and backgrounds. She continues to substitute for Frankford Friends as her family and Blossoming Bellies' schedules allow.

In addition to her education career, Brittany has completed a mentorship training program which focuses on peaceful solutions to conflict through listening, reflection, and understanding and the development of counseling skills. She has attended the Birth Works three day workshop where she gained skills and techniques helpful in facilitating childbirth classes and providing labor assistance. She has also completed birth doula training by both DONA International and Birth Arts International. In an effort to make maternity care options available to all pregnant women, Brittany helped in putting together the 2008 Philadelphia Guide to a Healthy Birth with Choices in Childbirth. The Guide is available at many midwifery and health care provider offices as well as online at www.choicesinchildbirth.org. Brittany has also written several feature articles for the food service publication "Frozen Desserts" and has had several submissions published in the Birth Works quarterly newsletter, including a review of the three day workshop she attended. Brittany also speaks on several pregnancy, postpartum, and health related topics at businesses around the Philadelphia area, including, most recently, Martindale's Natural Foods in Delaware County.

Brittany is a Birth WorksTM certified childbirth educator, a DONA certified birth doula and a certified breastfeeding counselor with Nursing Mothers Alliance. She has also completed birth doula training with Birth Arts International and is currently completing a second doula certification with the BAI organization. Brittany continuously furthers her knowledge through regular attendance at conferences, workshops, and lectures, in addition to her home studies.

Brittany's experience as a mother and partner to her husband has been a positive and inspiring influence in her life. She has grown tremendously in all aspects of her being including her awareness of the impact one can make in the world and amongst close family and friends, her patience in the face of obstacles and frustration, and her ability to stand up, through action and discussion, for the values in which she believes. Her desire to use her skills as a person and conscientious being are what drive her in her career as a birth educator and doula.

Providing women and families with information, alternatives, a listening ear, and love and support through an intense and powerful period in life in a way that is respectful of the needs and abilities of each individual is at the core of Brittany's goals. In helping mothers and fathers to recognize their strength as humans, role models, and advocates for the needs and wishes of themselves and their children, Brittany is helping to make a difference in the world. In order to make change, one must be aware of alternatives and hold the confidence and willingness to follow one's heart and intuition. This is what Brittany hopes to provide to this new socially, familial, and environmentally conscious generation of families.

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