Birth Story Sharing Circle - Castlemaine

A birth story sharing circle for birthing parents and mothers to be in Castlemaine.

Birthing is one of the most transformational experience a person can go through. It can be wonderful, joyful and transcendent experience, but it can also be traumatic and difficult. Afterwards we are forever changed: from 'maiden to mother', or from adult to parent.

Processing this experience collectively is something that seems to be deeply missing in our culture, but that has the potential to be incredibly healing and empowering. So, we are creating that space now together.

This will be a space where stories about all kinds of births are welcome: whether full term or premature, loss, abortion, unassisted, caesarian, home birth or medically assisted. This will be a judgement free space, where all stories can be heard and welcomed.

This will be a therapeutic space where all authentic feelings are welcome, whether that's big joy, quiet awe, loud rage or teary grief. A spare where we can witness and support each other - celebrating and mourning whatever unique birth journey we experienced.

We can choose to share or also choose just to listen. The stories might be long, and need to be heard until the end, so there might only be time to hear a few at each circle. But if you dont get a chance to share this time, we hope that you would get a chance to share at the next circle..

There will be plenty of tissues, and tea and coffee provided. We will sit on the floor on a very comfortable large 'mellow mat', but there are also plenty of folding chairs available if more comfortable for you.

Some things you may like to bring (optional):

• A cushion or blanket for extra comfort

• Drink bottle

• Journal or art book

• Photos or other meaningful objects from your birthing.

Adults only please, so that we can create a focussed and deeply present listening space. ('Babes in arms' 6 months and under can be brought). This event is primarily for birthing parents or pregnant people, as they will most benefit from it, although people of other genders and who have not birthed will not be excluded.

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This is event will be lightly facilitated by Nicola, who works as an Occupational Therapist with children and families locally in Castlemaine, and mother of a 4 year old.