The entire birthing process can be seen as a paradigm. Painful contractions represent the challenges in our lives; and each challenge presents an opportunity for growth and healing.  The greater the challenge – the greater the potential for transformation.  Only from the deepest, darkest places can we reach the loftiest heights.

 

Perinatal losses are “contractions” that no one ever wishes to encounter. Yet, working in this field, each of us will ultimately be called upon to support a couple through such an experience.  How can we, as childbirth professionals, learn to be truly present with our clients?  Do we know that while pain and loss are inevitable, trauma is not? What can we do to support through this difficult birth in a way that will promote healing and growth?

 

Finally, how can we “support and transform” ourselves throughout this process?

 

I’d like to share a letter that I received from one of my workshop participants:

 

Miriam,

I want to personally thank you for coming and doing our workshop. The weekend after our workshop my dad (step dad) became increasingly ill. He returned to the hospital on the Saturday. If not for your workshop I would have held a different outlook on death. I was there for my dad’s passing, and it was beautiful for him to be surrounded by his family and friends. I don't think I would have been there emotionally had I not heard you speak. I knew I would be physically, but emotionally I believe I was instrumental in making his passing a memorable time for all of us. Between my doula training and your workshop I believe I made a difference.

Thank you for being brought into my life at this most important time.

Debbie Rotunno

Member of the Long Island Doula Association

 

We will explore this challenge through stories, meditations, writing, counseling exercises, and teachings.

 

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I am pleased to share with you the list of workshops that I will be presenting this July in New England and the Tri-State area. As enrollment for each workshop (accredited for 5 DONA CEU’s) is limited to ten participants (with the exception of the Birth Works Conference), early registration is highly recommended.

 

If you are interested in further information about my work or would like to contact me about hosting a future workshop, I can be reached at miriam@.... You can read more about me on my website www.miriammaslin.com

 

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Friday, July 6, 2007
Cherry Hill, NJ

Birth Works International Conference
"Birthing in the Spirit"

The Clarion Hotel Conference Center, Route 70 & I-295, Cherry Hill, NJ
Phone: (856) 428-2300
Fax: (856) 354-7662

 

For more information: Cathy Daub, 1-888 to birth, info@... (http://www.birthworks.org)

 

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Monday, July 9, 2007, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Easthampton, MA

Supporting Women through Perinatal Loss
A Workshop for Childbirth Professionals
Sponsored by the Motion Chiropractic Center
Fee: $75
Workshop will be limited to 10 participants

Motion Chiropractic Center, 54-R Northampton Street, Suite 1, Easthampton, MA

 

For more information: Dr. Mindi Palmer Fried, 413-527-0207, DrFried@...

 

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Tuesday, July 10, 2007, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Waltham, MA

Supporting Women through Perinatal Loss
A Workshop for Childbirth Professionals
Fee: $75
Workshop will be limited to 10 participants
Contact Miriam Maslin for registration and Cynthia Maloney for directions (see appropriate contact information below)

Home of Cynthia Maloney, 110 Hillcrest Road, Waltham, MA
Phone: 781-209-0436
Email: doulacynthia@...

 

For more information and registration: Miriam Maslin, 516-478-9657, miriam@...

 

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Wednesday, July 11, 2007, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Brookfield, CT

Supporting Women through Perinatal Loss
A Workshop for Childbirth Professionals
Sponsored by Birthing Babies Education & Support
Fee: $85
Workshop will be limited to 10 participants

246 Federal Road, Suite D11, Brookfield, CT
Phone: 203-740-2229 or 203-948-3158

 

For more information: Donna Docktor, 203-740-2229 or 203-948-3158 , birthingbabiesedu@...

 

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Monday, July 16, 2007, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm

Brooklyn, NY

Supporting Women through Perinatal Loss
A Workshop for Childbirth Professionals

Fee: $75

Workshop will be limited to 10 participants

 

Home of Malkie Ackerman, 1968 East 23^rd Street (S&T), Brooklyn, NY

 

For more information: Malkie Ackerman, (917) 767-9041, AManageAssoc@...

 

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Tuesday, July 17, 2007, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Womelsdorf, PA

Supporting Women through Perinatal Loss
A Workshop for Childbirth Professionals
Sponsored by Mothering and More Birth Network
Fee: $75
Workshop will be limited to 10 participants

 

For more information: Danielle Malik, 610-670-1844, danielle@... (www.motheringandmore.org)

 

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Wednesday, July 18, 2007, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Baltimore, MD

Supporting Women through Perinatal Loss
A Workshop for Childbirth Professionals
Sponsored by The Birthplace at Sinai Hospital
Fee: $75
Workshop will be limited to 10 participants

The Birthplace at Sinai Hospital, Hoffberger 3rd floor conference room, 2401 W Belvedere Ave, Baltimore, MD

 

For more information: Feigi Oberstein, 410-358-0431, 443-858-2849, Soberstien@...

 

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Thursday, July 19, 2007, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm

Philadelphia, PA

Supporting Women through Perinatal Loss
A Workshop for Childbirth Professionals
Sponsored by the Maternal Wellness Center
Fee: $75
Workshop will be limited to 10 participants

Maternal Wellness Center, 606 Carpenter Lane, Philadelphia, PA

 

For more information: Kathleen Furin, 215-713- 2666, kathleen@... (www.maternalwellness.org)

 

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Wife, mother, grandmother, and retired interior designer, Miriam Maslin has been a source of inspiration to many: young and old, secular and religious, long-time searchers and those who are just beginning their own “Interior Design”. Her inner journey has taken her across the spectrum from the beginning to the end of the life cycle -- she is a birth doula and counselor and has served as both hospice volunteer and member of the Jewish Burial Society.  She incorporates both Polarity Therapy (a system of energy/holistic healing) and spiritual teachings into her work.  Miriam leads workshops for women’s groups, childbirth professionals, and all those women interested in spiritual care.