Motherhood day was a success!

Despite the drizzling rain and cold wind, Motherhood Day turned out well. Our classes had decent attendance and the moms, dads and nurses who participated learned about breastfeeding, childbirth issues, midwifery, the legislative process of midwifery in our state, the Bradley childbirth method, as well as the new CIMS initiative in which Ina May Gaskin is leading our nation.

We learned about Ina May's quilt being the first attempt on the part of a concerned midwife to alert the public to the unfortunate and highly preventable problem of maternal mortality in our country. The quilt stretched from one side of the large classroom to almost the other end. Sadly, this quilt will continue to grow and we will support Ina May in walking with this quilt through the nation's capital some day.

We had many pioneering vendors who braved the cold for the morning outside and ended up cozy and warm with other vendors inside by the afternoon. We owe everyone a big thanks for their participation and effort and we look forward to seeing the same faces again next year.

Dr. Warren Johnson, Dr. Dallas Cooley and Deborah Snarr, R.N., M.S.N, N.P. were honored at our first annual award ceremony that evening. We were pleased to offer them hand-tossed and glazed pottery from a local potter with the MOM emblem on the front. A local Irish dance school put on a fabulous show for the evenings light entertainment and we were blessed to hear Ina May speak once again of the importance of autonomous midwifery and how our group CAN change the laws in our state.

(We have to mention the *delicious* Indian food that a Stephens City restaurant made for us that evening --- if you are ever in Stephens City, stop by the convenience shop on Main St. and be prepared for a mouth-watering treat!)

Motherhood Day has given the MOM group more inspirational energy to tackle the upcoming year and we will take with us the memory of this first, special event to inspire our next event. Thank you to everyone who made it possible! All of the hard work was appreciated.

Previous information for those looking for Midwifery information from VirginiaMom.org