Wear BirthNetwork National shirts out in public. Tell people what BirthNetwork National is about! You mayorder BirthNetwork National products through Café Press:
Endorse the Coalition for Improving Maternity Service’s“Mother-Friendly Childbirth Initiative.”
Educate yourself on ALL of your options for birth.
Share your positive birth stories with anyone that is interested. Encourage other mothers and fathers to do the same.
If you've recently given birth, go toThe Birth Surveyand take the survey -- and then pass this along to any of your friends that may be eligible to fill out the survey as well.
Sign up to help get maternity intervention statistics from your state public health department -- contact [email protected].
Be positive and encouraging to every pregnant woman that you encounter. Wish her well in her birth experience. Mention that BirthNetwork National is a resource to learn more about her options.
Offer to share your birth and/or breastfeeding experiences with local childbirth education classes, breastfeeding support groups (La Leche League), and mothers groups.
Offer to become a “breastfeeding mentor” to pregnant family members, friends,co-workers, etc.
Write to your medical care providers about the quality of your birth experience.
Seek out insurance that covers “alternative” care.
Breastfeed in public, wherever you want to, whenever you need to.
Refuse “free” formula samples given out by hospitals and doctors offices. Offer to educate them on supportive breastfeeding policies and what “mother-friendly” and “baby-friendly” care is all about.
Write letters to the editor (magazines, newspapers, etc.) to encourage them to promote normal birth and the midwifery model of care.
Distribute BirthNetwork National brochures and mother-friendly Resource Guides within your community.
Find out if your local library displays and distributes your BirthNetwork National chapter'sBirth and Beyond Provider Resource Guide. If not, offer to keep your library stocked.
Find out if your local OB-GYN, Midwife, Chiropractor, Pediatrician, etc. displays and distributesBirthNetwork’s Birth and Beyond Provider Resource Guide. If not, offer to bring them a steady supply to keep in stock.
Purchase books or videos for your local BirthNetwork National chapter's Book and Video Lending Library.
Keep up-to-date on birth and breastfeeding-related legislative issues within local and national government. Write letters of support or protest to your local legislators and make sure your opinions are heard.
Consider volunteering with BirthNetwork National–either within a local chapter or on the national Board.