Exploring new topics and discovering fresh ways to support our clients is something I truly enjoy. Last meetup we focused on the brain of the pregnant person and how depression, anxiety, and stress affects baby's development. For the next Birth Connection meetup, I am excited to continue exploring a related topic: how to nurture a baby’s brain. We will be diving into the science of baby's brain development during pregnancy and early childhood. From understanding how stress impacts growth to fostering emotional connection, we will take a look at evidence-based insights that are practical and empowering.
Who: Birthworkers + Adjacent Fields
What: Brain Rules for Baby by John Medina
When: Wednesday, February 19th @ 5:30pm
Where: American Eat Co (1439 S 4th Ave, Tucson, AZ 85713)
Why: Join us for opportunities to connect within the Tucson birth community & dive deep into topics for Birthworkers related to all things reproduction, pregnancy, birth, postpartum, etc.
The book will be Brain Rules for Baby: How to Raise a Smart & Happy Child from Zero to Five by John Medina (you can check them out on their website).
Why This Topic Matters
Understanding the way a baby’s brain develops during pregnancy and early childhood is essential for anyone involved in the birth and parenting journey. Brain Rules for Baby by John Medina explores the science behind nurturing a baby’s growing brain, providing insights that are both fascinating and practical. This book dives into topics like how stress impacts development, the role of emotional connection, and how caregivers can foster healthy brain growth. For parents, this knowledge can guide informed decisions, create stronger bonds, and set the foundation for a child’s lifelong well-being.
The Role of Birthworkers and Doulas
As birthworkers, we are uniquely positioned to offer guidance that goes beyond labor and delivery. Our clients often turn to us for advice about parenting, bonding, and managing the challenges of early parenthood. Understanding the rules outlined by Medina will allow us to help equip parents with tools and knowledge to navigate the early stages of parenting confidently. By sharing evidence-based insights, we can play a key role in helping parents feel prepared to nurture their baby’s brain development from day one.
By understanding the science presented in Brain Rules for Baby, we can:
Support stress management: Help families recognize how stress during pregnancy and postpartum affects both the birthing parent and the baby’s development, and provide strategies for creating a calm, supportive environment.
Encourage emotional connection: Share ways to foster secure attachment between caregivers and their baby, such as responsive caregiving and skin-to-skin contact.
Provide practical tips: Offer evidence-based suggestions on topics like sleep, discipline, and early learning, all rooted in brain development research.
Advocate for balance: Remind parents that they don’t need to be perfect. Small, consistent efforts to create a loving and low-stress environment are what matter most.
Equipped with this knowledge, we can extend our role as advocates, educators, and compassionate listeners, helping families feel more confident to handle the joys and challenges of parenting.
What to Expect from the Discussion during Birth Connection
At February’s Birth Connection meetup, we’ll dive into the key takeaways from Brain Rules for Baby. This discussion will provide a space for both learning and sharing experiences. Here’s what you can look forward to:
Highlights from the book: We’ll cover Medina's "Brain Rules" and what the research says.
Practical applications: Discussion on how these principles can be implemented in real-life situations.
Open dialogue: As always, our Birth Connection meetups are about community. We’ll encourage open sharing of insights, questions, and personal experiences to enrich our collective understanding.
Whether you’re a seasoned birthworker, a new doula, or simply curious about this topic, this discussion promises to deepen your knowledge and leave you feeling inspired to support brain-healthy parenting practices. We can’t wait to hear your thoughts and insights as we explore how to nurture babies’ brains from the very beginning.
I look forward to having you join in for this important and eye-opening discussion. Bring your thoughts, questions, and personal experiences—I cannot wait to explore this topic with you!
Where You Can Get the Book:
On their website
On Amazon as a paperback, kindle, or audiobook
The Pima County Public Library does not have any physical copies.
Via eBook & audiobook on the Hoopla app if you have a Pima County Public Library card.
Check Out These Additional Resources:
John Medina's website
Local Postpartum Resources (in Tucson area)
Pima County Parenting Coalition (PCPC) - Parenting Classes
Casa de los Niños
Child & Family Resources
Strong Families AZ
Other Resources
This meetup is open to all birthworkers and individuals who may directly or indirectly work with pregnant or postpartum people. I encourage everyone read the book and to try to look at some of the additional resources above to further our discussion for February's meetup. However, even if someone is not able to, you are still more than welcome to come. This is a fantastic way to connect with fellow Tucson birthworkers and learn from each other.
Reminder: Birth Connection is intended to be an inclusive & safe space where difficult topics may come up that push us and are inclusive of the entire birth community. Please be mindful of your words and actions and always be respectful of others.
***If you are interested in joining us, please RSVP by emailing me.***
Disclosures
- ChatGPT / AI was used to help create this content.
- None of the links in this blog are affiliate links.
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