Conference Background
Birthlight’s International Launch Conference which took place in July 2006 in Cambridge was a truly remarkable event – an unprecedented gathering of practioners and scientists whose work has changed our understanding of birth and babies.
This highly successful landmark conference focused on Visions of Infant Joy – Research and Practical Implications towards the Greater Enjoyment of Pregnancy, Birth and Babies.
Whilst we originally planned a second international conference ‘Visions of Infant Joy 2’ for 2009, after careful consideration this will now take place in 2010. Birthlight is currently undergoing very important internal changes and setting up a new key partnership with the Integrated Health Trust. We feel it is best to wait for those latest developments to take shape, allowing us to offer an even larger and better international conference in 2010. The event will become a national event which will incorporate our Annual Refresher weekend. The accent will be on the most highly sensitive periods for the well-being of the baby, of the mother, of the new family. Our main focus brings together the first trimester of pregnancy, from conception to 16 weeks, and what can be seen as the fourth trimester, from birth to 16 weeks. In this conference we want to draw greater public attention to the importance of these critical periods, in which Birthlight teachers can play an important supportive role. Indeed, there is increasing scientific evidence that points out to the connections between early pregnancy and the weeks following birth. We know that a continuity of care and support throughout the reproductive process is key in creating the best possible foundation for health and well being in communities.
In response to this awareness, Birthlight continues to innovate and pioneer new resources for mothers, babies and new families in our culture. These resources are based on a wide body of scientific research while also integrating ancient parenting practices. The unique contribution of Birthlight is to design and offer simple body based tools in response to the practical needs of new parents. Our practices facilitate and enhance transitions, adjustments and transformation at this critical time in the life cycle. In today’s world, where medical approaches to birth prevail, the promotion of infant joy and maternal well-being are of fundamental importance.
The 2009 conference brings together the contributions of eminent scientists and visionaries, which inform the Birthlight approach. At the same time, workshops will offer first hand experience of our practices within an integrated holistic framework, including: psychology, neuroscience, nutrition, yoga and infant massage across cultures.