Podcast Coming Soon

Planning for two more Tandem Birth Flowers is underway, smaller in size than the one displayed at YAH Gallery. I’m excited to experiment with sizes and different fabrics. These ones might be similar in structure/pattern to the original, but I’m also planning an Iris to honor mothers who have passed due to birth complications. Sadly, there is not a consistent way of filing a death certificate for mothers who have died due to complications during pregnancy, birth, or in their postpartum period, so many of our statistics related to maternal death are skewed. 

There’s a lot to explore there, and I was inspired by the American Midwife Ina May Gaskin. She hangs quilt squares from the families who have lost mothers and often their “cause of death” ignores the fact that it was a birth complication. We cannot hope to have health care reforms when the data used to justify these needed changes are based on false and incorrect reports. 

Heaviness aside, because Iris will definitely be a weighty project for me, I have some happy news as well. 

I’m finally putting the time in to create the JB Doula Podcast. I’ll talk about all things womanhood, birth work, and the childbearing years, including art! There will be tons to dive into from my own experience as a birth worker and artist as well as interviews with moms, care providers, and vendors. I know I’m looking forward to sharing these birth stories with you as well as in-depth discussions with providers so you can have a better idea of what is available in Western PA. 

Birth matters and so does your right to know your options and make informed decisions. I hope this podcast provides a little insight into an at times rather overwhelming process of birth and parenthood. 

What is something you would like to hear more about on the podcast? If you would like to share your own story, experiences, or are a provider as well, please don’t hesitate to reach out! I’d love to connect and share with you!

As always: If anyone following along would like to donate, batting, fabric, textiles, lace, ribbons, beads, and other sewing notions: please contact You Are Here. Oh, Scrap! Is also open to the public to purchase your own materials to create something new! 

Thanks for stopping by and happy sewing!

JB