Belly Mapping & the Art of Palpation

hands-on-belly2Facilitated by Patty Brennan, Amanda Topping, Amanda Howell, Kate Stroud, and Barbara Robertson.

Pregnant Women & Partners, Doulas, Aspiring Midwives . . . this fun, hands-on class is for you! Participants will practice “belly mapping” with pregnant mothers and learn the basics of the lost art of palpation (determining the baby’s position in utero using our hands and senses). Belly mapping is a fun technique of engaging the pregnant mother in the process of “mapping,” or drawing on paper, her baby’s position. Fetoscopes will be available for listening to fetal heart tones as we “tune in” to the baby. If your baby is near term and not optimally positioned for labor and birth (such as breech or posterior), we will provide information on a range of non-invasive methods that encourage rotation. Participating expectant mothers should be at least 30 weeks pregnant.

Our pregnant moms will be the center of loving attention in a group of women who LOVE to hang out with pregnant women! This activity is not invasive, beyond gently putting hands on your bare belly. If you become uncomfortable, or if you’ve had enough, you can simply opt out at any time. For modesty sake, you may want to wear a two-piece outfit for easy exposure of your belly.

2010 Schedule

Nothing scheduled at this time. Join our email opt-in list on the homepage and we’ll let you know if we add a summer or fall class.

The “Belly Mapping” concept was developed by Gail Tully, found at SpinningBabies.com. Gail recently published The Belly Mapping Workbook with in-depth discussion and pictures. The book has 48 pages, over 100 illustrations and photos, and a cool transparency with the Fetal Compass Rose ($14.95, plus shipping and handling).