Changes for Bodies for Birth

Dear Friends,

I hope this finds you feeling well and enjoying optimism and health in this new year. I apologize for the silence from my end during this transitional phase. It’s time that I bring you up to speed.

As you may remember, in November, I unexpectedly lost access to the group class space at Outrageously Fit. I spent the next month visiting various other locations and nothing felt quite right. I began to pursue the idea of getting my own space for Bodies for Birth. I wrote a 40 page business plan, projected financials and found the perfect location in Phinney Ridge. The building owner was ecstatic to welcome Bodies for Birth, but sadly, we were unable to secure funding to move forward. It was heartbreaking to let go of this space and possibility.

While this was all happening, my family also endured a devastating loss. My sister, Alli, began having pregnancy complications at 19 weeks and was admitted to the hospital on bed rest. I flew to Alabama to be with her. While I was there, we sadly lost her son, Finn, during pre-term labor. I was by her side throughout it all. The grief that we have experienced is unspeakable and is compounded by a very traumatic labor and delivery experience.

In the weeks that have followed, there has been excruciating pain and change for us all. The healing is happening too, as we reach out to and rely upon our expansive and loving network of support-including some of you-thank you!

I find myself very introspective these days and in doing so, I am being strongly called to return to the bedside to practice as a Labor and Delivery Nurse. If I can help to create a more therapeutic and loving birth experience for even one family experiencing loss, it will be worth it. I hope to work part-time in this capacity.

My long term vision for Bodies for Birth has not changed; it is simply evolving. I have negotiated a return to Outrageously Fit in Ballard where I will continue to offer all of my one-on-one services-effective this week.

I hope to offer prenatal and postpartum small group training in the near future as well-also at Outrageously Fit. These small group training sessions will be more individualized than group classes, utilizing varied equipment and featuring circuit training as well. I think we will have lots of fun!

Thank you for patience during my silence, for reading this update and for your ongoing support and loyalty to BfB.