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Sierra Leone Midwives Delegation to Present at the 5th Annual International Black Midwives and Healers Conference

Portland, OR (BlackNews.com) - The International Center for Traditional Childbearing (ICTC) will host its 5th Annual Black Midwives and Healers Conference, "Rising from the Ashes; The Resurrection of a Community: Listener, Healer, Nurturer", at the elegant Phoenix Hilton Airport Hotel, in the heart of Phoenix, AZ on October 13, 14 and 15, 2006. The conference is being co-sponsored by the Phoenix Birthing Project and the New Hampshire Charitable Trust. "We are very excited about this historic collaboration and the opportunity to focus national attention on the devastating effects of infant mortality in our communities," said Shafia M. Monroe, President of ICTC.

African American babies still have the highest death rate of any race in this country. The national average death rate for white American babies is 5 per 1000 while it is 14 infant deaths per 1000 for African American babies. The black midwife has a legacy of combating this problem. Historically, she provided culturally based prenatal care, taught sound nutrition, built self-esteem, supported breastfeeding and welcomed and loved the father, keeping him connected to his growing unborn baby. The services of Black midwives are still needed. ICTC, through this educational conference, seeks to support and foster the resurgence of Black midwives who are once again filling the void.

The International Center for Traditional Childbearing (ICTC) is an African centered infant mortality prevention, pregnancy support and midwife training organization, established in 1991. Our mission is to improve birth outcomes in the black community, promote breastfeeding and increase the number of black midwives to enhance family health.

The 5th Annual Black Midwives and Healers Conference will draw healthcare practitioners from around the world including Haiti, Africa, Canada and the Caribbean. This year, participants will benefit not just from the varied workshops on prenatal care and infant mortality prevention, but also from the more interactive sessions. Sessions include a Doula Workshop where attendees learn how to help clients feel their best while pregnant and in labor, a panel discussion from the Sierra Leone Midwives Delegation and grant writing to fund vital community programs and services. They'll have an opportunity to share your birth stories by the pool, join the Barber Shop for Dads, bring cloth for the head wrapping and baby tying session, claim their intuition, and view the famous Bringin in Da Spirit Documentary, with commentary by Phyllis Rashad, and so much more. Youth may want to join the Sistah Care program, a health preparatory program for young aspiring midwives.

Once again, this year's conference will showcase some of the most renowned practitioners in the health field including Makeda Kamara, Midwife; Jewel Crawford, M.D; Barbara Feeney, MPH; Kimberly Taylor, Lactation Consultant; Roberta Eaglehorse, Doula; Shafia M. Monroe, President/CEO ICTC and many other dynamic presenters.

In addition to workshops on Friday and Saturday, this year's keynote speakers will be Dr. Kathryn Hall, Founder of Birthing Project USA, and Ina Mae Gaskin, best selling author of Spiritual Midwifery. The conference includes a celebration and Gala Banquet and Celebration on Saturday.

To register for this conference visit www.blackmidwives.org or call 503-460-9324.

CONTACT:

Sarahn Henderson

Conference Coordinator

770-997-7088

iyasarahn@yahoo.com

Shafia M. Monroe

President/CEO

503-460-9324

ICTC@blackmidwives.org

www.blackmidwives.org