Parenting crisis? No worries

You’re pregnant for the first time and you have no idea what to do? Call Marsha. You’re five months along and have a concern that you now crave chocolate-covered pickles? Call Marsha. Your husband is locked in the bathroom because he just found you’re having triplets? Call Marsha.

If you think you can stump Marsha Bidwell with a question about parenting, just give it a try. The childbirth education consultant has seen it all.

“I have personally attended more than 350 full-length labors and deliveries, as well as more than 100 C-sections,” Bidwell said. “And I remember each and every one of them. You should see my Christmas cards!”

Bidwell moved to Maricopa recently from Bakersfield, Calif., where she worked 10 years as a doula. If you’re not familiar with the term, a doula assists expecting parents in all non-medical aspects of having a baby, both physically and emotionally.

Having relocated to Maricopa, Bidwell has set up practice as a childbirth educator and lactation consultant. Her office is your home; she comes to you. But her expertise is not limited to childbirth consulting.

“I educate parents on everything from pregnancy to preschool,” Bidwell said. “You need an education to do most any type of job, even to drive a car, but there is no experience or education to become a parent? We have to change that.”

One of the reasons that Bidwell chose Maricopa to start her business is there are so many new families in the area. “I know I have to earn the trust of families here,” Bidwell said. “There is no greater honor than to be asked to be at the birth of a parent’s child.”

To define just exactly what Bidwell can do for parents is difficult because it really depends upon the parent. “I support parents 24 hours a day. They can call me any time from anywhere,” she said.

Besides consulting, Bidwell also offers specific weekend education opportunities such as Daddy Bootcamp and new parent classes. Bidwell offers special rates for new parents.

“Seeing the family together after the birth of their first child is the most amazing experience. This is their moment. To share in it is priceless.”

For more information, call 661-319-1226 or e-mail Bidwell at [email protected].

(This story previously appeared in the December issue of InMaricopa News.)

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