Welcome to the Circle of Hope (COH), also known as the Birth Mother's Network (BMN). The COH/BMN was founded in 2004 by NOFAS Vice President Kathy Mitchell. It is a network of women who have consumed alcohol during pregnancy and may have a child or children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). Members are lovingly referred to as "Warrior Moms" because of their incredible strengths. Many of the women are in recovery from alcoholism, or alcohol and drug addiction. However, the network also includes women without the disease of addiction, but who drank alcohol during pregnancy.
The women of the COH/BMN support one another in recovery and/or through the challenges of parenting a child with FASD. They serve as mentors to one another, and collectively seek to overcome the stigmatization of alcoholism, addiction and FASD.
Welcome Video with Kathy Mitchell. View on Youtube
NOFAS is seeking to collect information from women who used alcohol or illicit drugs while pregnant. Click here to complete an anonymous survey.
COH/BMN Overview
12 Steps for Birth Mothers of Children with FASD
News
Warrior Mom Stories
Member Interviews
Articles and Essays
Resources
Photo Gallery
Join the COH/BMN
Find a Mentor
Contact COH/BMN founder Kathy Mitchell to learn more about mentorships.
The COH/BMN is supported by the SAMHSA Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) Center for Excellence.
Circle of Hope Birth Members Network meets for a two-day training in Florida.
Peggy C., Arlene W., Lydia C., Laura P., Julie G, Reba H., Cathy M., Carol P., Kathy T.M., Karen O.,
Barbara L., Melissa Y., Yolanda R., Julene Z., Marion D., and Jody B. |
COH/BMN Founder Kathy Mitchell (third from left) and members of the COH/BMN at a 2009 meeting in Canada. |
COH/BMN members at the 2010 summit in Orlando, FL. |
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