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National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, Protecting children and families by fighting the leading known cause of mental retardation and birth defects
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“I first became aware of FAS in 1973, when I was a school nurse in an elementary school in Washington D.C. I had a 5 or 6-year-old child who did not seem to be doing well in school, did not grow, and had very unusual facial characteristics. The school counselor and I were very concerned. It was at that time that I happened to go to a conference at Howard University, where I learned about fetal alcohol syndrome, and I have to say that it was an eye-opener that changed my life.”
Joyce Day

Circle of Hope (Birth Mother's Network)

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.

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

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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.

COH/BMN founder Kathy Mitchell (third from left)
and other members at a 2009 meeting in Canada.

COH/BMN members at the 2010 summit in Orlando, FL.

 

 

 

Copyright 2001-2004 National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome