The Lodge List & Lodges FAQ
Welcome to the Birthing Naturally Lodge List!
What is a Lodge?
A lodge documents a woman’s journey as she prepares for the life-changing experience of giving birth. It is also a place for her to share her experiences adjusting to a new baby. The tradition of birth lodges dates back several years to when the birthing naturally board only had one pregnant mama. The ladies wanted to keep all her updates in one place so they would know where to look to find out how she was doing. Today, lodges are a source of support for many ladies for their births of their babies, and are full of wonderful memories of a very special time.
Why Lodges?
The idea of women coming together to support each other in a tent or building set apart is ancient and common to many cultures. A lodge is an online version of a sacred place where women can come together to support a mama both as she prepares for birth and in the postpartum period. The word "lodge" draws up images of a peaceful, cozy cabin, rustic and close to nature--the ideal place for a woman planning a natural birth to be showered with support from other women. Therefore, a lodge is more than a journal, as the voices of the supporters play a significant role in the lodge experience.
When are Lodges Started?
Lodges are started when the mother-to-be is 36 weeks along and they continue until she is approximately 1 month postpartum. Occasionally, if we think a mama is very likely to give birth early, we may start it early for her.
How do I get a Lodge?
Anyone can start a lodge, so if you notice a member is in need of one, please feel free to open her lodge for her! If you are new to the board and want to be sure you’ll get a lodge, request to have your info added to the TTC/EDD/New Arrivals List.
Will Old Lodges be Destroyed by the Board Pruner?
Admin understands that our lodges are very important to our members and they have taken great care to provide a way to allow us to keep lodges. However it is a good idea to save a copy of your lodge to your own computer (see below). About one month after your baby is born, the board hosts will move your lodge to the Birth Stories and "Lodges" board, which will not be pruned, allowing these threads to be permanently archived. Beginning on post #3 of this thread, we have links to archived lodges, dating back to the 2007 switch to the v-bulletin system. This thread helps us keep track of the lodges and make sure they get moved to the archive board. If your lodge is not on the list and should be, please pm one of your hosts (Brittany/mrsmangobabe, Christy/Mom2ThreeKiddos, or Mindie/TyrantOfTheWeek) with a link to the thread, and we'll be sure it gets added.
How do I Save a Copy of My Lodge?
We strongly encourage everyone to save their own copy of their lodge. Here is how you can save it to your computer: Open the thread. At the top, use the thread tools and select "show printable version". Next choose "Save As" under the File link at the top left of the browser window -- naming the file whatever you wish - such as "Lodgeforbabyx" and saving in a safe spot on your computer (or backup hard drive.) You can also print it out in a hard copy if you prefer. The formatting doesn't all copy over perfectly, but it a good idea to have it saved so you'll always have it, no matter what happens on the site.
