 Good thing we are a team of experienced Doulas! We are used to practicing patience as we wait for babies. That being said, never in our wildest dreams did we imagine practicing our "pause" for COVID-19.
Since mid March our profession has been on quite a rollercoaster! Pre-COVID Birth Doulas were welcome in all area hospitals, with all the unknowns of the novel coronavirus we were out, and currently we are back in! If you have been considering Birth Doula support but weren't sure of our status here's what you need to know about in hospital support.
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 At this time of year there always seems to be a plethora of preparation to be done, yet family fun should take precedence! Knowing this, our team has put together a list of family focused activities just for you! We sincerely hope you have fun and enjoy a wonderful holiday season. Here's our list of Family Fun Activities:
12 Family Activities for the Christmas Season 1. Heritage Park – “Once Upon a Christmas” When: November 23 – December 22, 2019 (Saturday & Sunday) Time: 9:30AM – 4:00PM Where: 1900 Heritage Drive S.W., Calgary, AB, T2V 2X3 Cost: $5.70 - $11.00 per person Website: https://www.heritagepark.ca/plan-your-visit/event-calendar/once-upon-a-christmas 2. Calgary Zoo for “Zoo Lights” When: November 22, 2019 – January 4, 2020 Time: 6:00PM – 9:00PM Where: 210 St. George’s Drive NE, Calgary, AB, T2E 7V6 Cost: $14.95 - $19.95 per person Website: https://www.calgaryzoo.com/zoolights 3. Skate with Santa – Olympic Oval When: November 23, 2019 Time: 1:00PM – 4:00PM Where: Olympic Oval, 288 Collegiate Blvd NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 4V5 Cost: $15 per family or $5 per person Website: https://alumni.ucalgary.ca/events/skate-santa 4. Aspen Crossing – “Polar Express Train Ride” When: November 22 – December 24, 2019 Time: 4:30PM, 6:30PM & 7:30PM options Where: Mossleigh, AB (1km west of Mossleigh, Alberta, on Highway 24) Cost: $128 - $370 per set (see website for info) Website: https://www.aspencrossing.com/polar-express 5. Noel Indoor Light Park and Christmas Market When: November 28 – December 31, 2019 Time: 2:00PM – 10:00PM (see website for info) Where: 1410 Olympic Way SE, Calgary, AB, T2G 2W1 Cost: $15.99 - $21.99 per person or $64.99 per family Website: https://noelchristmas.ca/ 6. Spruce Meadows Christmas Market When: November 22-24 & November 29-December 1, 2019 Time: 10:00AM – 7:00PM Friday & Saturday, Sunday closed @ 5:00PM Where: Spruce Meadows, 18011 Spruce Meadows Way SE, Calgary, AB, T2X 4B7 Cost: $12 per person ($2 off when purchased online) Website: https://www.sprucemeadows.com/christmas_market.jsp 7. Lions’ Festival of Lights – Confederation Park When: November 30, 2019 – January 8, 2020 Time: 6:00PM - midnight Where: Confederation Park, 24th Avenue NW + 14th Street NW, Calgary, AB Cost: FREE (donations accepted online) Website: https://www.lionsfestivaloflights.ca/ 8. Airdrie Festival of Lights When: December 1 – December 31, 2019 Time: 6:00PM – 9:00PM Where: Nose Creek Valley Museum, 1701 Main Street S, Airdrie, AB, T4B 1C5 Cost: FREE (donations accepted) Website: https://airdrielights.com/ 9. Tobogganing and Sledding Where: multiple locations in Calgary, Alberta Cost: FREE https://www.calgary.ca/CSPS/Parks/Pages/Locations/Tobogganing-and-sledding.aspx 10. Breakfast with Santa When: November 30 – December 1, 2019 Time: 9:00AM – 11:30AM Where: Lougheed House, 707 13th Avenue SW, Calgary, AB, T2R 0K8 Cost: $45 - $55 per person or $175 for a family of 4 Website: https://lougheedhouse.com/christmas/ 11. CP Holiday Train When: December 5 – 11, 2019 Time: times available on website Where: multiple locations in Alberta, see website Cost: FREE Website: https://www.cpr.ca/holiday-train/schedule-canada 12. Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra - Sounds of the Season: On the Road When: November 27 & 28 + December 3, 18 & 19 Time: 7:30PM Where: multiple locations in Calgary, AB Cost: $25 - $35 per person Website: https://calgaryphil.showare.com/
Summary posted by Erin Moyen, Director of Chavah Childbirth Services Inc.
Special thanks to Gianella Pana, local birth doula + researcher, for turning our annual stats into this amazing infographic! Birth Doula Support
re: Maternal Anxiety as a Risk Factor for Preterm Birth Did you know Pregnancy-specific anxiety (PSA) is a risk factor for preterm birth (PTB)? Mamas with anxiety during the prenatal period, specifically concerns such as fear regarding the pregnancy, delivery, and health of the child, have a higher risk of delivering their baby before 37 weeks gestational age. Just like how births are all different, research studies also have their own differences. Different processes and different outcomes. The study my research team worked on was a Systematic Review and Meta Analysis on studies that looked at anxiety in the prenatal period and the outcome of preterm birth (PTB). We took these studies and their results and not only compared them but also combined them to determine if the relationship between PSA and PTB remained statistically significant, and it did. While working on this research project and during the process of writing the manuscript to be published in a scientific journal, I was not aware of the work of Doulas. My research does not look at Doulas and their work impacting PSA, however, with my knowledge and experience since that time I can see that Doulas really matter! The prenatal visits, continuous support, the ability to provide information to the client, and suggestions for prenatal classes and a Birth Doulas knowledge of childbirth gives pregnant Mamas the confidence they require to care for themselves and their babies during the prenatal period. There are many risk factors that can cause preterm birth (PTB), but in helping alleviate pregnancy-specific anxiety (PSA) we may have a hand in decreasing their risk for PTB, and in turn preventing health issues that plague babies born too early. Contributor: Gianella Pana is a Birth Doula serving Chestermere, Calgary and Airdrie families. To read her published research paper <<click here>> Lactation Cookies
It has been said for many generations, and around the world, that herbal remedies can increase milk supply.
Does it work for all women? I don't imagine it does because we are not all created equal! But why not give it a try and YOU tell us! We'd love to hear from you! As an experienced Lactation Specialist + Educator I have assisted many women that have used this do no harm Lactation Cookies recipe. Want to try it too? Here's our FREE recipe download. Happy Baking! xx 
Share Your Passion
Who knew? In fact, if someone would have told me this would be my life, I undoubtedly would've laughed out loud. As a small child I was "sick" if I had to speak or perform in front of any one. In high school, I skipped every class that I needed to present something in. Just the very thought of standing at the front of a classroom made my knees weak, my palms sweat and my heart race. Frankly said, it was crippling! Fast forward to today... NEVER, I repeat.. NEVER in a million years did I imagine I'd be the one educating parents-to-be in group childbirth education classes, training aspiring doulas as a DONA-approved Birth Doula Trainer or most recently, that I'd be called on by peers to apply for a Board of Directors position with DONA International the world's premier doula organization. I know, I know! How did this happen? Honestly, my answer is straight forward. I am living my dream and sharing my passion. When we are called, we go! It's just that simple. AuthorIf you are interested in learning more about Erin Moyen <<click here>> There seems to be so much conversation about postpartum mental health and the challenges of motherhood circulating. Even with so much talk one essential ingredient is always missing. The importance of a POSTPARTUM DOULA
Postpartum doula support, from birth, is an essential ingredient for women's health - emotional, physical + mental! Starting out well as new parents (or "new parents again"), no matter who you are, can make a world of difference! Who doesn't want to start well?! Professional in-home support gets new families started on the right foot by promoting greater self-confidence, and less postpartum stress for the whole family. If you don't have family near this is an ideal option for you. If your parent(s) have passed on postpartum support would likely be welcomed support. If parents, or other family, is close but you don't want them to "take over" or share their well meaning (yet outdated) advice a postpartum doula will be a wise alternative. So what exactly is a Postpartum Doula? ...let me begin by saying it is NOT your mother, friend, sister, neighbour, cousin, etc. A postpartum doula is an experienced maternal-infant support professional that will provide you with evidence-based information, non-judgmental support and companionship, assist with newborn care, family adjustment, meal prep, light household tasks and information on infant feeding and community resources when needed. It's been proven over + over that postpartum support promotes the following:
Motherhood shouldn't equal sleep deprivation that threatens your sanity or the continuous sacrificial act of neglected self-care like brushing your teeth, showering, and getting dressed. You and your family deserve quality nourishment + hydration, gentle guidance, peace of mind from an up-to-date baby guru and evidence-based information for this important stage of life. Did I mention our postpartum doulas offer day, night and multiples (twins + triplets!) support? To learn more click here  Did you know you can begin collecting colostrum in pregnancy? Around 37 weeks is the perfect time for most mothers-to-be to begin. Disclaimer: It is always best to check with your health care provider prior to beginning. Prenatal colostrum collection is most beneficial when families are/will experience these circumstances:
As you begin, please remember that 2-7ml of colostrum is an adequate feed for a newborn baby. You do not need to remove much from the breast to feed your baby well. Colostrum is nutrient dense and the PERFECT food for a new baby! Learning how to hand express is a "triple P skill" best mastered with practice, patience and perseverance. Colostrum is thick and sticky, like syrup, it is best removed with hand expression, not a breast pump. Before you get started you will require the following supplies:
Dr. Jane Morton's video will assist your learning how to effectively hand express: https://med.stanford.edu/newborns/professional-education/breastfeeding/hand-expressing-milk.html Another resource to print + review prior to beginning hand expression is the PDF below.2 Sources: 1 https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapediatrics/fullarticle/191624
 It is CRAZY! We completely agree with you. Shopping for essential baby gear can be completely overwhelming and one of the most challenging things about the third trimester. Not only do baby products and styles vary, the brand choices and colours are infinite too! As parents-to-be we imagine you want to get this right. First of all, please don't worry. We are here to make this an enjoyable time for you. For a stress free experience download a copy of our Baby Essentials Shopping List.
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