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CHAVAH CHATTER

Doulas In the Birth Room

26/9/2020

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​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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International Women's Day

7/3/2020

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What is International Women's Day?

International Women's Day (IWD) is celebrated annually on March 8. It's a day to recognize the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women around the globe. The day is all about unity, celebration, reflection, advocacy and action - whatever that looks like to you.

To celebrate International Women's Day 2020 our team decided to share who has been influential women in our lives. Here's what we have to say:

"My Mum has been the single most important influence in my life. As a child she loved me big and she loved me bold. She taught me to empower my voice, value my gumption and wrapped me up snug in equal parts magic and confidence. As I got older, I came to understand that she had struggled throughout her life with self advocacy and feelings of self worth, making her belief in me and her strength for me all the more precious. Now as a mum myself, I see a woman who has decided to change her stars and follow her heart. She has made a conscious choice to challenge self imposed limits and to believe in both her hopes and in herself. She quests for self love and adventure with grace and gratitude. In seeing her confront herself and constantly evolve, I am encouraged to find and be the best version of myself and to reach toward and beyond my own horizons. My Mum is not only my inspiration, my mentor and my guiding force, she is my most treasured friend." ~ Heather Rogers

"Eleven years ago at the age of 18 I moved to Canada, I was independent, excited and eager to be Canadian! Little did I know, that along the way I would meet several ladies who would build me up, inspire me, encourage me, guide me, be there for me and ultimately redefine the meaning of friendship for me. Those that know me know I am a talker, but explaining what these ladies mean to me has me at a loss for words and simply overwhelmed with gratitude. I am extremely aware of how lucky I am, to have made this handful of friendships that will last a lifetime and to consider them all as dear as family. These women who mean so much to me all lead very different lives, some live the next province over – in beautiful B.C where my Canadian journey started, some live the other side of the country, some now live the other side of the globe, and some live right here in Alberta. No matter where we are or how long since we last caught up I know they’re always a call away and we’ll always be there for one another. I met them all here in Canada and friendships like theirs are what made Canada home. ~ Letitia Madden

"The most significant woman I have in my life is my mother, Teresa. She was the one constant figure I had as a child, and while growing up she was my protector, travel partner, my safe place, both friend and enemy (mostly during driving lessons and anything involving hair) and role model. She taught me the importance of self determination, education, independence, travel, personal integrity and most importantly, the value of family. Since becoming a mother myself, she has been my sounding board, confidant, shoulder to lean on and supporter. She loves my children for who they are and I know will always be there for them whenever they need her. I admire her love and kindness towards animals, and share her inability to leave a pound/humane society without another stray.  We currently live on opposite sides of the world but that doesn’t hinder our relationship, it gives us more hilarious things to chat about. I am extremely grateful for everything she has taught me and will always feel blessed because I am her daughter." ~ Ashleigh Barlow

"My paternal grandmother is one of the strongest women I know. Her kindness, fierce love for her family and motherly ways are just a few of the countless reasons I have admired her for as long as I can remember. She is full of grace and humility. She is the Moyen family matriarch and I love her more then words can say." ~ Erin Moyen

***  ***  ***  ***  ***  ***  ***  ***  ***
Here's to strong women.
May we know them.
May we be them.
May we raise them.

Happy International Women's Day!




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12 Days of Family Fun

21/11/2019

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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/





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2018 in Review

19/3/2019

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Our team supported 30 birthing families in 2018!

The majority of our clients birthed in the Spring/Summer season and coincidentally we had an equal number of boys and girls born.

The majority of our clients were first time parents-to-be.  However 1/3 of the babies were born to repeat clients! Here's the full breakdown: 

20 - baby #1 (67%)
9 - baby #2 (30%)
1 - baby #3 (1%)


Although we supported births in many locations, 50% of births attended were at Rockyview Hospital, 20% at Foothills, 10% at South Health and 3% took place in the following locations:
  • Peter Lougheed Centre
  • Sundre hospital
  • Olds hospital
  • Arbour Birth Center
  • our clients home with midwives

77% of our clients had successful vaginal births, 17% were cesarean births and 3% were vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC). 

Lastly, 60% of our clients birthed epidural free!
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"If a doula were a drug, it would be unethical not to use it." - John H. Kennell, MD
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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!
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Maternal Anxiety risk factor for Preterm Birth

3/10/2018

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Birth Doula Support

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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>>

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Need a Milk Boost?

21/9/2018

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Lactation Cookies

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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

lactation_cookies.pdf
File Size: 297 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

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When called, we go!

19/9/2018

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Share Your Passion


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​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.

Author

If you are interested in learning more about Erin Moyen <<click here>>

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Essential Ingredient: Postpartum Doula

6/12/2017

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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:
  • opportunities for maternal self-care (sleep, nourishment + hydration, etc.)
  • self-confidence for parents (you know your baby + family best)
  • breastfeeding success (starting well means EVERYTHING)
  • reduced risk of postpartum mood disorders
  • a smoother maternal postpartum adjustment (greater satisfaction)
  • positive outcomes for the whole family (siblings, partners + extended family too)
  • lower incidence of infant abuse (less parental stress = less risk)

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
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Colostrum Collection

25/10/2017

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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:
  • induction of labour
  • planned cesarean birth
  • mothers with diabetes
  • a baby with a cleft lip/palate
  • circumstances separating mother + baby (neonatal intensive care unit (NICU)
  • infants with a higher likelihood of jaundice (Asian parentage)1
  • known medical conditions, mom or baby
  • previous breast surgery

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: 
  1. A collection means  (medi cups, shot glasses, or teaspoons)
  2. 1ml syringes for colostrum collection and storage (used to feed to baby)

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

collecting_colostrum_in_pregnancy.pdf
File Size: 215 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

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Baby Essentials

27/7/2017

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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.

Baby Essentials Shopping List
File Size: 342 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

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    In addition to CCS and supporting families during their childbearing year Erin is a mother of three busy children. In her spare time she enjoys the outdoors, reading, cooking, and globetrotting.


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