Chavah Childbirth Services
  • ABOUT US
    • Our Story
    • Erin Moyen
  • SERVICES
    • Birth Doula >
      • Packages
    • Postpartum Doula
    • Breastfeeding Support >
      • Support Packages
    • Family Sleep Support
  • CLASSES
    • Group Childbirth Classes
    • Private Childbirth Classes
    • Childbirth Refresher Class
    • Breastfeeding Class
    • Birth Planning 101
    • Men @ Birth
  • CONTACT
  • Doula Training
    • DONA-approved Training
    • Continuing Education
  • COMMUNITY
    • Cochrane Pregnancy Resources
    • Calgary Pregnancy Resources
  • BLOG

CHAVAH CHATTER

Doulas In the Birth Room

26/9/2020

0 Comments

 
Picture
​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.


Read More
0 Comments

International Women's Day

7/3/2020

0 Comments

 
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!




.

0 Comments

2018 in Review

19/3/2019

0 Comments

 
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!
Picture

"If a doula were a drug, it would be unethical not to use it." - John H. Kennell, MD
​
Picture

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!
0 Comments

Maternal Anxiety risk factor for Preterm Birth

3/10/2018

0 Comments

 

Birth Doula Support

Picture

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>>

0 Comments

When called, we go!

19/9/2018

1 Comment

 

Share Your Passion


Picture

​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>>

1 Comment

Essential Ingredient: Postpartum Doula

6/12/2017

0 Comments

 
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
0 Comments

ELLIE EARS POSITIONAL SUPPORT PILLOW

1/7/2017

0 Comments

 
Picture
Chrissy is a busy momma of 4, Registered Nurse and former birth doula. We are excited to have her share her mompreneur side and the reason why ELLIE EARS were created.

Guest blog by Chrissy Mouland

There are so many things to do and know as a new or expecting parent, and a ton of new products out there designed to “make life easier”. But how do you know what you really need, how do you know what will “work” as it is promised, how do you know what to spend your money on? At Ellie Ears we strive to make it easy for you, to answer all your questions, so that you may make the decisions that fit best for your family.

We have created a product that blends function with style. As a momma of four, I understand the difference between WANTS and NEEDS. We WANT those essential items to be beautiful and fun and reflect the style of families today, and NEED them to be safe, practical and durable. Our iconic Ellie Ears positional support pillow leads the way in all these departments. We use 100% cotton fabrics, designed in Canada, and Ellie Ears are manufactured right here in Calgary.

OUR WHY
My eldest daughter had plagiocephaly, “a flat spot”, which was not noticed early, and later considered minor, it went untreated. Seemingly minor to most, this was unfair to a preschooler who loved to play dress-up but could never “complete her outfit” as she has never been able to wear a headband with comfort.
 
After my third babe was born I was gifted a support pillow by our chiropractor. With long drives to and from the family farm and what would be 2 babies who hated their carseats, the pillow became a blessing in assisting them to be more comfortable. After gifting a few to friends and hearing their satisfaction, I researched everything similar in function on the market. There was nothing readily available, made in Canada at a reasonable price point, and backed with research. I gathered feedback from moms and pediatric professionals, including chiropractors, physiotherapists and midwives, and designed a pillow to meet multiple needs - with the purpose of preventing conditions such as “flat spots” and “tight neck muscles” (torticollis) by providing positional support head, neck and spine, with the hope that every little girl will be able to wear her crown proudly and comfortably.


Read More
0 Comments

Infertility. The other side of support..

11/3/2017

0 Comments

 
Shari Franks from Earthside Journeys sheds light on the other side of support in this post. She shares snippets from her personal travels through infertility and provides helpful tips on how to support families undergoing fertility treatments and yearning to be parents.
Guest Blog by Shari Franks
Support from friends and family while maneuvering through the journey of infertility and fertility treatments is essential in order to help smooth the path of uncertainty and fear.  It helps keep the hope alive when faced with the various obstacles and struggles individuals and couples encounter throughout every test, medication and procedure. Unfortunately, the kind of support needed is often not what is given.
 
For the most part, my husband and I had amazing loving support throughout our 4 year journey of fertility treatments but we were taken aback when the lack of support was present from various people we assumed would be the light in our darkness.


Read More
0 Comments

2013 summer camp "birth"

12/2/2017

0 Comments

 
Picture
It was my summer off work, yet my brain was stuck on repeat reciting the Canadian breastfeeding statistics and our local challenges over and over and over again...

I lay on my camp bunk, my 3 children sleeping around me. "Lights out" seemed like forever ago, what time was it? Why wouldn't my brain just shut-off?

Like a ninja, trying not to wake children, I reach for my phone. Knowing Melissa is just as passionate about maternal-infant health I type my thoughts and hit send.

That night she did more than understand my late-night madness, she jumped on board and together we "birthed" a Breastfeeding Circle via text message! You can meet Melissa and learn more about the original Breastfeeding Circle here

Since then, we have both relocated and the original Breastfeeding Circle of Grande Prairie is no longer.

However I am still committed to providing breastfeeding support to mothers and mothers-to-be.

I facilitate the Breastfeeding Circle, in Cochrane, on Friday mornings at the Parent Link Centre  and offer private Breastfeeding Support on Tuesdays from the Shifra Centre for Wellness.




0 Comments

    Author

    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.


    Categories

    All
    Breastfeeding
    Community
    Family Life
    Healthy Pregnancy
    Labour And Birth
    Personal Musings
    Prenatal Education
    Recipes

    RSS Feed

Services

Classes
Birth Doula Care
Postpartum Doula
Breastfeeding Support

​SupporT

Office Hours:
Monday - Friday    8:30am - 3:30pm
tel. 587.225.9595
email: info@chavahchildbirthservices.com

LOCATIONS

Serving the greater Calgary area, including Calgary, Cochrane, Airdrie and Mountain View County.
© COPYRIGHT 2022. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
  • ABOUT US
    • Our Story
    • Erin Moyen
  • SERVICES
    • Birth Doula >
      • Packages
    • Postpartum Doula
    • Breastfeeding Support >
      • Support Packages
    • Family Sleep Support
  • CLASSES
    • Group Childbirth Classes
    • Private Childbirth Classes
    • Childbirth Refresher Class
    • Breastfeeding Class
    • Birth Planning 101
    • Men @ Birth
  • CONTACT
  • Doula Training
    • DONA-approved Training
    • Continuing Education
  • COMMUNITY
    • Cochrane Pregnancy Resources
    • Calgary Pregnancy Resources
  • BLOG