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CHAVAH CHATTER

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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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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The Gifts That Infertility Gave Me

7/5/2017

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Guest Blog written by Shari Franks from Earthside Journeys

​May 7-13th, 2017 is Infertility Awareness Week in Canada.  It is an opportunity to bring to light the epidemic that exists for the many men, women and couples who are faced with the struggle of creating a family. 
 
This is the time to talk about the medical diagnosis that is often misunderstood.  I share my story to bring this issue to the forefront so that those who walk this path know that they do not walk alone.

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Professionally Shaped by Personal Experience

26/2/2017

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Being vulnerable is never easy yet every work day I see women, and families, in their primal and often raw state. Labour and birthing, in the newness of early parenthood or while supporting their breastfeeding journey. I see it and I am forever thankful for the privilege!

Knowing this, I thought it was high time I shared a snippet in return so last week I posted 10 Random Facts About Me.

It was only in the midst of making my list  that I realized how I've become professionally shaped (not defined!) by my personal experience. Intrigued? Allow me to explain 3 of these ways.

#1 I have a passion for supporting single moms! Whether they're solo by choice or by chance I have a heart for them. Why? It's simple really. By chance, in 2003, I found myself  alone with a not-quite-2 year old daughter and 5 month old son.

#2 Now that I have experienced pregnancy loss myself I am better able to understand and serve clients who have/will walk the same road. Every story is unique but regardless of details, I get it. I know loss is real. It is ugly. It changes families forever.

#3 From my experience birthing abroad, I recognize how  valuable postpartum support from an experienced professional truly is. It is for this reason I became a certified postpartum doula and breastfeeding support professional. Let's face it, so much happens in the early days and months yet our society offers very little support! Families are recovering from childbirth, getting to know their new baby and trying to function on little sleep. All this takes time and the journey should be simplified, honoured and supported for optimal family transitioning.


If you, or someone you know, could benefit from support in any of the capacities mentioned please feel free to have them connect with me. I am here for you!


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10 Random Facts About Me

17/2/2017

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#1.  I'm a West Coast girl!
I was born and raised on Vancouver Island. Port Alberni, B.C. to be exact. I make it a personal goal to visit at least once or more every year.

#2.  Two of our three children were born in Switzerland.
Both were born in a small village hospital under the direct care of midwives.
They are now teenagers! I still fondly recall the details of both their births.


#3. Our eldest daughter, did not speak English until she was 3.
Anika understood English but always answered in Swiss German. This made things interesting for my family when we came to  visit! I was usually involved in every conversation to translate. She is currently taking German in High School.

#4. My guilty pleasure is popcorn with lots of butter and salt.

#5. I rarely watch TV.
This began when I lived abroad. When I first moved to Switzerland I could not understand what the programs were saying (besides BBC) so I stopped watching television. In fact, even now, if it wasn't for my husband we likely would not have television in our home at all.

#6.  My pregnancy journey did not end well.
Since 2009, when our last child was born, I experienced 2 miscarriages. A twin pregnancy and another pregnancy directly after. Both in 2011. Although it took me years to get here, I now feel our family is complete.

#7.  I am in my second marriage.
My first marriage began when I was 22 years young. He was Swiss. We had 2 children together. We separated in 2006. I met Shane in 2009, we married in 2011, and now reside on an acreage with our 3 children, kittens and 2 dogs.

#8.  I have 6 tattoos
No, I do not regret getting any of them.

#9.  I am a motherless mother.
My mother passed away in 2005. She was 49 years old. It was unexpected. When I got the call I immediately flew home from Switzerland with my nearly 2 and 3 year old children. It was one of the greatest challenges of my life.

#10. My best friend is missed every single day!
We have been friends since we were 12 years old. We lived together for several years, as children and adults. She resides in Victoria, B.C. with her husband, 2 busy boys and Bernese Mountain Dog.


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    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.


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  • 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