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Let’s get real about Postpartum Bodies

by Dr. Sarah Winward, ND IBCLC

What’s the biggest mistake to make after giving birth?

Rushing to lose weight.

A real postpartum body

It is my biggest pet peeve, as a women, that so many of us feel such intense pressure to look model ready 24/7.

If you don’t like the way you look after spending 9 months growing your baby, I get it. Your body has been completely taken over by the process. It’s not just yours anymore. And if you believe what you see in the media, you’d think that you should have your old body back immediately after your baby is born. That plus the lack of sleep of new motherhood can leave anyone feeling like they aren’t adequate.

 

 

But what you see in the media is not reality.

Let me break it down:

Your weight gain during pregnancy consists of this:

  • Baby ~7lbs
  • Uterus 2 1/2 lb gain
  • Placenta 1 lb
  • Mother’s breasts 3 lb gain
  • Mother’s blood 4 lb increase
  • Mother’s fat 5 + lb increase
A real postpartum body

So, most of this weight isn’t even fat! It will come away on its own. You just need to give it time.

Remember too that your core has undergone significant changes. Even if you don’t have a vaginal birth, your pelvic floor and abdominal muscles have a lot of stress just from carrying baby for so long. These muscles and ligaments need time to heal.

Basically, your body needs rest and rehab. I truly believe that every pregnant person should see a pelvic floor physiotherapist.

Rushing into exercise can lead to injury, including pelvic floor complications like incontinence. No physique is worth peeing yourself.

Coming from a kinesiology background and a competitive athlete background I always tell people there is no such thing as over-training its actually under-resting.

A real postpartum body

Cutting back on calories or “dieting” can be a big problem too. Breast milk production may also be affected, but more often we see exhausted women exhausting themselves even more. Your baby needs you as nourished as possible, that means eating nourishing foods. In nourishing amounts.

Growing your baby took you 9 months, assume it will take at least that long for your body to adjust afterwards.

So, give your body the rest and nourishment it truly needs.

Your body, mind and soul will thank you in the long run.

 

A real postpartum body
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Postpartum Anxiety

Postpartum anxiety is a common mental health condition that affects many new mothers. It is characterized by excessive worry and fear that can interfere with daily activities and make it difficult to care for yourself and your newborn. While some degree of worry is normal for new parents, postpartum anxiety can cause a level of distress that is not typical and can lead to feelings of guilt, shame, and isolation.

 

It is characterized by excessive worry and fear that can interfere with daily activities and make it difficult to care for yourself and your newborn.

Unlike postpartum depression, which is well-known and discussed, postpartum anxiety is often overlooked and misunderstood.

 

The symptoms of postpartum anxiety can vary from person to person, but may include:

  • Constant worry and fear about your baby’s health and safety
  • Difficulty sleeping, even when your baby is sleeping
  • Racing thoughts or an inability to turn off your thoughts
  • Physical symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, sweating, and trembling
  • Panic attacks
  • Obsessive-compulsive behaviors, such as excessive cleaning or checking on your baby
  • Avoidance of social situations or fear of leaving the house

 

There are several treatment options available for postpartum anxiety, including:

  1. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of therapy that has been shown to be effective in treating postpartum anxiety. CBT focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors to reduce anxiety.
  2. Certain herbs, supplements and medications can also help manage symptoms. It’s important to work with your healthcare provider to find the right treatment and dosage for you.
  3. Self-care is an important part of managing postpartum anxiety and often overlooked. This can include getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditation.
  4. Joining a postpartum support group can be a helpful way to connect with other new mothers who are experiencing similar challenges.

If you or someone you know is experiencing postpartum anxiety, don’t hesitate to seek help.

 

It’s important to remember that postpartum anxiety is a treatable condition. With the right support and treatment, most women with postpartum anxiety can overcome their symptoms and enjoy their new role as a mother. If you or someone you know is experiencing postpartum anxiety, don’t hesitate to seek help. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider right away, and they can help you determine if you have postpartum anxiety and recommend appropriate management options.

Are you preparing for your best possible birth? 

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Postpartum Chills

by Dr. Ailya Patel, ND 

Giving birth is one of a person’s most transformative and profound experiences. However, it is also an intense and physically demanding process that can lead to various postpartum symptoms, including postpartum “chills.” While it is a common and expected side effect of childbirth, many women are surprised and confused when they experience it.

 

What are postpartum chills?

Postpartum chills, also known as postpartum tremors, are a common and temporary side effect of giving birth. It typically occurs in the hours following delivery and is characterized by uncontrollable shivering or trembling. Some women may experience mild shivering, while others may have more severe symptoms.

Why do they happen?

Several factors contribute to postpartum chills. One of the leading causes is the rapid drop in hormones that occurs after delivery. During pregnancy, the body produces high levels of hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone, which help regulate body temperature. After delivery, these hormone levels drop rapidly, which can cause a drop in body temperature and trigger the body’s natural response to generate heat through shivering. Additionally, the physical exertion of labour and delivery can cause fatigue and dehydration, contributing to shivering. Women who receive epidural anesthesia during delivery may also be more likely to experience it as a side effect of the medication.

Are these chills typical?

Yes, postpartum chills are a common and temporary side effect of giving birth. It typically lasts for a few hours or days after delivery and does not usually require treatment. However, if you are experiencing severe or prolonged shivering, it is always best to consult with your healthcare provider.

How can you manage it?

While postpartum chills are not usually a cause for concern, they can be uncomfortable and sometimes alarming. So here are a few tips to help manage them:
  1. Dress in warm, comfortable clothing and use blankets to keep yourself warm.
  2. Drink plenty of fluids, such as water, coconut water, electrolytes or warm tea, to help prevent dehydration.
  3. Rest as much as possible and avoid overexerting yourself.
  4. If you experience severe or prolonged shivering or have other symptoms such as fever or chills, it’s essential to consult your healthcare provider.

Postpartum chills are usually a common and temporary side effect of giving birth. While it can be uncomfortable, it is usually not a cause for concern. Always consult your healthcare provider if you have concerns about your postpartum symptoms. Remember to take care of yourself, rest as much as possible, and seek help and support when needed.
Dr. Ailya Patel, ND
Dr. Ailya Patel, ND
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A Meet and Greet with Your Downtown Doula

 

Common questions we get and our answers….

by Dr. Olivia Chubey, ND

How long have you been practicing? How many births have you attended?

Our team is a mix of varied experience from those practicing since 2002 to newer graduates.  Our collective prides itself on our collaboration and mentorship focus.  Which means that even if you work with a newer graduate, they are under the direct mentorship of a more experienced naturopathic doctor and doula, with access to them during your birth.  So no matter who you work with, you will get the benefit of the experience of our whole team.

 

 

 

What techniques do you use to help me through labor and birth?

Through our team’s experience we have created CONFIDENT BIRTH prenatal class.  This class focuses on the techniques we have found work wonders for clients. 

Additionally, as we are all naturopathic doctors we may use tools specifically under our regulated scope of practice including but not limited to: acupuncture, botanical medicine, homeopathics.

 

 

How do you involve/include my partner during labor and birth? 

It depends on their comfort level of desire in participation.  We have intake processes for both parents to see how we can best serve families in creating inclusive and family first births. Our role is not to replace your partner, but to assist them in helping you and filling in the gaps of care. 

 

 

 

Have you attended births at my birth location and what were your experiences there?

Currently we cover the following cities: Toronto, Etobicoke, Mississauga, Oakville, Brampton, Vaughn, Aurora, Newmarket, North York, Markham, Scarborough, Ajax, Whitby, Oshawa.

 

 

 

 

Do you have any other clients that have due dates near mine? Do you have a backup doula? If so, may I meet her? How often is your backup doula used?

Sometimes we do!  It depends on our caseload that month. Although it is unlikely that you will go into labour at exactly the same time as our other clients, we do have a backup team dedicated to ensuring smooth coverage in the case where your primary doula can not be present. During your on-call period you will receive information regarding who are your backup doulas, their contact information and an opportunity to meet with them.  The backup team is SO great we wish they could attend more births, but the reality is that your primary doula is highly likely to be at your birth. 

 

 

At what point in labor would we meet up? How should I contact you during labor and at what point? Is it okay if it’s in the middle of the night? Are you always on call?

We are on-call for you 24/7 starting at 38 weeks gestation. So yes – please do call us at 3am if your labour has started!  We will go over the specifics of how best to mutually communicate and reach us during your appointments.  While each client’s care is specific to them and their labour, generally, we will provide virtual support in early labour and meet with you when you are in active labour.

 

 

 

Do you stay for the entire labor and childbirth, or do you have a time limit for long births? How long do you stay after the birth?

While each client’s care is specific to them and their doula, if we are able to connect in active labour we are there until 1-2 hours after your baby is born.  We will not leave you high and dry, but we try to aim for 24 hours (without sleep…can be longer if the doula has an opportunity to rest) maximum for safety purposes. 

 

 

 

How do you feel about epidurals or any pain medication?

What matters is how you feel about them.  Our role is not to choose for you, but to learn about your needs and desires and to assist in creating a positive experience through education, emotional and physical support and advocation. 

 

 

 

 

Do you help with breastfeeding? What’s your experience and training with breastfeeding?

We do!  Your birth doula will be able to support you getting started in immediate postpartum, however we also have a dedicated lactation team, including IBCLCs that do home visits. Our lactation team are also available for prenatal lactation education.  Let your doula know if you’re interested in more support from a lactation consultant. 

 

 

 

Do you have MORE questions? Bring them to your free Meet & Greet – book here!

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Breastfeeding and Caesarian births

by Dr. Melanie Jacobson, NC IBCLC

Did you know a c-section birth can affect your breastfeeding experience? 

Caesarian births are associated with delayed lactogenesis II, meaning, a delayed transition of colostrum to breast milk or breast milk ‘coming in’.  Also, it can often lead to a delayed initiation of breastfeeding, due to the birthing parent’s recovery, comfort, and stress levels.  Under these circumstances, a parent’s commitment to breastfeeding plays a major role in its duration. And let us not forget, a caesarean birth is major surgery, and therefore the parent’s post surgery recovery and mobility must also play a role in the breastfeeding experience.  These challenges can be even more impactful if the caesarian birth came after a long exhausting labour.

But the good news is, there are ways to prepare for a c-section birth that can support your breastfeeding journey, as well as steps you can take after the birth!

Below are a few recommendations that parents can use when prepping for their caesarian birth and actions to take afterwards.

Before the birth:

 

1-Get educated on how breastfeeding works and the steps that you can take to support your experience.

Because of the potential challenges in breastfeeding after a c-section birth, it is so important for new parents to get educated before the birth and understand breastfeeding specifics so that they can pick up where the birth left off, no matter what kind of birth they have.  This detailed prenatal breastfeeding education can ideally be done in the third trimester.  Regardless of the kind of birth you have, breastfeeding education is invaluable for first-time parents.

Click here to learn more about our Prenatal Lactation course or book in for a prenatal visit with a Lactation Consultant.

2- Have your supports ready to help!

Regardless of the type of birth you have, you will need help.  Keeping your supports up to speed with your breastfeeding intentions, will also help them understand where your priorities lie once the baby arrives.  They will understand the importance of supporting the parent during the first 2 weeks postpartum as breastfeeding is being initiated. Remind them that you will need extra support with meals, everyday household chores as well as changing, diapering and bathing baby while you rest and work on breastfeeding.

3- Rest, eat and drink healthily and enjoy the days leading up to the birth.

Going into the experience feeling calm and rested may set the tone for your birth experience and certainly help with recovery. If you are having a planned c-section, speak to a birth professional to find out how your recovery can be best supported.

4- For planned caesarians, consider speaking to your OB and local IBCLC about colostrum harvesting.

Colostrum harvesting is when you hand express and freeze colostrum before the birth.  This may allow you to use the harvested colostrum at the hospital after the birth to feed baby, along with breastfeeding.  Colostrum harvesting must only be done after 37 weeks gestation and must be done under the guidance of your birthing team.

After a c-section birth:

 

1-Place the baby skin-to-skin with you in the operation room and in the recovery room whenever possible.

If you are feeling drowsy, be sure to have someone with you to help. Otherwise, the baby can be skin-to-skin with the other parent or closest support. Skin-to-skin offers both physical and emotional benefit to both the baby and the birthing parent.

2-Don’t rush your recovery.

The hospital staff will be monitoring your level of comfort and awareness until you feel confident in holding your baby on your own.  You may need some time to sit up comfortably to hold your baby.  Take your time.  Do not rush your progress.  You will be able to hold your baby comfortably, in several breastfeeding positions in a couple of days.

3-Allow baby full access to your breasts.

Along with skin-to skin, the suckling, bonding and oxytocin released by having baby latched will help to initiate your breastfeeding journey and feel calmer.

4- Support milk transition and your breast milk supply by:

  • Frequently stimulating your breasts via breastfeeding.
  • The football hold may be your best position for the first couple of days if the other holds (cross-cradle, cradle or laid back) hurt your incision. But not to worry, you will be able to try these new positions in a few days.
  • Be well versed in hand expressing. You can express colostrum even after baby has breastfed and especially if baby was not very active at the breast. A baby born via a surgical birth may be more lethargic, especially if the birth followed a long labour, so expressing your milk might be necessary in the early days.
  • Skin-to-skin is especially important in the early days so maintain this whenever possible

5- Be gentle and kind with yourself.

You just went through major surgery.  Your body will have an easier time to pick up where the birth left off by:

 

  • Resting
  • Nourishing yourself with healthy food
  • Hydrating with water and warm drinks
  • Most importantly, having your little one close by to snuggle

Lactation 101-The BEST thing you can do to prepare for Breastfeeding

An online prenatal breastfeeding course that gives you all the tools you need so you can nurse your baby confidently from birth to weaning.

Do you have a Health Benefits Plan? This course may be covered.

Click HERE to book a 15 minute call with me to find out more

 

DR. MELANIE JACOBSON, ND IBCLC Hi! I’m Melanie Jacobson. Professionally I am a naturopathic doctor and lactation consultant. Personally, I am a wife and mother of 2 amazing girls. I believe that prenatal education and early hands-on support can help new parents feel confident, connected, and empowered through their postnatal and breastfeeding journey. Background and Experience After studying at the University of Toronto and the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine to become at naturopathic doctor, I gained valuable international experience in the United Kingdom and Australia. The knowledge and experience acquired from working and living abroad has been indispensable to me as a practitioner and mother. Upon my return to Toronto, I practiced for many years as a Naturopathic Doctor. After having my own children, I received my IBCLC designation to provide lactation consultations and expanded my clinical practice to focus on postnatal wellness and lactation support to families in the west end of Toronto.

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Considering a VBAC*? You Need to Read This!

Dr. Ee Von Ling, ND

*There is a shift towards using the term TOLAC (Trial of labour after C-section) instead of VBAC (Vaginal Birth after C-section). In many ways this term is preferred, less emotionally loaded and less cumbersome than using VBAC. Thus, I will be using both VBAC and TOLAC interchangeably in this post. 

One of the very first births I attended as a new doula was a home VBAC. The parents had taken my HypnoBirthing classes and requested me to be their doula. At the time I was just so excited to be going to a home birth that I didn’t even think about the significance of this being a TOLAC.

The mother told me her birth history and the events that had led up to her c-section – “failure to progress at 9cm”. I took all her info and simply reassured her, “every pregnancy is different and so this will be a different experience than your first one”. And it was different. Amazingly different. The labour and birth progressed just like any other normal labour and birth and the mother had her successful home VBAC!

This VBAC homebirth imprinted on me that VBACs were no big deal and they were just like any other birth.

It wasn’t until I started having more conversations with pregnant clients and doctors and reading comments in mommy forums and news articles that I would realize that VBAC’s were seen as A. BIG. DEAL. Words like “highly risky”, “uterine rupture”, “endangering baby”, “dangerous for mom”, “irresponsible” almost always accompanied the VBAC discussion. It was bad enough that women had fear of normal labour and birth itself, but having a past c-section somehow put a whole other layer of fear and worry on top of that.

So I double checked the evidence and the statistics around VBAC and risks and benefits.  Contrary to the conversations, the numbers showed that a vaginal birth after a previous c-section was a reasonably safe and healthy choice for most women. The absolute risks were very low and the success rates for attempted VBACs were actually quite high. In fact, the risks for a planned repeat c-section were worse. If you’d like to learn more about the pros, cons and risks around attempting a VBAC, you can read this very excellent handout created by the Ontario Association of Midwives here.

Over the last several decades VBAC rates have gone up and down. According to US statistics, In the 1990’s about 30% of those who had a previous C-section attempted a VBAC. Today that number is about 13%. These numbers have fluctuated because of changes in the practice guidelines of obstetricians. VBAC births themselves did not become more dangerous, but practice guideline updates recommended more medical requirements in order to offer them. These changes influenced the perception and accessibility of attempting VBACs – OB’s became less supportive of them and the public developed a bigger fear of them. Understand that the risks and outcomes for those who attempt VBACs did not change in the last 40 years. 

Being able to go through a trial of labour after C-section might be a very significant and impactful choice. For some, being able to vaginally birth helps them to heal a previous birth trauma and reclaim the birth experience for themselves. As a medical industry, we should not take the personal decision to try for a VBAC lightly and we should provide unbiased information and support for that person. 


If you had a previous C-section and are now considering a VBAC for your next childbirth, here are 6 things you can do to help improve your chances of birthing your baby vaginally: 

  1. Choose a supportive provider: This might be the most important factor of all. Having a midwife improves your chances of giving birth vaginally and with fewer restrictions around VBAC. If you are not able to get a midwife, make sure your OB is VBAC supportive. How will you know if they are VBAC supportive, ask them outright: 

  • Are you supportive of VBAC?
  • What is this hospital’s TOLAC rate? How many of your own patients chose TOLAC and how many of those result in VBAC?
  • What would be your advice around increasing my chances of achieving a VBAC?

You will get a sense of their own attitudes and biases based on how they respond to these questions. 

  1. Learn techniques so you can labour at home for as long as possible: Choose a program that includes learning and practicing breathing exercises, visualizing, releasing past fears. Our clients who have been able to VBAC took HypnoBirthing classes, listened to positive birth podcasts, read books about empowered birth by Ina May Gaskin and Penny Simkin. From our own collective experience supporting our own VBAC clients, we teach a special condensed version of our  Confident Birth Prenatal Program that focuses just on the relaxation exercises and techniques to help you be calm and confident during labour.  

  1. Ensure the baby is in a good position: Head down is not enough!  Baby’s position with their back on the left side so you feel kicks or the big movements on the right (referred to as LOT) or baby’s back is in the front so you don’t feel a lot of kicks or movement elsewhere (referred to as OA) are the ideal starting positions for baby. A baby in the posterior position (or OP or “sunny side up”) may have a harder time being born vaginally. Perhaps during your previous birthing the baby was in this posterior position, which can lead to slow or arrested labour. 

There are ways to help encourage a baby to get into the ideal starting position for birth. Daily positional awareness, acupuncture, massage, chiropractic, osteopath and physiotherapy treatments may help. 

  1. Get your labour to start naturally: If you labour starts naturally, this will help you avoid further interventions that might increase the risks of a TOLAC. Speak with your midwife or doula about ways to start labour that are safe for those who’ve had a previous c-section.

  1. Try to avoid an epidural: An epidural can limit movement and slow down labour (if started early in labour). If labour slows down, then artificial oxytocin will be needed to help progress the labour. But using artificial oxytocin in someone who had a C-section increases the risk of having a VBAC (ie. scar separation). This is why learning good coping techniques and having a doula can be very helpful. That said, if you need an epidural to help you have a positive birth experience, then by all means, choose that for yourself! 

  1. If you have an epidural, use a peanut ball: Even if someone has an epidural, there are tips and tricks to help increase your chance of a vaginal birth. A peanut-ball is a peanut shaped exercise ball that can be used in a variety of positions to help open up the pelvis and positively influence the positioning of the baby as it’s being born. 


Beware the “VBAC calculator”! Recently, I have been hearing about care providers using a “VBAC calculator”. Different factors about the pregnant person are inputted into an algorithm that is supposed to predict the percent chance of having a vaginal birth. The use of this is a HUGE RED FLAG to me, and if this becomes part of routine OB and midwifery practice I fear that VBAC rates will decrease even further. 

What is wrong with these calculators? 

First, the database of information that these calculators use is from observational data of a specific patient population. The one that care providers in Toronto have been known to use is from a patient population in the United States. American birthing patients and American birth management practices are very different from the birthing patients and birth management practices in Canada. VBAC rates in the US are much lower than VBAC rates in Canada. A hospital with low VBAC rates will produce patients with low VBAC rates and vice versa. So you can already see a discrepancy in applying such a calculator on a random patient. 

These calculators are not evidence based, meaning no study has been done to test the impact of using these calculators to accurately predict actual VBAC success, we also need to study how these calculators impact decision making in both the OB and the patient. 

We are well aware that there is bias in the practice of obstetric medicine, meaning, if a care provider is personally biased in the management of a particular patient, it greatly influences the outcome for that patient. For example, if this VBAC calculator happens to calculate a low success rate, then that can influence the OB to assume that the patient’s attempted VBAC will end up in a c-section. 

Here is a link to an article that explains the research that critiques the use of VBAC calculators.

In any case, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists had this to say about VBAC calculators: “… population-based statistics cannot accurately predict an individual’s VBAC success odds….It is ill-advised to use statistics as a primary indicator when making VBAC decisions.

The role of a doula in your plan to have a TOLAC: The good news is, a doula can navigate at least 5 out of 6 of the positive factors listed. Having the presence of continuous and on-going support from a doula is supported by research to help you avoid a c-section (whether it’s your first childbirth or an attempt at a VBAC). If you are interested in learning more about how a doula could be an integral part of your VBAC team, book a free meet and greet with us today!   

Dr. EeVon Ling, ND

Want to get prepared for pregnancy, birth and postpartum? Grab our free Bump to Baby Checklist! This clear and thorough guide walks you through everything to expect from your first trimester to past your 6 week postpartum check up.

  • What tests and screenings will be offered and when
  • When to sign up for prenatal education and what types to consider
  • Things you should think about that your care provider may not mention
  • Links to helpful resources
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Birth without fear

Think about the last movie you saw that featured someone giving birth. I’m guessing there was a woman screaming, a man freaking out, and a doctor yelling “Push, push push!”

Now tell me how many of your friends are terrified by the thought of giving birth? Maybe you’re included in that group!

Popular culture does a really good job propagating the culture of fear around birth.

And that translates into our everyday lives.

You hear negativity about birth all the time. Even friends who haven’t had kids say things like “oh, you’ll be screaming for the meds” or “are you ready for your body to be destroyed”. Seriously, Sarah heard both of those things while she was pregnant.

I remember in my first maternal and newborn care class, so many of my friends whispered to each other during lecture about how scared they were.

I was scared too - how could I block out all that negativity?

But those lectures taught us about physiology. About how pregnancy is not a medical condition, it’s normal.

This drove me to look further, to learn more.

So, I dove head first into the birth world. Reading books, articles, watching videos. This lead me to a doula training. Everything confirmed what I learned in those first lectures.  

Birth doesn’t have to be scary. It doesn’t even have to be painful!

My education and understanding of physiology took away my fear.

It also got me incredibly excited! I NEEDED to learn how to help parents achieve empowering birth experiences.

Get our Top 5 Tips for LOVING Your Birth!

This lead me to HypnoBirthing. This training taught me techniques that help parents remain calm and relaxed. Techniques that work WITH our physiology, to facilitate empowering birth regardless of circumstances.

How we view things matters.

So, that crazy pop culture birth scenario doesn’t have to be my experience. It doesn’t have to be anyone’s experience.

The more I go to births, the more I see how beautiful these moments could be. Labour can be a sacred space. Parents can connect with each other and welcome their babies into warm, nurturing environments.

All of these experiences have completely change my outlook about birth. Now, I look forward to becoming a mother and naturally birthing my baby. There is no more fear.

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Reasons why you SHOULD have a doula!

What is a doula anyway? 

Doulas are companions who provide non-clinical support and care to a person during their pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period. Doulas work with people in labor, their families, and their health care team to ensure effective communication and understanding of their bodies and the many different elements of the pregnancy and birthing process. Doulas have a collective motivation to ensure that families have a secure, comfortable, positive birth experience.

Why should you consider having a doula?

Your doula’s main priority is YOU.

You may already have a few people in mind to support you on your upcoming labor and birth and the weeks and months leading up to it. Your partner, your family members, your midwife, your doctors, your nurses; they all have a role to play on your big day. However, they may not always be with you to ensure you are comforted throughout your labor and birth. A doula’s job is to provide you with physical, emotional, and informational support. Doulas make sure that expecting parents (1) feel safe and comfortable, (2) they are aware of their choices, (3) and that they are making fully informed decisions when it comes to their birthing experience. 

The same can be said for a full-spectrum doula or a postpartum doula. A full-spectrum doula offers support to people during the full spectrum of pregnancy – from preconception, to birth, to abortion, to miscarriage, to adoption, to postpartum. A postpartum doula can help people feel comfortable and confident in caring for their newborn and make sure they get enough sleep, be nourished, and take enough time for themselves to fully recover. Doulas help parents transition smoothly into parenthood.

Your doula can be a personal resource guide.

You will likely be in touch with your doula well before labor even begins. Doulas can help expectant parents process conflicting pregnancy, labor and birthing, postpartum advice and figure out what is best for them and their family.

Doulas are educators. While it can be easy to simply go online and find answers quickly, doulas are more hands-on and offer non-clinical advice that is thoughtful, non-judgmental, and specific to their clients’ pregnancy experience.

You deserve to feel confident and have constant support

Having doulas in birth and in postpartum is associated with many benefits such as (1) reduction in the incidence of C-sections, operative vaginal deliveries, and likelihood of birth complications involving mothers or children; (2) reduction in the number of low-birth weight babies; (3) reduction in the duration of labor; (4) reduction in the need for pain-relief medications; (5) increase success of breastfeeding; (6) increase parents’ satisfaction of the birth experience; (7) reduction in the incidence of postpartum mood disorders; and (8) increase new parents confidence in the care of their newborn.

While no one can possibly predict how birth unfolds (no matter how much planning and preparation are done), having continuous advocacy provides a whole other level of comfort and confidence in a person’s ability to cope and thrive. Everyone is deserving of a chance to get the support they need.

 

If you have worked with doulas before, do share with us and help spread the word. If you have questions and/or are curious about how doulas and naturopathic medicine can help you have a positive birthing experience, don’t hesitate to reach out!

 

Dr. Kim Abog, ND

 

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Getting a Handle on Prenatal Health

by Dr. Yasmin Amini, ND

Pregnancy is a time of anticipation, preparation and excitement about many things to come! Nine months worth of questions and answers is what we, at Your Downtown Doula, are here for.


The prenatal period is unique for every family!



As Naturopathic Doctors and doulas, not only do we provide education and information, we also provide therapies and treatments. The prenatal period is unique for every family, and the challenges and milestones are experienced differently. Some common areas of service during the prenatal period include and are not limited to:

  • Proper supplements: doses and brands
  • Nutritional guidance: what to eat and what to avoid
  • Exercise: beneficial positions for mom and baby, healthy movement
  • Symptom management of all things pregnancy
  • Physical therapies with acupuncture, cupping, massage

As pregnancy progresses, you may be confronted with an overwhelming amount of decision making, from labour and delivery, to baby products, physician referrals, and the list goes on! At Your Downtown Doula, we are here to help you sift through the noise of decision making and give you the information you need to feel prepared and confident heading into the next steps of your journey.

We can help you prepare with the following individualized prenatal services offered at Your Downtown Doula:

(Click the links above to get connected with support today!)


Want to get prepared for pregnancy, birth and postpartum? Grab our free Bump to Baby Checklist! This clear and thorough guide walks you through everything to expect from your first trimester to past your 6 week postpartum check up.

  • What tests and screenings will be offered and when
  • When to sign up for prenatal education and what types to consider
  • Things you should think about that your care provider may not mention
  • Links to helpful resources

Dr. Yasmin Amini ND
Dr. Yasmin offers naturopathic and doula care in English, French, Farsi and Spanish. She also has a focus in postpartum care.
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The Biggest Mistake most First Time Parents Make

by Dr. Olivia Chubey, ND

The biggest mistake most first time parents make…is that they focus too much on birth preparation and don’t put enough emphasis into what comes after.  The 4th trimester can blindside you just as much as an unexpected birth outcome.  Put both together, and it can be a serious recipe for overwhelm!


The 4th trimester can blindside you just as much as an unexpected birth outcome. 


Now don’t get me wrong, the postpartum period (where you are getting to meet your baby after waiting for so long) IS wonderful and filled with love.  It is ALSO commonly filled with anxiety, fatigue, hot flashes, discomfort, mood swings and potentially pain.  

This is why at Your Downtown Doula, our birth doulas are still oncall for you 2 weeks postpartum.  We will be there for you when your life goes through this big change.

It’s also why we offer visits and classes that aim to educate you before the baby comes, because yes, postpartum brain fog is worse than pregnant brain fog.  This way, we can teach you what to expect, what’s normal and what isn’t, and when to reach out to other professionals.  This helps you feel confident and prepared for the postpartum period.  So you can be resilient through the challenges that come your way, and not crumble under them. 


Here is who Your Downtown Doula recommends you work with in the 4th trimester:

(click the links in the headings to be connected with corresponding providers)

Lactation Consultant

WHY?
You need to feed your baby.  This is an expert on how to do so.  Yes – even if you plan on formula feeding!! They will also let you know if you need any tongue tie support.

WHEN?
ASAP after birth.  Ideally, you have a prenatal breastfeeding education class as well. 


Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy

WHY?
To avoid urinary leaking, pain with sex, to return back to exercise are just some of the reasons. Your pelvic floor did a lot of work during labour and birth, it’s important for you to rehabilitate it appropriately. It’s also still important to see this physiotherapist specialist if you had a c-section.

WHEN?
4-6 weeks after birth


Naturopathic Doctor

*All of our doulas are naturopathic doctors*

WHY?
There are a lot of body changes in the postpartum period that you may need additional support for, specifically blood work and follow up care with respect to thyroid, gestational diabetes, anemia, and addressing changes in vaginal or gut flora after antibiotics use in birth.  Can also be complimentary support in pediatric and family wellbeing settings- think sleep, food introductions, immune support

WHEN?
Ideally ongoing care starting prenatally, and checkups done routinely postpartum 


Sleep Consultant

WHY?
There are a lot of myths out there regarding baby’s sleep, it’s also an area of common frustration for most parents.

WHEN?
Ideally take a class prenatally so you are prepared for what the first few months will bring.  Physiologically, you can not start sleep training until the baby is about 4-6 months. 


Postpartum Doula

WHY? 
You may not have family or friends that are close to you, or are able to help. You may also need some assistance overnight if you are solo parenting, or your partner has to sleep full nights due to work obligations. Please note while searching for postpartum doulas there is a difference between night time and day time support, and not all postpartum doulas offer both services.

WHEN?
Any time postpartum. Can be immediate or anytime things just feel too overwhelming 


Psychotherapist


WHY?
Your brain as parents change!  With these neurological changes plus the very real life changes you undergo becoming parents you may need some extra emotional support. Studies also show that the transition to parenthood has a significant impact on your relationship! It is important to learn techniques to communicate with your partner and hold self compassion in these growth heavy times. It is also nice to know you are not alone – parent group therapy is also a great resource.

WHEN?
Can be initiated whenever you feel the need to. 


Body work

Includes massage, cranial sacral therapy, osteopath, chiropractic care, acupuncture, etc

WHY?
Nursing can take a toll on your body physically, on top of your labour recovery.  Holding your baby often may also add to pre-existing low back pain. These professionals can help ease your discomfort.

WHEN?
Initiate with any neck/back/chest/shoulder pain that exacerbates with nursing.  Or any low back pain. 


Are you preparing for your best possible birth? 

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Dr. Olivia Chubey, ND