Alberta Birth and Wellness

Birth can he a powerful revolution against a system ridden of oppression.

It is vital to remember that gynecology was invented by a torturing slave owner and that the instruments and tools of gynecology reflect that. [look up Anarcha, Lucy, and Betsey, the slaves he experimented on] The exam table is a method of dehumanizing patients, taking everything out of the view of the provider except for the v***a and va**na. The process of using stirrups takes power and strength away from the patient, making them feel like they're falling off the table and focusing on trying to stay afloat rather than recognizing what is being done to them and deciding whether or not they consent to the exam. first started talking publicly about not using stirrups a few years back and I credit her with the shift in practice that is slowly, glacially happening.
Research re-confirms what we know - pelvic exams only help in specific situations. We don't need to "take a look and make sure everything is ok" we don't need to "just check" in the va**na. Speculum and bimanual exams are only needed for very specific scenarios and using them for other reasons is abusive. I take pride in bringing conscientiousness, respect for individuality, an attempt at anti-racism, anti-classism, a broader understanding of gender, and a general love for my patients to my practice.

Truth.

Technology can do some pretty amazing things...

This baby was born TWICE—yep, you read that correctly And yes, his mom says they'll be celebrating both birthdays.

Share if you're a new parent in need of sleep. My youngest is 3.5 and I'm still catching up. 😴

Fun Fact: New parents lose 6 months of sleep in the first 2 years.

This is a fact, and it's not fun.

Photo cred: .v.b on instagram

My millennial heart loves this. What princess would you be?

Some reasons why your baby may fall asleep at the breast:

Love this! Did you know that there are biological reasons that babies fall asleep at the breast? Nursing to sleep is normal, not a bad habit.

Knowledge is power 💪

A beautiful visual of cervical dilation ☀

Breastfeeding never needs to hold you back!Check out this insanely rad Canadian mom.

'Perfectly Canadian': Hockey mom hailed for breastfeeding during intermission Social media users are applauding an Alberta mom who used an intermission in her hockey game to breastfeed her eight-week-old child, in a moment that was captured on camera.

*Spoiler alert... it's disappointing :/

One Mother’s Take on Tully – Graeme Seabrook – Medium Charlize Theron has apparently given the performance of her life in the latest collaboration between Jason Reitman and Diablo Cody…

Babies aren't wired to sleep through the night. It's normal and healthy for babies to wake every couple of hours to feed and want to be held. You can't spoil babies. They aren't a carton of milk. Honour the fourth-trimester and do what works best for you.

It doesn’t take “guts” to “sleep-train” an 8-week-old When doctors openly advocate neglect

Find yourself experiencing these common anxiety symptoms? Might be time to talk with your health and wellness practitioner about finding a solution that works for you. There is never shame in asking for help. You, your baby, and your family will benefit from a happy, healthy you. 💓🙌

Don't worry about deer season, this doula's got you covered 👌💪

Look at this incredible little one. Only 28 weeks gestation and latching like a pro.

See the photo below which is of a 28 week gestation baby at the breast and breastfeeding at the age of 10 days. In many special care units, premature babies are not "allowed" to go to the breast until they are 34 weeks gestation. This baby didn't read the book, I guess. For our article Breastfeeding the Premature, part 2, see when premature babies can and should start going to the breast.

http://ibconline.ca/premature2/

If this ain't the truth ❤

Shining light and love on all those who carry the loss of a child. Today and everyday we remember them.

"Perhaps they are not stars
But rather openings in heaven
Where the love of our lost ones
Pours through and shines down upon us
To let us know they are happy"
-proverb

In honour of all the families who have experienced loss.

"Perhaps they are not stars
But rather openings in heaven
Where the love of our lost ones
Pours through and shines down upon us
To let us know they are happy"
-proverb

In honour of all the families who have experienced loss.

Alberta Birth and Wellness updated their info in the about section.

It's only Tuesday, but I'm throwing it back

Thank you so much for following along with me this week. Today, the last day of World Breastfeeding Week, I will share with you some of my favourite images I have taken as part of the Public Breastfeeding Awareness Project and my campaign shoot with BACE (Breastfeeding Action Committee of Edmonton)