Timshel Holistic Collective

From all of us at Timshel Holistic Collective, we would like to wish you a Merry Christmas, a Happy Hannukah, a Blessed Yuletide, a Festive Kwanzaa, and a Happy New Year!
Thank you to all past and present clients who have given us the opportunity to support them throughout 2019, and all those we look forward to working with in 2020.

Warmest wishes to you all,
💖💛💚💙💜
Beth, Gillian, Kate, Sherri

Did you know we have birth pools?! Now booking for 2020 births.

Come on out to Mamapalooza 2019 in Ayr today! We've sponsored the event, and we would love to see you! Mama B's Potions & Notions will be selling some goodies, and, as always, we'll be there to answer your questions and show you some love!

Look how well this birthing space is set up to facilitate active movement during labour! Being vertical and active as much as possible lets gravity help labour progress along.

~S

Wow!! Imagine a hospital where vertical birth was not only practiced.... but preferred! The hospital in Otavalo, Ecuador has a 90% vaginal birth rate (vaginal!), of which approximately 75% are born vertically! The other 15% are birthed in a clinical room similar to North American standards. This means that only 10% of births are cesarean, which is 5% below the national Ecuadorian average of 15% cesarean births. Oh, and if THAT didn’t blow your doula mind... they are an intercultural institution where the Indigenous midwife (partera) has her own prenatal room, that resembles the inside of a home - with a fire place, beds, stove, and more! For over 20 years this hospital has been promoting these relationships and practices. The community feels supported, listened to, and connected through option and shared respect for their diversity.
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Look at the difference waiting makes! All the blood in that coiled cord on the left has moved to the baby's circulation, which leaves the cord white and floppy on the right. Up to 30% of the baby's blood can be in the placenta and cord at the time of birth. Baby needs that blood! Delayed cord clamping has many benefits, including higher iron and nutrient stores for the baby, and baby is less likely to have a blood glucose dip after birth while they learn how to eat.

~S

DELAYED CORD CLAMPING - WAIT FOR WHITE
After baby is born we usually think of the umbilical cord as a relic – part a life support system that is no longer needed. But the reality is that the cord has one last job to do, and it’s a big one.

The cord and placenta are a sort of external circulation system: one vein carries oxygen and nutrient-rich blood from the placenta to the baby, and two arteries carry carbon dioxide rich blood and waste away from baby to the placenta for purification. When baby is born, about 1/3 of its blood is in the external part of the circulation system, but quickly makes it’s way to the baby via the umbilical cord. Unless of course, the cord is cut before the transfer is complete.

Delayed umbilical cord clamping (DCC) allows more blood to transfer from the placenta to the baby, increasing the baby’s blood volume by up to a third.

The iron in the blood increases the newborn’s iron storage, which is vital for healthy brain development.

Some new studies have found that DCC can have a positive effect on both preterm and full-term babies. These benefits include an increase in placental transfusion, a 60% increase of RBCs and a 30% increase in neonatal blood volume.

Another advantage of DCC is the decreased risk of iron deficiency anemia.
The extra blood at birth helps the baby to cope better with the transition from life in the womb, where everything is provided for them by the placenta and the mother, to the outside world. Their lungs get more blood so that the exchange of oxygen into the blood can take place smoothly.

Delayed clamping also results in an infusion of stem cells, which play an essential role in the development of the immune, respiratory, cardiovascular, and central nervous systems, among many other functions. The concentration of stem cells in fetal blood is higher than at any other time of life. ICC [immediate cord clamping] leaves nearly one-third of these critical cells in the placenta.

Stem cells may also help to repair any brain damage the baby might have suffered during a difficult birth. 📸

Breastfeeding isn't just about the baby – women's bodies matter too

Content Note: Cisnormative language around Breast/chestfeeding.

"Given the breadth and depth of medical knowledge, why do women still not have answers if they can’t breastfeed? Why do GPs have such little training on the breast, breastfeeding and human milk? Why are women who are struggling left to hunt down their own support, due to cuts in breastfeeding support services?

Why? Because for some reason breastfeeding is still seen as a lifestyle choice that women can give or take, rather than it being a primary physiological function of a bodily organ, which helps to protect maternal physical and mental health. If you ask a mother why she wanted to breastfeed, she will say how it helped her baby’s health. True, but there is another primary reason why breastfeeding is important – a woman’s right to have her body function as she expects."

theconversation.com Breastfeeding is not a logical choice based on some health benefit but an urge, an instinct.

Welcome to the 🍒 Festival 2019! We can't wait to see you soon.

Come out to the Cherry Festival this Saturday, July 6th! Timshel will be there for the third year, with Mama B offering her sumptuous bath and body products, and Sherri will be there doing henna! Come say hi and enjoy the festival!

Timshel Holistic Collective is excited to be a part of the 2019 Cherry Festival in Cherry Park, Kitchener for the third year in a row! Come out for all things cherry on July 6th, and stop by our booth to get some gorgeous henna from Starbound Henna, and some luscious natural body products from Mama B's Potions & Notions

Postpartum doulas can help you navigate the fourth trimester with gentle, informed guidance. We're here to help! -G

Have you noticed that your baby will often only settle in your arms, as you rock them gently?

There is a very good reason for this: it is biological and entirely normal behaviour as a baby transitions from womb to world. The contrasts between life inside and in the world are huge and the reassurance of loving arms is vital.

Understanding the fourth trimester of a child’s life and how to be responsive is key to building a happy brain and a confident, securely attached child.

Don’t be afraid to hold and rock your baby. You belong together.

Lactation Care for Transgender and Non-Binary Patients: Empowering Clients and Avoiding Aversives - Trevor Kirczenow MacDonald, 2019

This is a great article with constructive ideas for health care providers and anyone who supports lactating people to make sure their practices are welcoming and supportive of their transgender and non-binary clients. -G

journals.sagepub.com If you have access to a journal via a society or association membership, please browse to your society journal, select an article to view, and follow the instructions in this box.

New Study Shows How Much a Vaginal Birth Really Distorts a Baby's Body

The molding process that neonates' skulls go through in order to exit through the birth canal is incredible! These pictures really show how much it changes.

~S

sciencealert.com Pregnancy, labour and delivery are incredibly physically demanding for women. But birth is no walk in the park for the baby either.

The Hospital for Sick Children - Motherisk

On April 16th the Motherisk Helplines announced that they would be closing their services. Motherisk has been a trusted source for many breast/chestfeeding parents when they have questions pertaining to drug interactions with human milk. We are sad to see this important service closed down. If you are looking for evidence-based information about drug interaction and human milk for your baby, please know that you can continue to use LactMed: https://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/newtoxnet/lactmed.htm

motherisk.org April 16, 2019 - Today, the Motherisk Helplines are closing. The decision follows years of declining grant funding leading to staff reductions, as well as unsuccessful efforts to secure an alternative host for the program.

BFION Parent Survey BFI Ontario appreciates your time to complete this short survey. There are 10 questions. Participation is voluntary and no identifying information will be shared.

BFI (Baby Friendly Initiative) Ontario is conducting a short online survey regarding your experience with birth and breastfeeding in Ontario. If you gave birth between 2016 and the present please consider participating. -G

surveymonkey.com Take this survey powered by surveymonkey.com. Create your own surveys for free.

Oh breastfeeding guilt. It is such a deeply felt thing and sometimes parents don't know how to talk about it. Your feelings are valid and are important ❤

~S

Birth doulas are misunderstood. Here's what we actually do.

https://theweek.com/articles-amp/823523/birth-doulas-are-misunderstood-heres-what-actually?__twitter_impression=true

(I love tie-dye though, just so you know)

- k

theweek.com The myth that what we do is just a luxurious add-on for the rich is far from the truth

Gay Dads Day is March 1

Happy Gay Dads Day!!
❤🧡💛💚💙💜
As a proud surrogate for a gay couple, today is close to my heart. Whether you are dads through adoption, surrogacy, or by making and carrying your own babies, gay dads are raising their kids to change the world!

~S

gayswithkids.com Since having the twins, Greg and I have realized just how lucky we are. Never in our wildest dreams did we ever think we would/could become

A healthy baby is NOT the ONLY thing that matters. 🙌

~S

A healthy baby is NOT the ONLY thing that matters. You are NOT one feeling or one emotion. You are a complex human being who is allowed to have more needs than just staying alive, and more desires than having a healthy baby.
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The systematic dismissal of women and the importance of their experiences, and disregard for their comprehensive health is, perhaps, the ultimate driving force behind my purpose as a doula and educator. The “A healthy baby is all that matters” platitude is damaging and further perpetuates this disregard and dismissal of women.
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First of all, I have *never* met a parent who wouldn’t do anything necessary for the health of their baby, if recommended by a provider they *trust*. The healthiest mom and baby possible is the bottom line. But. OTHER THINGS MATTER TOO. Acknowledging that trust, autonomy, respect, being heard, and even hopes and dreams MATTER does NOT detract from one’s gratitude for their baby.
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Second, these needs can be met *regardless* of mode of delivery or birth preferences obtained/not obtained. When these comprehensive needs are met, many kinds of birth experiences can be positive.
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Third. Some babies are not born healthy. How a mother is treated its *always* important. Following the logic of “a healthy baby is all that matters”, then what matters when a baby is not healthy?
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Regardless of preferences, circumstances, controllables, and uncontrollables…How a mother feels during and about her birth experience affects her mental health, physical health, and bonding with her baby. That matters.

I regard this hierarchy of needs as imperfect and a work in progress! Please share anything you feel could be added.
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via .app

Happy Family Day from our THC family to yours! We hope you are enjoying time with your nearest and dearest today ❤

~The THC Team

Blood, sweat and faeces: why doulas aren’t just for wealthy women like Meghan

Content Note: Cis-centric Language

Studies have shown that doulas increase a person's satisfaction with their birth experience - and yes, we clean up p**p! - B.

theguardian.com The Duchess of Sussex is right to hire a doula. I liked mine so much that I retrained to become one

Did you know that crunched up cabbage leaves applied to swollen breast/chest tissues has been used to help with the pains of engorgement when milk first comes in and while weaning?

~S

People go through intense shifts while transitioning into parenthood. Be patient with yourself as you learn to navigate your new roles ❤

19 Beautiful Birth Photos Featuring LGBTQ Parents

Gorgeous birth photos featuring LGBTQ+ parents!

~S

huffingtonpost.com A powerful reminder that love defines families.

Breastfeeding and Tooth Decay - Breastfeeding Support

Have you ever heard the myth that you need to wean your baby when they develop teeth because breastfeeding, especially at night, will cause those teeth to rot? Check out this article that explains why breastfeeding does not cause tooth decay. - B.

breastfeeding.support Breastfeeding and tooth decay. Does breastfeeding cause tooth decay or cavities? What does the research say and what other causes are there?

A great visual!

~S

What a fabulous image and explanation for when providers use these descriptions for what position your baby is in. The “O” stand for occipital (the back of your baby’s head). The “P” for posterior. So OP literally means the back of your baby’s head is to your back. A= anterior or front R=right L=left and T=transverse. Happy belly mapping! (Side note if your provider speaks in this language, make them pause and explain.

Sounds like this baby knew exactly how she wanted to be born!

~S

Breech babies can have bruising on one butt cheek that is harmless and temporary. This baby declared her position very early in the pregnancy, as some babies do. We tried to turn her but she didn't like it, so we just let her be born the way she wanted. In labor, she descend down sideways just exactly as she is placed on her mother here. The anterior cheek (towards the front of the mother) will usually appear first in breech births, and they can get rubbed up against the mother's public bone, thus the bruising.
Added note: baby’s cord is super short because she stayed in place in the womb, and did not stretch it by tumbling around.

"Power Pumping"

~S

Rachel McAdams wore Versace and a breast pump for her new magazine cover—see all the images from her shoot here: http://wwwear.me/XGd62K2

Come see Sherri and Beth tonight at Bailey's Local Foods for their Artisan's market! Lots of Mama B's Potions and Notions, and some intuitively beaded jewelry by Sherri. Support local this holiday! Lots of other great vendors here today!

Postpartum Psychosis by Jasmine Ford

One parent's account of struggling with postpartum psychosis. Postpartum psychosis is a serious mental health issue that can occur after birth. If this story sounds familiar to you, please reach out to the people around you. - B.

themumclub.com Postpartum psychosis - an illness I'd never heard of before until over 1 year ago when those two words were said to me" I wanted to write this blog to share my experience with other people, in a world I felt so lost in when diagnosed with postpartum psychosis, after the arrival of our beautifu

Breastbowl for hand expression of breast milk

Have you ever heard of the Breast Bowl? They have a new tool called The Kindest Cup, making hand expressing and feeding breast milk a breeze! Check them out!

~S

breastbowl.com Breastbowl is designed by and for breastfeeding women. It is ergonomic, safe, easy to clean and can be used anywhere.

A beautiful visual! 🌼🌸🏵

~S