I wrote the following article the other day, and opted out of publishing it in favour of a less-debate-like, more diplomatic article. Hypocritically, I called it: Why Circumcision Debates Matter. I’ve been regretting that choice! So, in honour of of the debates I was encouraging yesterday, I’m firing off the version I wrote originally: www.thewholenetwork.org […]
When you hire a Registered Midwife, you are hiring a medical professional to manage your low-risk birth. When you hire a Traditional Birth Attendant, you are hiring an experienced woman to support you during your normal, physiological birth process. Jessica Austin birthtakesavillage.com I’ve been wanting to write a post outlining all of the options women […]
I have had so many conversations recently with peers who are trying to get pregnant (and some planning to avoid pregnancy) that I think it’s time to do a little P.S.A. There is some incredibly simple and important information about your cycle that we all *should have* learned in high school biology class, but for […]
Cascade of Interventions Following Induction from anthrodoula.blogspot.ca According to Perinatal Services of BC, induction rates vary widely across the province and have been risen substantially since the early 90’s. . In 1991, 12.9% of births were induced, and by 2000 the rates were up to 27.2%. Current estimates continue to sit at around 25%. This […]
While doulas have been growing in popularity for their work related to childbirth and the early postpartum period, their value in all areas of reproductive health is just beginning to percolate in the public eye. Traditionally, the people who attended the births in their communities provided support during ALL areas of reproductive health. Preconception, fertility, […]
Nourishing your body with nutrition, supplements, and herbs can help keep your body strong while supporting a smooth completion of the miscarriage. Nourishing Your Miscarriage or Abortion With Food Iron, folate and B-vitamins can help your body cope with discomfort, blood loss and feeling emotionally well. Iron Sources: meat, lentils, eggs, seafood, poultry, green leafy vegetables, dried […]
As soon as I met Charito and Eric, I fell in love with them as a couple. Which is awesome, because one of my doula friends, Sam Talbot always describes the doula’s main job as being “to fall in love with the birthing woman.” They were a beautiful couple, excited about starting a family. During […]
Want to rally with us? Click here for event schedule. Throughout the summer, I’ve been participating in and helping organize regular events with the Vancouver Birth Rally group. We started it with just a few members, and every week we get more people joining in on our online discussions. There are new faces at each […]
“Thank you so much for being our doula. We are so grateful for your knowledge and support. We felt comfortable and confident having you by our side. We also really appreciate your working within our budget in order to have this great experience with you. Thank you!” – G & J.
Photo: humanizebirth.org I missed the birth rally last night at St. Paul’s Hospital (because I was doula-ing at a birth at a different hospital). With, I must say, an AMAZING nurse who was 100% supportive and amazing at explaining options in a mother-centered way. THANK YOU to the medical staff out there who truly honour […]
The important moments immediately after birth…. keep your baby skin-to-skin with you for as long as possible. Have your doula help initiate skin to skin after birth! Jessica Austin, Birth Doula: Childbirth Services in Vancouver, BC
Photo by Vuefinder Photography, San Diego, CA, www.vuefinderphotography.com I’ve been doing a lot of reflecting lately on stimulating change in the birth world. I’m extremely involved in the birth community, and actively promote the creation of a more gentle and informed birth culture. With induction rates of up to 25% and cesarean rates of up […]
”Birth isn’t just about making babies, birth is about making mothers, strong, competent, capable mothers who know their inner strength ” – Barbara Katz-Rothman Playing in the Garden I don’t visit my mom enough, or call her as often as she’d like. I get so busy supporting women as they become mothers that it’s difficult […]
If you’re preparing for your upcoming childbirth, you may have heard it’s a good idea to put together a birth plan, or you may be in the process of writing one already. I find many of my clients put together WONDERFUL birth plans. Most of my clients are extremely well informed about all of their birth […]
