Birth story as written by a Birth Takes a Village Client, and Wise Woman Way of Birth Doula herself! I look over the records. That bottom section for Comments – ‘if not normal’. And under it, in Midwife’s script, “Unattended Home Birth.” Diary Entry: Thought I was in labour on Saturday – then again on […]
As an avid traveller myself, having spent many months backpacking in Asia, Australia, South and Central America, and at one point sailing from Colombia to Spain, maintaining a sense of adventure and exploration is something that I really value. When I think about the possibility of having my own children, one of my biggest concerns […]
Although circumcision may have been fairly common among men in your peer age-group, more and more parents are choosing to keep their sons intact. Every year, the percentage of infant boys being circumcised is decreasing. This is because, as we learn more about the impact of circumcision, more people are looking at it as a […]
It’s time to spill the beans on my Super Secret Birth Broth recipe! The joke among me and my friends who are medical birth professionals is that during a slow birth, they often think and epidural and oxytocin is the answer, while I often think, “Hmmm, maybe she just needs chicken broth and a nap!” […]
Under Vital Statistics Canada, births where there were not any registered medical professionals in attendance at a birth are called “unattended” births. Other names for “unattended” or “unassisted” births are free-birth or medically-unattended birth. Logistics to consider when planning a medically unassisted birth in BC: Birth supplies, including supplies for clamping and cutting (or burning) the […]
There are many herbs and essential oils that are commonly recommended for childbirth. I always encourage my clients to treat any herbal or plant preparations as medicine. I typically do not recommend using herbs for inducing birth, and encourage people to avoid thinking that herbal inductions are “natural inductions”. Herbal medicines can be powerful, and […]
Many people assume that OBs are the best trained professionals in birth. Depending on your circumstance, working with an OB may be the right choice for you. But if you are making plans for your upcoming birth, here’s a quick list of questions to think about. Don’t make assumptions; the answers may surprise you: Did […]
Someone asked me today (like almost everyday): “How often do you see complications arise in home births?” I gave them the same answer I always give:”Rarely. I see complications happen WAY more frequently in hospitals. And the odd time a complication does arise, in my experience, they are handled in a MUCH more smooth and […]
I wanted to say thank you from the bottom of my heart, but “thank you” doesn’t feel like strong enough words. It was so amazing to have you present at our birth and I can’t imagine how differently things would have felt if you weren’t there. When becoming pregnant, although I deeply respect and suggest […]
Birth Takes a Village with Jessica Austin and crew Childbirth Services in Vancouver, BC To contact us, Meena will be happy to get back to you at: [email protected] (email) | 604-537-5278 (phone or text) Please be advised that due to the nature of birth work, we are occasionally away from our home offices for several […]
Jessica Austin at a birth Photo: Megan Taylor Photography As a birth doula and informed choice activist, I believe women’s rights to choices about their births are of utmost importance. I strive to promote a gentle and informed birth culture through my birth work, educational blog and childbirth education classes, as well as by participating in local […]
Birth Takes a Village offers a variety of childbirth services in Vancouver, BC and surrounding area. All services are designed to help you have a gentle and informed birth experience. Birth Doula Services Popular post: What does a birth doula really do? Providing you with information, support, education, and physical and emotional comfort during childbirth. Women […]
Inviting me to your birth isn’t the only way to consult with me! You can also book private consultations with me to prepare for your birth. Personalized consultations are available as individual sessions or as prenatal packages. These sessions can be booked IN-PERSON or ONLINE. Individual Consultations: Book one-off consultations with me if you have […]
*Due to the COVID outbreak and restrictions on group gatherings, our classes for 2020 have been put on hold. We are currently offering PRIVATE ONLINE sessions. ONLINE CLASS INVESTMENT: $325 per household for six 2 hour sessions or variation thereof. Email [email protected] to schedule your private, online sessions until we are able to run in […]
