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 […]
There are so many posts in my mind left unwritten. My detailed birth story for one, more on postpartum life and falling in love with my new baby. But life is moving faster than I can write about while soaking up every minute with my sweet new baby, now almost 5 months old! When I […]
In addition to my own thriving practice supporting families to have healthy, powerful births and other reproductive health experiences, I am committed to growing a team of doulas who are in line with the Birth Takes A Village philosophy. All of the doulas who work with me have trained through Wise Woman Way of Birth and believe […]
I’ve attended lots of VBACs (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean) and a handful or more of VBA2Cs (Vaginal Birth After 2 Cesareans), mostly at home where the chances of the physiological process of birth unfolding smoothly are highest. It’s often assumed that repeat cesareans are safer after a person has had one cesarean, but it’s important […]
Guest post from a student who took my Miscarriage & Abortion workshop: Last Friday, a friend texted me asking if she could chat about something. She said she was on her way to a clinic. My daughter was at my mum’s for the day leaving me totally available so I offered to meet her at […]
Hello everyone, here is Jessica’s memorial video. We had a beautiful memorial for Jessica, and I would like to thank everyone who came out and joined us online and especially those who joined us in person. Jessica wanted a bright, joyous, remembrance, (instead of the typical dark, sad, and somber ones) and she definitely got […]
Photo: Megan Taylor I was worried a doula would be a waste of money. After all, with me, the midwives, and family present, why would we need another helper? What became clear to me from the very beginning is that this was the best money we’ve ever spent. In all honesty, Jessica should be charging […]
Our baby boy decided to land on the earth under the star of his choice, Wednesday September 5th at 3:07am, at home on Bowen Island. 8.1 pounds, and not a day overdue at 43 weeks. Onyx Ganada (Raven) Davidson, Your pregnancy and birth has given me the vitality, strength, power, wholeness, and spiritual awe I’ve […]
A question that comes up a lot in Vancouver’s birth community is whether or not we should be advocating for a birth centre. My home town of Edmonton has a birth centre, and Ontario has just announced that they will be opening one as well. Many people are surprised to hear me say I’d prefer […]
Many women / parents are reluctant to trust their own ability to make rational, informed decisions about their medical care provider’s recommendations. I believe this is partially because of the assumption many people have that medical professionals like doctors and registered midwives make recommendations and perform procedures according to, and only to, evidence-based guidelines. This […]
Guest post from: Krisitin Richards, Vancouver RMT A recent study suggests 73% pregnancies will begin and end with a debilitating pregnancy back pain and pelvic pain. This pain can even continue post pregnancy. As a Registered Massage Therapist in Vancouver, I have seen my share (and experienced my own) pregnancy back pain. It isn’t fun! First […]
Photograph by Haley Lorriane Guest post from: Krisitin Richards, Vancouver RMT A recent study suggests 73% pregnancies will begin and end with a debilitating pregnancy back pain and pelvic pain. This pain can even continue post pregnancy. As a Registered Massage Therapist in Vancouver, I have seen my share (and experienced my own) pregnancy back pain. […]
Photo: Jackie Dives, Vancouver Birth Photographer If there is one phrase I’d like to get rid of in birth, it’s “have to”. There are no “have tos” in birth, there are only medical recommendations and a birthing woman’s informed choice. There is no such thing as “My baby is breech so I have to have […]
Many people choose hospital birth because there is a perception that it is safer for mother and baby. However, scientific research shows otherwise. I often hear people say something along the lines of, “I considered home birth, but I (and /or my partner) am very scientific minded so am choosing to birth in the hospital.” […]
