Month: September 2023

Categories
community connection Equity LGBTQ2S+

Bisexual Visibility Day

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1695560834217{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]According to national data, bisexuals make up the lion’s share of the LGB population. Yet, we are also the most invisible. This is because sexual orientation is usually interpreted based on relationship status and household composition, rather than on how an individual experiences their sexuality.

My wife and I have been together for 16 years, and co-parenting together for 11 years. We are both bisexual. Rarely is our family interpreted accurately by the outside world. I am Black, she is white, our kid is mixed race and presents as Black. We are also both femmes. As a result of these factors, we have been in countless interactions where my wife has been interpreted, and treated as “my friend who helps me out with my kid”. She has actually been a part of every moment of his life since he was an ultrasound image.

If she takes him to medical appointments she is asked to substantiate who she is in relation to him, or now that he is older, he has been asked to confirm her identity. This doesn’t happen when I take him to medical appointments. It is a good practice to confirm the relationship between adults and children at medical appointments. However, this seems to be happening based on race, sexual orientation, and gender-based assumptions about families, rather than as a universal safety precaution.

We’ve come a long way in terms of normalizing same-sex households, but as recently as this past school year, our kid came home with a form that had spots for “mother” and “father”. It is so easy to create a form that has two spaces for “parent/guardian”. Outdated forms such as this one exclude a lot of families that aren’t “same-sex households”. 

In general, we’re not very surprised by these microaggressions as we navigate a heterosexist world. What often lands more painfully are the microaggressions from within the LGBTQ community in relation to our bisexuality.

Recently, we were at a comedy night that was heavily attended by queer and trans people. Despite the largely queer crowd, one of the comedians made a biphobic joke. We groaned and gave each other knowing eye-rolls. This reaction sparked a conversation with a lesbian couple that was seated at the same table. We got to chatting with them and when we revealed that we have been together for the better part of 2 decades and are raising a child together, they made a remark that we have heard in lesbian spaces before: “Oh, well it’s like you’re lesbians then”. 

Like many microaggressions, the intention was clearly complimentary, but that’s definitely not how it landed. We are proud bisexual women. Our relationship with each other doesn’t change that. In these conversations, we find ourselves resisting the temptation to disclose being polyamorous and our relationships with men as a counterargument. No one should have to justify being Bi. That is just what some people are. We all understand that a person who’s been celibate for an extended amount of time isn’t necessarily asexual. It’s the same thing really. My sexual orientation is the one I was born with. Relationships are choices I make over time.

Not all same-sex couples are gay and lesbian. Not all different-sex couples are straight. Many of us raise children using a variety of family and community structures. Being told we are not real or that our identity is a phase hurts. 

A great way to make the world less painful for bisexuals and their families is to normalize and represent different family structures. Right now, there is a culture war over when it’s okay to start talking to kids about LGBTQ+ people. 

Who among us can remember receiving an explanation about marriage and families? We take for granted that there is no need to explain these concepts. We learn about these and other institutions by observing the world around us. LGBTQ+ people are part of the world. Representing queer and trans folk in a child’s world from day one is how we present an accurate portrait of reality.

There is content that affirms family diversity for all ages. Independent children’s publisher Flamingo Rampant offers an excellent selection of children’s books that show race, sexual, bodily, ability, and gender diversity with people and families doing all sorts of fun and magical things. Super Power Baby Shower by Toby Hill-Meyer and Fay Onyx tells the story of a queer, polyamorous family of superheroes preparing to have a baby! 

 Keira Grant (she/her) brings a wealth of experience to her EDI Co-Lead role. She is a Queer, Black woman with a twenty-year track record in Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) education, projects, and community-building initiatives. As a mom and partner, she uses her lived experience to provide support and reflection for her clients and her work. Keira is the owner of Awakened Changes Perinatal Doula Services.

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Categories
Health Care Labour Doula pregnancy Trauma

Empowering NICU Parents as a Doula: Strategies for Support

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1696077782676{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]September is NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit)  Awareness Month. ​This special month is dedicated to acknowledging the challenges families face and providing them with the support and resources they need.

As a doula you will encounter times where families are navigating a baby in the NICU for various reasons. This is an overwhelming and difficult time for all of those involved. It is a traumatic separation of parents and baby. A time where navigating expectations of what parenting was supposed to be and what it is, is up against the fear of will my baby be ok. 

Often times as doulas we feel scared and unprepared in supporting families as they navigate their way through this journey. Here are a few ways you can show up for families in the NICU. 

Listen

Just as you might support someone going through any kind of trauma by listening as they speak, simply lending an open, non-judgmental ear can be of huge help to NICU parents. Focusing on listening ensures that you honor the experience they’re having, instead of clouding it with your insights, birth story, or advice.

Consider starting with, “Do you feel like talking?” before asking any questions about their status or that of the baby. They may really want to share with you how much weight the baby gained that day or how they’re doing on certain good days, or they may really want to vent on some terrible days. But they also may not want to talk.  Asking if they’re open to talking before diving into a conversation is a way to respect their boundaries.

Support them in establishing communication with their baby’s care team: 

NICU parents often feel insecure about how to provide care for their baby who is in such a fragile condition.  It is important for them to know they are just as needed in the NICU as the medical team. 

  • Remind them they are their baby’s best advocate
  • Help them formulate the questions they want to ask
  • Remind them they can provide care to their newborn, changing diapers, taking temperatures, etc. The nurses will support them. 
  • Encourage them to keep a daily journal of their babies progress. keeping track of  baby’s individual body systems, like breathing, digestion, heart, brain, eyes, and any special conditions the baby has.  Keep track of milestones and ask the nurse what the baby’s current goals are.  Sometimes the goals will change daily, and sometimes they will stay the same for weeks.

Offer Practical Support 

As a doula this is our wheelhouse. Just as we would in the home, offering clear and concise suggestions about the type of support you can offer will help overwhelmed parents get what they need. 

  • Work with their support system to arrange food delivery for in hospital support and those at home. Gift cards for restaurants in and around the hospital, premade easy to heat up meals and snacks or even e-transfers will be greatly appreciated. 
  • Offer to do a load of laundry and bring it to the hospital ( or arrange for a family member to do so) 
  • Offer to be a communication liaison between the family and their extended family and friends, or help them find their person
  • Remember that the birther is also dealing with recovery, help them with practical recovery strategies like pain management, pumping, etc. 

Remember that the fear does not end when baby comes home 

 There is a lot of excitement when baby comes home however this doesn’t mean that the fear and concerns have ended. Often parents have not fully processed the trauma of being in the NICU and coming home creates a space for all of that to surface. 

Find the parents counselling and peer support resources. Expect some hypervigilance when it comes to caring for baby. Patience and listening will continue to be important. 

What strategies and tools do you use to support families in the NICU? 

 

Sondra Marcon (she/her). Education and Administration Coordinator
Sondra’s background in family therapy and mental health work drives her to create environment for her clients and students that is both supportive and challenging of bias and assumptions. Teaching and development of curriculum drives her to continue to grow. Sondra’s drive to become a doula came when she saw the impact of early childhood experiences and parenting has on the wellness of both the infant and their parents.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Categories
fertility Health Care research

A Practical Guide to Navigating PCOS

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1694731059747{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

With Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) Awareness Month upon us, we felt it imperative to discuss the medical condition considered to be one of the leading causes of infertility and a condition most commonly undiagnosed. PCOS is not a lifestyle illness – it is a diagnosed medical condition that can be debilitating. A person does not get PCOS because of their lifestyle. PCOS is a common chronic hormonal condition that causes hormone imbalances, irregular cycles, cysts in the ovaries, lack of ovulation, among other long-term health problems that affect physical and emotional wellbeing. According to the World Health Organization, PCOS affects an estimated 13-18% of individuals with uteruses who are of reproductive age. This is an alarming number. What’s even more unsettling is that there is no cure for PCOS and up to 70% of affected people will go undiagnosed worldwide. Due to a lack of awareness, education, and taboo around fertility conversations many people do not discuss their reproductive health and menstrual cycles with their families and friends. If you speak to someone of reproductive age you are likely to find out that they probably know someone affected by PCOS, they may have been diagnosed with PCOS, or they might think that they have PCOS but be undiagnosed.

Individuals who are not diagnosed and go untreated may be at higher risk for developing conditions that increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, including high blood pressure, obesity, gestational diabetes, and high cholesterol. The condition also puts people at risk of developing increased thickness of the uterine lining, uterine cancer, having a preterm delivery and preeclampsia, and a greater chance of having a miscarriage. Research indicates that early testing, diagnosis, and intervention of PCOS improves fertility preservation and prevents complications such as obesity, insulin resistance, diabetes, infertility, and cardiovascular issues later in life, especially in at-risk cases.

I might have PCOS

If you suspect that you may have PCOS meet with a medical doctor who specializes in hormonal disorders to discuss your concerns. They will check for symptoms, discuss your medical history, and discuss the regularity of menstrual cycle. Some of the common tests for PCOS might include a physical exam – such as blood pressure and a pelvic exam etc…, blood tests, and a pelvic ultrasound.

I’ve been Diagnosed with PCOS

It’s important to talk about this misunderstood condition and its challenges because it presents differently for everyone in ‘real life’ and is considered a lifelong condition.

If you or someone you know have received an early diagnosis of PCOS, this information may be helpful in navigating where to start and getting the support you need:

  • Get a second opinion
  • Determine and understand your condition and presenting symptoms
  • Connect with a medical doctor who specializes in Gynecology and/or PCOS itself
  • Find a supportive medical team who validate your concerns and align with your long-term goals
  • Connect with a Fertility Doula who can support you throughout your journey
  • Find out if the diagnosis was prompted because of Hyperandrogenism, Anovulation/Oligoovulation, or Polycystic Ovaries on an ultrasound so that an appropriate customized treatment and support plan can be created
  • Get familiar with the concept of insulin resistance because there are a number of factors that contribute to high insulin in PCOS, and insulin resistance has been found to be one of the central factors of the condition
  • Determine the major component of insulin resistance in your condition
  • Get familiar with the long-term health considerations in PCOS
  • Learn about other holistic health modalities such as a Naturopathic Doctor for example who can support your condition
  • Explore which treatments will improve your individual symptoms
  • Adjust your lifestyle to reduce the PCOS symptoms

What else can I  do?

Alongside the goals of PCOS Awareness Month we can:

  • increase awareness and education
  • lobby for improved diagnosis and treatment of the disorder
  • disseminate information on diagnosis and treatment
  • hold agencies responsible for the improved quality of life and outcomes of those affected
  • promote the need for research to advance understanding of PCOS: improved diagnosis, treatment and care options, and for a cure for PCOS
  • acknowledge the struggles of those affected
  • make PCOS a public health priority

To lean more, visit:

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Categories
Business certification Childbirth Educator

Where Can My Doula Career Take Me?

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1694438520551{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]As unregulated health care professionals, a doula’s role involves advocacy, education, counselling, collaboration and negotiation to provide physical, emotional and informational support to individuals and families across the full spectrum of their reproductive choices. This role relies on a comprehensive set of skills and knowledge. With the foundation of your doula experience and education you can choose to grow your career path in many different directions. 

So let’s talk about some career options that complement each other. 

Lactation Consultant or IBCLC 

These are two different avenues of support. 

A Lactation Consultant/ Educator works with families from preconception through the stage of weaning offering education, encouragement, counseling, an experienced point of view, and fostering confidence, and a commitment to body feeding. Lactation Educators can be found working in a variety of settings to offer their services to families. Families can find them working as public health educators, WIC peer counselors, hospital/community educators, pediatric support professionals, and in private practice as educators. You can find certifications online for these programs. 

An International board-certified lactation consultants (IBCLC) is an allied healthcare professional who specializes in caring for bodyfeeding parents. They’re qualified to treat common nursing problems along with more serious conditions such as mastitis and clogged milk ducts. Lactation consultants most often support parents in how to increase milk supply, find the best nursing position, and manage breastfeeding pain. IBCLCs are held to strict standards. To be accredited, they must complete 90 hours of training, 300 to 1,000 hours of clinical experience, and extensive health sciences coursework. An accredited lactation consultant must also recertify every five years and continue their education.

Prenatal Fitness Instructor

As a Prenatal & Postnatal Fitness Instructor, you can help educate and train clients in all stages of pregnancy – before, during, and after – about what is safe for them and, conversely, what should be avoided to help protect the health of both the gestational parent and baby. Furthermore, fitness training is a fun way to meet new clients and get to know them in a positive environment. Prenatal fitness certifications are available both online and in-person. Take a look in your area to see what works best.

Perinatal Counsellor

Perinatal counselling provides emotional support and treatment for individuals (and couples) who are having a difficult time adjusting to pregnancy and parenthood, who are experiencing a perinatal mood or anxiety problem, or who are experiencing both. Some of this work can naturally overlap with a client’s pregnancy and birth journey. If you really enjoy the counseling and support side of birth work you may want to become a psychotherapist or mental health professional. You can find certification courses through college or university or through private vocational training schools. 

Birth Photographer

If you have a creative eye, you can capture the moments of birth for clients on camera. A few of our alumni have combined their creativity with a love of birth. You can either work solely as a Birth Photographer, documenting the pregnancy journey and birth. Or you can have photography as an additional service available through your doula work. It depends what you’re comfortable with and how you’d like to structure your business. Each client is different and you’ll want to work with them to understand what their goals are and what kind of pictures they’re looking for. The great thing about this career path is a relatively low barrier to entry. If you already have a love of photography and a camera you can get started. Alternatively, there are a variety of photography courses available both online and in person.

Midwife

A healthcare professional that assists with the labour and delivery of a new baby. Midwifes are experts in low risk pregnancy and birth, providing care to patients and delivering the baby. In the case where there are concerns or complications, a midwife can transfer care to a physician if needed. A midwife is different from a doula, in that they are a trained medical professional who can deliver a baby. A doula is trained to provide physical, emotional, and informational support to clients. However, a doula is not a medical professional. A question we see a lot at Doula School is does a client benefit from having a midwife AND a doula – the answer is yes! They both provide very important services to clients, and many people find it helpful to have both. Training to be a midwife typically takes between 3 and 4 years, depending on the program and its requirements.

Labour & Delivery Nurse

They work as main points of support for OBGYNs, monitoring of patient vitals, administering medication, and establishing communication with expectant parents. Once a baby is born, the L&D Nurse acts as an informational resource to parents, to monitor neonatal vitals, to ensure the birthing person isn’t experiencing postpartum complications. Nursing degrees can vary depending on where you are located, however they typically take 3-4 years.

Whatever path you decide to take, know you have a foundation of knowledge that will help carry you through. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Categories
Anti-Oppression Canada Equity indigenous doula understanding bias

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1694354019009{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]September 30th marks National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada, also known as Orange Shirt Day. The day is a national day of remembrance and reflection on the historic and current violence and oppression toward Indigenous Peoples. As a vocational school, we encourage our non-Indigenous students to participate in workshops, lectures, sharing circles, vigils, and more on September 30th.

The “every child matters” slogan dawned on orange shirts resonates deeply with us as doulas and care workers. As doulas we work intimately with families, infants, and children. The tragedies of the residential school systems and 60’s scoop, as well as the current oppression and violence toward Indigenous families in the forms of child apprehension, incarceration, birth alerts, and more are horrific and unacceptable, and impacts the families and communities we belong to and work with.

As doulas and allies, it is crucial to educate ourselves about the actions, policies, and systems that disproportionately impact Indigenous families, especially those that directly impact the work we do in terms of advocacy, intergenerational care, and reproductive justice. It is our duty to critically reflect on our identities, experiences, and our relationship to wider systems.

We understand that National Day for Truth and Reconciliation can bring up difficult emotions and be potentially triggering for our Indigenous students. We will be hosting a Indigenous-only peer support sweetgrass circle on October 1 from 1-3 EST on Zoom to debrief together. Contact kayt@doulatraining.ca to register. You can also check in 0n our progress here at Doula Canada by reviewing our NTRD Progress Report, which includes our goals between now and 2028.

Don’t know where to get started? Here are some ideas:

  • Follow Indigenous creators on Tiktok, Instagram, and other platforms
  • Take the University of Alberta’s free Indigenous Canada Course
  • https://www.ualberta.ca/admissions-programs/online-courses/indigenous-canada/index.html
  • Search up Kairos Blanket Exercises near you
  • Read up on the 94 Calls to Action by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada
  • Register for Doula Canada’s Doulas for Reconcili-ACTION Orange Shirt Day workshop
  • “Who Am I: Locating Oneself in Settler-Colonialism, A Conversation on Oppression Privilege, and Allyship” on September 30th from 1-3 PM EST on Zoom. $30, with all proceeds going to Aunties on the Road
  • Apply for our Truth and Reconciliation Action Plan Committee to contribute to our TRAP Five Year Plan
  • Assist in knowledge mobilization. Tag @doulacanada with the hashtag #doulasforreconciliaction on social media to share what you learned on September 30th that you think would benefit your fellow allies.

We understand that not everyone will have the same time, resources, finances, etc. to participate in some of the activities for the day. If you’re reflecting internally, please consider the following prompts (designed for non-Indigenous students).

  • What preconceived biases have been instilled in me about Indigenous Peoples? Where did I learn them from?
  • Whose land do I reside on? What is the story of the land here? (If applicable) How have I benefited from white/settler privilege?
  • Does the word “settler” make me uncomfortable? Why or why not?

Wishing you all a meaningful and educational National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

Miigwetch,

Kayt Ward, EDI Co-Lead, BSW[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Categories
community connection Trauma vulnerabiliity

World Suicide Prevention Day: Creating Hope Through Action

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1693608059856{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]This year’s theme for World Suicide Prevention Day is creating hope through action. 

There is a lot we can do intentionally to decrease suicidality and enhance hope among the perinatal population. 

According to this data analysis in Canadian Medical Association Journal, one in every 19 perinatal deaths is due to suicide, making suicide a leading cause of perinatal death. CMAJ notes that these findings speak to a need for stronger mental health support during and after pregnancy. Discussing perinatal health universally during prenatal support is a good starting point. Knowing what to watch out for, and raising awareness and discussion about is also essential. 

This 2022 article by Ann-Marie Bright and colleagues presents a scoping review of almost 20 years of literature on perinatal suicidality. Their central finding is that “The minimization of women’s experiences may lead to detrimental consequences and there is a need for increased knowledge of mental health problems by those working with women in the perinatal period to ensure safety planning conversations occur with every woman meeting ‘at risk’ criteria.”

Suicidal ideation is having thoughts of committing suicide. These thoughts occur on a spectrum ranging in frequency, intensity, and intentionality. While suicidal ideation does not always lead to a suicide attempt, suicide attempts and completed suicides are always preceded by suicidal ideation. Early identification and intervention regarding suicidal ideation as an important way of preventing suicide. 

Bright et. al divide the risk factors for suicidal ideation during the perinatal period into 3 categories:

  1. Biological, which includes:
    1. Nicotine and alcohol use
    2. Poor or low sleep
    3. Chronic illness
    4. Pregnancy conditions
    5. Complicated Birth
  2. Psychological, which includes 
    1. Trauma history
    2. Prior history of mental illness
    3. Pregnancy and infant loss
    4. Suicide attempt history
    5. Feeling unprepared to parent
  3. Social, which includes
    1. Unemployed/low income
    2. Inadequate support system
    3. Intimate partner violence
    4. Refugee Status
    5. Unhealthy relationships

 

There are two key takeaways for doulas in these findings. Firstly, this is a pretty lengthy list of risk factors and it’s not exhaustive. Suicidal ideation could affect anyone, from any walk of life. We need to talk to all clients about mental health and raise awareness regarding red flags for mental ill health, and share local treatment options.

Secondly, some people are more likely to be at risk than others. People who are marginalized and who have survived abuse and violence may need some extra helping hands. 

As birth workers, our role is in and of itself a powerful action against suicide. Support from a doula has been shown to significantly reduce postpartum depression and strengthen new parent relationships. Perhaps this is because having a doula can mitigate many of these risks identified by Bright et. al, such as complicated birth, feeling unprepared to parent, and an inadequate support system. We can’t underestimate the life-saving power and potential of this work. We need financial and infrastructural support to do this work and connect with the clients who need us the most. 

To learn more about how you can support suicide awareness and prevention in your birthwork practice, check out resources at Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention. 

This short video also provides excellent information on warning signs for postpartum depression. https://youtu.be/6kaCdrvNGZw?si=nBqLwhMLnFd–XK3

 

Keira Grant (she/her) brings a wealth of experience to her EDI Co-Lead role. She is a Queer, Black woman with a twenty-year track record in Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) education, projects, and community-building initiatives. As a mom and partner, she uses her lived experience to provide support and reflection for her clients and her work. Keira is the owner of Awakened Changes Perinatal Doula Services.

People exhibiting symptoms of perinatal mental illness should be encouraged to seek medical attention immediately.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Categories
birth community Health Care pregnancy

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Day

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1693401592473{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs) are as prevalent as Autism Spectrum Disorders, but they are less talked about and wildly misunderstood. If you work with babies, you are likely to encounter one with FASD, but it often goes unrecognized and untreated. We’re going to do some myth-busting and share some facts that all birth workers should know and be prepared to share with clients.

  • Alcohol is a known teratogen (birth defect-causing agent). There is no known amount of prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) or time during pregnancy when alcohol can be consumed without risk to the fetus.
  • 45% of pregnancies are accidental. Often, prenatal alcohol exposure occurs before pregnancy is detected. Early detection of pregnancy reduces the likelihood of PAE.
  • Not all PAE causes FASD to develop. The development of FASD is influenced by the amount of alcohol exposure and a mix of genetic and epigenetic factors. FASD affects people from all walks of life, races, and ethnicities
  • Social determinants of health influence the development of and treatment of FASD. For example, people who have had limited access to education, are less likely to be aware that consuming alcohol can harm their babies. People experiencing poverty and racism are less likely to disclose their alcohol consumption and seek timely treatment for themselves and their children due to fear of incarceration and having their children removed. 
  • While FASD is diagnosed based on the presence of specific facial characteristics, FASD can manifest in a variety of ways, with a range of symptom severity. Treatment needs to be tailored to the individual.
  • Newborns with FASD are often have heightened sensitivity to light and other environmental stimuli. They benefit from being cared for in a dark, quiet environment, and may need more soothing than other babies.
  • Many children with FASD struggle more with emotional regulation than other children. They can benefit from an established routine and early and active guidance on emotional regulation strategies such as breathing exercises. 
  • People with FASD often have specific strengths. For example, many people with FASD are highly self-aware, hopeful, collaborative, loving, and kind. Treatment that focuses on strengths rather than deficits is more effective.
  • Many people with FASD lead happy, fulfilling, and rewarding lives. This outcome is more likely with early, strengths-focused treatment. 

In recognition that we need to talk about FASD, the Canadian Government declared September FASD awareness month in 2020. The theme for 2023 is Uniting our Strengths: Finding Solutions Together.

As birthworkers, we can be part of the solution by informing ourselves of and celebrating the strengths of people with FASD. We can also hold non-judgmental, compassionate space for our clients to talk about drinking. Stigma is the leading reason why people don’t ask for help. 

You can also honour the achievements of people with FASD by wearing red shoes this month! “Red Shoes Rock” is a grassroots movement that started in 2013 with FASD educator and advocate RJ Formanek wore shoes on an international stage. 

In his own words: “Red shoes were critical to my narrative, they were the key to it all. They were all about being different… They spoke of speed, of freedom of thought and being different, and red running shoes with the power suit sent a message out there to the world.”

For more information on supporting families navigating FASD, check out our posts from 2021 and 2022.

 

Keira Grant (she/her) brings a wealth of experience to her EDI Co-Lead role. She is a Queer, Black woman with a twenty-year track record in Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) education, projects, and community building initiatives. As a mom and partner she uses her lived expereince to provide support and reflection for her clients and her work. Keira is the owner of Awakened Changes Perinatal Doula Services.

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Categories
Health Care sex sexual health

World Sexual Health Day

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1693400263770{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]Sexual health across the lifespan is much more complicated than what we learned in high-school sex ed, assuming our parents didn’t opt us out. The sex ed I received was exclusively focused on preventing pregnancy and disease. While these topics are vital, this narrow focus left me and many others ill-equipped to understand and navigate consent and fairness in intimate relationships, ensuring my own pleasure, trying to conceive, medicalized childbirth, and the changes of perimenopause. The education system left my generation to fend for itself regarding these everyday human needs.

This is a huge part of why I’m so passionate about the work that doulas, perinatal educators, and birthworkers do to promote population and individual sexual health. I love being able to sit with clients for an hour or two and talk about all of the things we don’t usually talk about. This includes talks about the strain that timed intercourse can put on couples trying to conceive. Or the impact that a complicated pregnancy has on a couple’s sex life. It can look like strategizing on options to space out pregnancies post-c-section. It’s as holistic and infinite as people’s lives are.

This year’s theme for World Sexual Health Day is consent. While the obvious implication is about consent to sexual activity, there’s an important connection to make with informed consent in medical decision-making. Women, female-assigned, and gender non-conforming people are at risk of sexual violence for the same reason that we are at risk of obstetric violence. In the context of a patriarchal, misogynistic society, our bodies are devalued and objectified. Society sends us the message that our bodies are not truly our own constantly. We are usually depicted as objects of sexual desire as baby-making vessels. This dehumanization of our bodies plays out on the street, in relationships, and in health care.

By supporting birthers to think critically about bodily autonomy in medical decision-making, and to honour their bodies by requiring informed consent, we support birthers to think critically about why they are at risk of losing bodily autonomy in all aspects of their lives, and we teach them to expect and demand more.

There is no sexual health without reproductive justice. The reproductive justice framework advanced by African-American women envisions a world where everyone can make reproductive choices, including the right to have and not have children, as facilitated by unfettered access to reproductive health care and social services. Informed consent is the foundation on which choice rests.

It’s also Labour Day, making this a great opportunity to express gratitude for all the hard and life-changing work that you are doing to promote health, choice, well-being, and change in your communities. We will continue to advocate for improved access to doula support and income security for birth and reproductive justice professionals. A labour of love is still labour. Clients deserve access based on need and we deserve to be able to make a living doing this community-building work.

 

Keira Grant (she/her) brings a wealth of experience to her EDI Co-Lead role. She is a Queer, Black woman with a twenty-year track record in Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) education, projects, and community building initiatives. As a mom and partner she uses her lived expereince to provide support and reflection for her clients and her work. Keira is the owner of Awakened Changes Perinatal Doula Services.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]