Category: pregnancy

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The Ultimate Dream Team: Doulas and Partners

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1642695988103{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]If you’ve ever thought, “I don’t need a doula! I have a partner(s),” this post is for you! 

Your partner is (or partners are) pretty amazing and doulas are so happy to have them on board, however, doulas bring different qualities and backgrounds to birth and postpartum preparation and space than partners do. 

Let’s talk about how your partner(s) and doula complement one another and each fill a vital role.

The role of a doula and the role of your partner(s) during labor are vastly different but equally important.

Let me explain….


The Partner’s Role:

The role of your partner(s) (who is/are emotionally attached to you) in labor is a tremendous asset to you in many ways. Your partner(s) provide(s) comfort to you in a way that your doula (aka a new connection) is simply not capable of.

They know you intimately; your fears, your passions, your deep concerns, and your history. They can anticipate your reactions before you have even had them. They are the person/people you look to in life for support and they are likely the person/people you feel most comfortable being your real self with.

Your partner(s) can get your oxytocin flowing (it plays an important role in labour and chestfeeding). Your partner(s) can cuddle, kiss, or massage you in intimate ways that only you and your partner(s) can share.

This relationship in the birthing room and during postpartum is incredibly valuable, HOWEVER, it is not the doulas role.


The Doula’s Role:

The doula’s primary focus during your pregnancy and the postpartum period is education, followed by the support of the decisions you make. The doula is able to answer your questions and lead you to the resources you seek. Through learning about normal physiological birth and birth options, chestfeeding and postpartum concerns partners can feel confident in supporting their partners. But they also have the reassurance of knowing a perinatal professional will be there to guide them.

The doula can actually bring you closer to your partner. By making sure that your partner’s needs are met (food, drink, and reassurance), the birther and partner(s) can work more closely together. The doula allows for the partner(s) to participate at their own comfort level. The doula can fill in and allow the partner(s) to participate as they wish, without leaving the birther or postpartum person’s needs unmet.

The doula is trained to know what is “normal” and what is beyond the scope of normal. The doula’s experience (professional and sometimes personal) enables them to support you confidently. The doula creates a space where the birther and partner(s) are given the opportunity to ask questions and make informed choices.

When a doula attends a birth or supports you in the postpartum period, they bring with them the strength and wisdom of those they have served before you. Being the sole emotional and physical support for a labouring or postpartum person can be overwhelming for some partners. If we look at the birth and postpartum periods throughout history, we often see birthers surrounded by other experienced humans offering continuous support. Our shift in birth norms over the last century has made it uncommon to have multiple continuous support people. Partners provide an intimate and essential role that cannot be replaced, but a doula can come alongside to help and enhance the experience. 

The doula is great at talking about the huge transition that is new parenthood. Especially for first-time parents, it can be so important to have someone to talk to about the big life and identity changes that happen when you bring a new baby into your family. 

The Doula has a network and knows when offering resources and referrals are needed (from pelvic floor physical therapy, counselling support, or chestfeeding resources, to house cleaning services, or information on newborn jaundice, and so much more). 

 

Your birth or postpartum team is not an either/or situation, and no doula would (or could!) ever take the place of your partner. Doulas and partners complement one another and come together to provide loving, compassionate, and judgment-free support along the journey to parenthood. It’s important to assemble your team carefully and think about the mix of personalities and support styles you want involved in your experience, making sure everyone is prepared to walk alongside you with their unique gifts and skills.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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Free Social Media Content Calendar for Birth Professionals – May through August

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1618935599948{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]Here is your birth related social media calendar for May through August! Fill in the blank days with content about you, your business, your services or other special dates.

This is a great place to start when building your social media platform! Need more support? Send us an email and let help you fill your calendar![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][mk_image src=”https://stefanie-techops.wisdmlabs.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/1.png” image_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][mk_image src=”https://stefanie-techops.wisdmlabs.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/2.png” image_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][mk_image src=”https://stefanie-techops.wisdmlabs.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/3.png” image_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][mk_image src=”https://stefanie-techops.wisdmlabs.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/4.png” image_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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Four Key Nutrients for a Pregnant Woman’s Diet

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1553439377685{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]Four Key Nutrients for a Pregnant Woman’s Diet  Erin Gravel, founder of Terra Firma Wellness. 2019 

When it comes to nutrition and pregnancy, most pregnant women are well aware of the foods they should avoid and the reasons why. Alcohol, unpasteurized cheeses, raw eggs, undercooked meat to name a few. However, shifting the focus to foods pregnant women should be increasing in their diet is equally (or perhaps even more) important. This is what I focus on in my practice – educating women on what nutrients they need to nourish their own bodies and that of their growing baby throughout their pregnancy and breastfeeding journey. Understanding why certain foods are so beneficial is the starting point, then we move on to how to actually incorporate them into their diet in a way that suits their individual dietary preferences and their lifestyle.

Growing a baby is no small task. It is extremely demanding on the body, and requires additional nutrients to ensure the baby gets what it needs to thrive without leaving the mother depleted. Below is a list of a few key nutrients a pregnant woman should increase in her diet, along with some simple ways to incorporate the nutrients into her diet and lifestyle.

From a holistic perspective, the quality of the foods you eat is SO important. Craving a burger? Imagine the difference in nutrition between a fast food burger or one you made yourself from some grass fed beef. For all the foods listed below, buying the best quality you can is a great place to start.

Protein

Known as the “body’s building blocks”, protein is essential for growing a baby. On top of replenishing her own protein needs, it is imperative a woman increase her protein intake during pregnancy. Besides being used for growth and repair of body tissue, protein is used to make enzymes, neurotransmitters and hormones.

Additional protein doesn’t have to mean more meat. You can easily add more protein by eating quinoa, brown rice, eggs (fully cooked), lentils, or beans. Consider taking hummus and veggies to work for an afternoon snack, or swapping out your potatoes at dinner for some quinoa or brown rice. You can even make a batch of rice or beans on the weekend so that you can easily grab them when you have a meal lacking in protein.

Fat

Eating additional fat can be a scary thing for some women; for years we have been led believe that fat makes you fat. However, understanding that fat is absolutely essential for the growth of your baby helps to put it in perspective. A baby’s brain, nervous system and heart are made up of a lot of fat. Every cell in our body has a fatty cellular membrane and fat is required for the absorption of vitamins A, D, E, and K.

It’s the type and quality of fat you eat that is important for whether or not it is helping your baby grow and thrive. Healthy fats found in foods such as nuts, seeds, avocado, coconut, fresh water fish and eggs are excellent for nourishing your baby. Having some hard boiled eggs in your fridge can make for a quick snack, or having some nut or seed butter (almond, cashew, sunflower etc.) with a piece of fruit is a great way to incorporate some healthy fats. Slicing up some avocado on some toast or mashing it up to make guacamole is also an easy way to obtain a good dose of healthy fat. You can also whip up a mix of seeds in your coffee grinder and sprinkle them on just about anything! Check out the recipe on my blog post about my favourite pregnancy recommendation.

Fiber

Fiber doesn’t necessarily contribute any specific nutrients to our diet but it helps our digestive system work efficiently. Fiber helps to slow down nutrient absorption, which helps to balance blood sugar, and it also helps to prevent constipation and putrefaction of foods. Considering constipation is a common problem amongst pregnant women, adding some good quality fiber to your diet can be extremely beneficial.

Most people think of bran when they think of fiber; however, all vegetables, grains, nuts, beans, and lentils contain fiber. Ground flaxseeds are an excellent source of fiber. You can add them to your diet by putting a few tablespoons in a smoothie, thick soups, chili or in pancake/waffle or muffin mixture.

A few things to note about increasing fiber: be sure to increase the amount slowly into your diet so your digestive system can get used to it; adding too much too quickly can cause digestive discomfort. You also want to make sure you are well hydrated and drink plenty of water everyday.

Calcium

This mineral is most commonly associated with dairy products, but there are so many other (often more healthy) foods you can eat to get calcium into your diet. Broccoli, bok choy, almonds, tofu, prunes, and pumpkin seeds are just a few! Dark leafy greens (spinach, kale, Swiss chard, beet greens etc.) also have some calcium. If you do choose to eat dairy products, try to choose organic and/or grass fed options.

Calcium is so important for the growth and development of your baby’s teeth, bones and cardiovascular system. It is also essential for the mother’s teeth, skin, bones and for helping to relieve aching muscles (an all too common issue during pregnancy). If a mother’s diet is lacking in calcium during her pregnancy, the baby will actually take calcium from the mother’s bones, leaving the mother depleted. This can have long-term detrimental effects.

Getting the nutrients you and your baby need shouldn’t (and isn’t!) complicated. The suggestions above are some good places to start, but you can also just begin with choosing a variety of whole foods (things without labels or ingredient lists) and focus on the quality of the foods you are choosing. Every time you reach for a snack or a meal, you have the opportunity to make a healthy choice for you and your baby.

Erin Gravel, founder of Terra Firma Wellness. 2019 

Erin is a Registered Holistic Nutritional Consultant (R.H.N.) based in Halifax, Nova Scotia. She works with women all across Canada to help them optimize their nutrition throughout their pregnancy and breastfeeding journey. As a mom to a very active 2.5 year old, and currently expecting her second baby in June 2019, Erin has a unique understanding of the needs of pregnant and breastfeeding women. Her focus is primarily on education and providing her clients with realistic suggestions that fit their lifestyle and dietary preferences. When she isn’t working with clients, Erin enjoys baking and spending time outside with her family.

www.terrafirmawellness.ca

 

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