About My Company  C H I L D B I R TH Each birthing experience is as different as the child that is born. Women today are starting to take more active control in the care that they receive during their pregnancies and births. Women need to be made aware of the choices available to them throughout the birthing process to help obtain the birthing experience that they see themselves having. For my own labors it was extremely important to me that I choose where I wanted my babies delivered, to be able to have my husband by my side at all times, and to choose who was in that delivery room with us. There is something to be said about having an experienced woman tend to the needs and desires of a couple in labor with their child. For hundreds of years a laboring woman gave birth in the supportive arms of the women within her community. The mother had understanding and encouraging relatives, neighbours, and even strangers tend to all her needs throughout the delivery process. Today, our birthing experiences take place in a variety of places from the home, the birth centre, and the hospital. Often the facilities in which we bear our children have to limit the number of attendees in the birthing room. A knowledgeable, trained, and experienced Doula helps to bring back the atmosphere of comfort, support and understanding within the birthing room no matter where the birth takes place. Working together with both mother and father to create a calm and relaxed atmosphere, studies show that a Doula reduces the laboring mother's need for cesarean section, forceps or vacuum extraction, pain medication, episiotomies, and other common interventions. B R E A S T F E E D I N G Breastfeeding is making a comeback. More and more women are educating themselves and deciding to breastfeed their babies. However, less than half of these mothers are still breastfeeding by the time their infant is 3 months old. Proper instruction and guidance are often all that is necessary to keep these moms going. The World Health Organization advises women to breastfeed exclusively for the first 6 months of their child's life. This can be a daunting task. For all the bumps that may cross your breastfeeding path, at least now there is specific comfort and breastfeeding support available to you. The top concerns about starting breastfeeding are "Do I have enough milk?" and "Why am I sore?". I can help you learn to establish a good milk supply and proper latching techniques so that your nipples do not become sore. The earlier you seek help the better your breastfeeding relationship will be with your baby.
P O S T P A R T U M As a mother of three babies myself, I know what it is like to feel like a failure in regards to something that is so important to you. As well, I know how it is to suceed and do my best. There is not a lot of resources available for supporting women in the post partum period. To often too many women are scared to admit feelings of self doubt, sadness, and depression for fear of a diagnosis called Post Partum Depression (PPD). The post partum period is a tricky time in your life. The first 6 weeks are the often the most tender out of the post partum period, but the entire period actually lasts a lot longer. Many of us are not prepared for the twists and turns, both joyous and troublesome, that a new baby brings. There are several factors which can help lead to PPD. I am just one that can possibly help prevent it. Studies show that post partum care is a significant factor for decreasing PPD. I help protect what is normal to feel and experience after childbirth and help you to understand what it is you are going through.
Our Mission
To guide and encourage the family throughout their birthing experience, to protect and support the ancient art of breastfeeding, support new mothers and their families in caring for a new baby, and provide a comforting resource to learn how to make life easier. Company History
In 2004 my husband and I welcomed the birth of our first child. Then I became terrified. I had very little support in regards to breastfeeding and gave up easily. The feelings of guilt, despair, and resentment swarmed me for months. I had been treading in the waters of Post Partum Depression. What made me become a better mother to my son and to myself was reaching out to other new mothers and talking about it. Learning that so many of us share the same experiences and the same feelings of self doubt. In 2006 we welcomed the birth of our second child. Before her birth I sought out as many resources as I could about childbirth support, breastfeeding help and the post partum period. I became determined not to feel about myself the way I had after my son's birth. 10 months later I was still breastfeeding my daughter and I could never have gone so long without the key support I received in her first 3 months of life. I said I would repay my gratitude for such support by somehow returning the favor. In the summer of 2006 my husband, myself, and our two children moved from Ottawa, Ontario, to Fort McMurray, Alberta. I was devastated to learn there was very little support here for breastfeeding mothers. I became a La Leche League member and attended a couple meetings but in September 2006 our one and only La Leche League Leader had to resign. Thus, I created a free program called "Bosom Buddies;" a breastfeeding/post partum support. In September I also started certifying to become a Post Partum Doula. I hope to help new mothers strive in the things they want most for their own children and not feel guilty if everything does not go according to plan. I am currently studying to become a certified breastfeeding counsellor, a role that is much needed here in Fort McMurray. In March 2007 I decided to expand my business further and began the process to certify as a Birth Doula. Since May 2007 I have helped with over 35 births within Fort McMurray.
In May 2008 I welcomed the birth of my third child with a birth experience that I had dreamed of and the loving support of my husband, sister, and doula.
In February 2009 the welcomed growth of doulas within Fort McMurray resulted in the creation of the Fort McMurray Doula Association (FMDA) in which I am both a founding member and President. For all reasons mentioned above, since October 2006 I created and re-created a company called "Mom2Mom Doula and Breastfeeding" with flexible hours for my own family and an on-call and appointment making support service for yourself. | 