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 out there right now 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.

C H O O S I N G  T O  B R E A S T F E E D

 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.

 R O U T I N E S

 Some babies are a little bit more demanding than others. I am a definate advocate for routines with my babies. Life can be so much easier and much more predictable for yourself and your baby if you establish a routine with them. This does not mean a schedule and it does not mean a strict routine. It means a rhythm that flows day to day with your child that is easy to follow and easy to put in place. Routines help to learn your baby's cries and keep them to a minimum. I guide my clients to create routines that are flexible and customized to their own lifestyles.

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, especially during the first 6 weeks post partum.

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 about breastfeeding and the post partum period that I could. I became determined not to feel about myself the way I had after my son's birth. 9 months later I am still breastfeeding my daughter and I would never have gone this 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 group held weekly at the HUB in Timberlea. Every week I take time to voluntarily help women with breastfeeding and post partum issues. Why? Because we need more of it. In September I also started certifying through Doulas of North America (DONA) 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. Now, I am currently studying and collecting breastfeeding councilling hours to write the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE) exam and become a much needed Registered Lactation Consultan here in Fort McMurray.

For all reasons mentioned above,  in October 2006 I created a company called "Mom2Mom" with flexible hours for my own family and an on-call and appointment making support service for yourself.