Birth Journeys - Childbirth Education and Breastfeeding Support
Childbirth Education

Learn about birth!

I am on sabbatical until Summer 2013.  There will be no Childbirth Education Classes until that time.
 
Experience childbirth education that is informative, fun, interactive, and meet new friends while you're there!  Classes are designed to provide you with information to make informed choices about your birth plan, both before and during the birth process, whether this is your first or subsequent .
 
Come on out and get ready for the big ! 
 


Childbirth Education For Experienced Couples too!
 
Is this your second or third pregnancy? 
 
  Was your prior birth a cesarean section?  Did your first birth proceed very differently than how you hoped it would?  Or are you looking forward to some time out to honour this pregnancy during the busy-ness of life as a parent as you ready yourself for another baby?  Classes are open to any couple expecting a baby - and there are options for experienced couples to join in for part of the series if that works best for you.  Please contact Michele to discuss your needs if you'd like to attend a partial series. 
 
I look forward to hearing from you and sharing this wondrous time in your life!  
 
We have a secret in our culture, and it's not that birth is painful. It's that are strong.
Laura Stavoe Harm
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Benefits of Childbirth Education

Couples can make informed choices together regarding the birth of their baby as they prepare for the birth and during the birth process.

Couples feel more knowledgeable about how to identify true labour as opposed to Braxton-Hicks contractions.  

Dad feels better prepared to support Mom during labour. Class discussions open up opportunities to explore what ideas for labour support appeal to Mom. 

Both Mom and Dad have a realistic idea of what to expect during the labour/birth and can prepare accordingly.  They understand normal labour behavior and also know when to seek extra support. 

Couples feel less anxiety during the birth because they understand more of what is happening around them and can particpate in the decision-making process.


Click here to view upcoming classes and learn more about childbirth classes.

Just as a woman's heart knows how and when to pump, her lungs to inhale, and her hand to pull back from fire, so she knows when and how to give birth. -Virginia Di Orio









 Breastfeeding Support

Reach your breastfeeding goals!

I am on sabbatical until Summer 2013.  I will be unavailable for breastfeeding support until that time.

As an IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant), I can help you reach your breastfeeding goals no matter what age your baby is.  Ideally, we start with a prenatal visit and work closely together during the early days of baby's life to help Mom, Dad, and baby learn how to breastfeed.  However, I can help a 3 week old or a 3 month old or a 3 year old with any breastfeeding difficulties that may come up, from sore nipples to biting to weaning.

Although breastfeeding can come very easily and feel natural for women, many women need knowledgeable support to get through any challenges that may stand in their way. 





 A newborn baby has only three demands.  They are warmth in the arms of its mother, food from her breasts, and security in the knowledge of her presence.  Breastfeeding satisfies all three.  ~Grantly Dick-Read

Benefits of Breastfeeding

For a wonderful article listing all the benefits of breastfeeding and the research to support them, please click here.

To summarize this article, here are some of my favourite benefits of breastfeeding: 

- Breast milk is more digestible than formula
-Not breastfeeding increases mother's risk of breast cancer
-Formula feeding increases baby girls' risk of developing breast cancer in later life
 -Breast milk contains immunities to diseases and aids in the development of baby's immune system.
-Breastfeeding satisfies baby's emotional needs and increases bonding between mother and baby
-Pre-term milk is specially designed for premature infants
-Baby's suckling helps prevent post-partum hemorrhage in mother
-Breast milk lowers risk of baby developing asthma
-Formula feeding may increase risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
-Formula fed babies have a higher risk of developing certain childhood cancers
-Breast milk aids in proper intestinal development
-Breastfed babies have less chance of cardiopulmonary distress while feeding
-Breastfeeding enhances vaccine effectiveness
-Breastfeeding is easier than using formula
-Breastfeeding acts like a natural tranquilizer for mom
-Breast milk tastes better than formula
-Babies that nurse are happier at night
-Breast milk may help combat eye infections
-Much nicer diaper changes-Breastfed babies smell fantastic
-It's what breasts were designed for!
 
 "Breastfeeding is a mother's gift to herself, her baby and the earth."
- Pamela K. Wiggins
IBCLC, Author