Serving Swift Current, Cabri, Shaunavon, Maple Creek, Moose Jaw and surrounding areas since 2009
trustedinstinctsis_gmail.com
1-306-741-6255
12-capri
sarah mclachlan - ordinary miracle
14 over the rainbow-what a wonderful world
Welcome
Welcome...
The power and intensity of your contractions cannot be stronger than you, because it is you ~ Unkown
My hope is that you feel confident enough to trust your body and baby during the birth process and that I can dispell the myths about childbirth. I hope that you can feel safe and a desire to educate yourself in order to have an informed, empowered birth-however you choose to give birth. A women that gives birth will remember that experience forever...good or bad. I sincerely hope to help you make your birthing experience one that you will remember as being amazing! I look forward to working with you and your birth partners!
About Us
About Us...
Amy CassonI am a CAPPA trained Labour Doula, Aviva trained childbirth educator and am currently in the process of training to become a La Leche Leader as well.I am married and have two busy boys. My husband and I live on an acreage about 25 minutes out of Swift Current. We are enjoying the quiet life out of the city and wide open spaces. I have realized some things about myself recently that I never noticed before. I usually do my best when under pressure. I have more of a creative side to me than I ever thought I did! I love photography and am starting to get very fond of web design. I am having a blast experimenting with essential oils and aromatherapy as well as finding out about natural health remedies. I also have taken an interest in whole foods and gluten/dairy free foods and have realized just how important what we eat is to our well being.I have always enjoyed helping people, so being a doula, helping women become mothers and learn to trust their instincts comes naturally to me.
A Doula is
A Doula is...
"The presence of a Doula is a major advantage for physicians, the women and their families.They provide a level of support that is often very difficult to achieve in a busy maternity care service. We see increased satisfaction with the birth experience, lower intervention rates and excellent infant outcomes"~ Micheal Klein, M.D., Vancouver, B.C.
The labor doula:~ provides physical, emotional, and informational support to the mother and others who are attending her.~ will assist the father or other birth partners by giving suggestions of things that will help the mother, giving them a break, and make sure they eat, drink, and rest to maintain their strength.~ will assist the family to gather information and ask the questions necessary to make informed decisions when the need arises, although she will never make decisions for them.~ will assist the mother and her partner to find the best methods to relax and encourage labor, including helping with positioning, breathing, relaxation, massage, and other comfort measures.~ will never leave the laboring woman, maintaining continuity of care throughout the labor and birth.~ will not perform any medical tasks, or clinical exams.~ will not give medical advice or second opinions, and will not project her own goals onto a laboring woman.Women supported by a doula during labor have been shown to have:~ 50% reduction in Cesarean rate~ 25% shorter labor~ 60% reduction in epidural requests~ 40% reduction in artificial oxytocin use~ 30% reduction in analgesic use~ 30% reduction in forceps deliverySix weeks after birth, mothers who had doulas experienced:~ Less anxiety and depression~ More confidence with the baby~ More satisfaction with their partnerLong-term benefits include:~ Improved breastfeeding~ Increased time spent with baby~ More positive maternal assessments of baby's personality and health, and maternal competence~ Decreased postpartum depressionSource: Mothering the Mother, by M.H. Klaus, J.H. Kennell, and P.H. Klaus; Addison-Wesley Publishing Company, New York (1993).
Dads and Doulas
Dads and Doulas...
A labor doula will never replace the mother's partner(her husband, the baby's father or other friends or loved ones). The partner provides love and support that the labor doula can never provide, as he/she knows the mother intimately and possesses a love that can come from no one else. The labor doula and the partner in conjunction with the chosen caregivers, form the perfect support system for the laboring mother. The labor doula can assist the partner, provide suggestions for him/her, and allow the partner to participate at his/her comfort level.Source ~ CAPPA position paper, Tania Richards www.cappa.net Dads and Doulas5 Reasons Dads Should Demand a DoulaFrom KH WeissWhen my wife told me that she wanted a doula, I was hurt. I truly thought with our first baby that I’d be able to be the end all be all for my wife. She showed me the research. She let me meet some of the doulas. I still wasn’t convinced that it would be the right choice for us. I subscribed to the “If you weren’t at the conception, you shouldn’t be at the birth rule.” My wife wound up vetoing me. Here are the reasons I’m glad that she did: 1. A doula can spell you. I really thought I’d be able to stay awake for a big event like childbirth. Who didn’t pull an all nighter in college? Bathroom breaks? Ha! I mean, if I could ride my bike for hours, drinking lots of water and not needing a bathroom break, surely I could wait a few hours while my wife was in labor, right? Wrong. Thirty hours into my wife’s first labor and I was toast. I’d been up walking with her for what seemed like days as labor began. We’d come to the hospital and there wasn’t any sleeping for me. I was physically tired and mentally shot. The doula really helped me out. With my wife’s blessing, that 30 minute nap I caught helped me to refocus and be back on my game for the big event. And we won’t even talk about how much fun my wife made of me for my small bladder. Needless to say, having the knowledge that my wife had someone else with her while I scarfed down food, went to the bathroom and grabbed a few winks kept me sane. 2. A doula remembers what she learned in childbirth class. I paid attention in childbirth class. I’d hear enough horror stories to realize that there was a huge, comprehensive final exam for this course – childbirth. But when push came to shove, no pun intended, the knowledge went out of my brain. Those early hours of labor I couldn’t remember if we were supposed to eat or sleep, which positions were good or not so good. Thankfully, when the doula arrived, she saved my skin and made me look like the good guy. My wife never really realized that it wasn’t my idea that she try certain positions, but that I’d been privately coached by our doula. 3. A doula knows the questions to ask. When we arrived at the hospital, everyone was bombarding us. Questions were flying from all directions. I was busy trying to help soothe my wife, who was not happy with the bumpy car ride to the hospital. Our doula stepped in and gave them all the information that they needed. Magically doors opened and we were offered a prime birthing room. Our doula also was very helpful in getting information. A nurse or a tech would come in and ask us if we wanted something, like a procedure or a medication. I had no clue. (See above where I forgot my childbirth class information!) Our doula would very calmly ask questions of them and of us until we had enough information to make the decision that matched what we wanted. It was never pushy or mean, just questions. She even reminded us that we could take some time alone to make a decision. That turned out to be a real blessing. 4. A doula speaks the language of labor. Our doula was an amazing translator. I’d ask a simple question like, “How’s the baby?” And the nurse would respond with something like, “The EFM indicates that there are no decels during periods of stimulation.” I’d give her my biggest smile and nod, like I knew what she was saying. Once she left the room, I’d ask our doula, who would carefully explain each part of what had been said. She also helped us decipher what AROM was as well as second stage. 5. A doula keeps you calm. Hard. Labor was so hard. And that’s just how it felt to me. Thankfully, when the going got tough and my wife was in hard labor, it was difficult for me to keep anything in my brain. I forgot everything from childbirth class and all I could think of was “Surely this isn’t normal!” Our doula would smile at me from across my wife on the birth ball and as if she had read my mind, would mouth the words “This is normal.” Her calm smile helped me focus again on loving on my wife and keeping her calm. She showed me how and where to touch, she modeled how to behave quietly and efficiently and she made me the star in my wife’s eyes. When I first heard about doulas, I thought of them as birth interlopers. Now I don’t know how anyone could manage to give birth without one. Our doula really helped bring me together with my wife as she gave birth. My wife remembers my constant support and never failing love or knowledge. She remembers the doula as a nice person who did some stuff in the background. We won’t give birth without a doula.
Labour Doula Services
Labour Doula Services...
I always have room in my schedule for an initial no obligation meeting to answer any questions you might have and determine compatibility. Click to schedule!
Complete Labour Doula Package~ No obligation meeting. Click to schedule!~ Three prenatal visits, one of which may be at a prenatal care appointment with your doctor or midwife.~ Unlimited phone, text and/or email support prenatally.~ 24 hour on-call from 2 weeks before your due date, to 4 weeks after you deliver.~ Unlimited labour support including early labour support in your home.~ 2 postpartum visits in your home.~ as much photography during the labour and birth as possible.~ access to my extensive lending references. Click here to view!~ help with initiation of breastfeeding after the birth, if desired.~ Complete Labour Doula Package Price $450 A $200 retainer is required at contract signing to hold your time on my calendar. The $250 Doula fee can be made in installments until two weeks prior to your due date. In-trade rates are also available, please ask! ~ I have in my contract a scheduled cesarean clause that outlines my services available should a cesarean section become necessary. I can accompany you to the hospital, possibly assist you and your partner during and in recovery, help you with breastfeeding(if desired) and schedule an extra postpartum visit, also if desired.Additional Services...If anything here interests you, contact me for more information. I am always happy to provide any of these additional services!~ Significantly discounted services twice a year to pregnant moms in need~ Photography-Maternity and/or Newborn(contact me for pricing).~ Babywearing Consultations. I know that trying to decide on what kind of wrap/sling to use can be a daunting task, not to mention how to use them! I went through it after my first child was born. I have several different kinds of carriers for you to try, including Ergo, Boba, Seven Slings, Baby K'tan and Mai-Tei carriers. Click here to check out my Babywearing Info page! ~ Cloth diapering Consultations Not sure about this whole 'cloth diaper' phase, ask me! I've been using cloth diapers since 2009.~ Childbirth Preparation Sessions $200(Included free in Labour Doula package or can be combined with any additional services) This includes access to my lending references as well as a binder with a wealth of information on everything from pregnancy to parenting! ~ Birth Plan Consultations $100(Included free with Labour Doula Services or can be combined with any additional services) This also includes access to my lending references as well as a lending binder. After reviewing the information together, I have a questionaire for you to fill out that will help you narrow down what you do and do not want for your birth and newborn. After filling out the questionaire we can shape the rough draft of your birth plan! I will take the rough draft, finalize your birth plan and then deliver it to you in person, by post or by email.~ Postpartum Doula Services Click here for more information!
"You are constructing your own reality with the choices you make... or don't make. If you really want a healthy pregnancy and joyful birth, and you truly understand that you are the one in control, then you must examine what you have or haven't done so far to create the outcome you want." ~ Kim Wildner, 'Mother's Intention: How Belief Shapes Birth'
Postpartum Doula Services
Postpartum Doula Services
I'm home with the baby(ies) now... what....HELP!!!
First off...take a deep breath. I, as a postpartum doula am here to help you and your family adjust to life with your new little bundle of joy! Here is some info in case you aren't quite sure what a Postpartum doula can do for you.Postpartum doulas are skilled and knowledgeable about the care and development of infants as well as maternal recovery and adjustment. We provide non-judgemental guidance on newborn care and feeding, assist the mother with physical and emotional recovery, care for baby so mother can care for herself, and provide practical household assistance.Benefits of Postpartum Doula Care: ~ Increases success of breastfeeding ~ Facilitates parent-infant bonding ~ Decreases incidence of postpartum depression ~ Encourages appropriate well-baby and mother care ~ Increases parents' confidence in their parenting skillsSource: Nurturing Beginnings, by Debra Pascali-BonaroPostpartum doulas do not provide medical services or treatments for mother or baby, nor do we provide heavy housekeeping. Postpartum doulas support whatever parenting style you choose. We assist you with your needs making it easier for you to parent your new baby.I can support you in many different ways:~ cooking a meal for the family~ light household chores~ extended one on one time~ looking after baby and/or older siblings while you take care of errands or have some down time~ emotional support~ help with processing your birth experience~ help with overnight feedingsFor an idea of what my 'hours' would include~ 8am to 5pm-light household duties and/or support while your partner is away at work~ 11am to 2pm-you could catch a much deserved rest and have a tidier home when you wake up~ 4pm to 8pm-help with supper time, bath and bedtime duties~ Midnight to 6am-help with night waking/feeding so you can have a better sleep.Pricing and Scheduling~ Postpartum Doula Service price $15/hour ~ 4hr minimum during the day(7am-10pm), 6hr minimum at night(10pm-7am) ~ I bill weekly and will accept cash, cheque and money orders. My time may be pre-purchased or pay as you go.~ If this interests you, you can contact me here, or call me at 1-306-741-6255. I would be happy to meet with you before hiring if you desire.Discount packages are available with Childbirth/Prenatal Education, Birth Plan Consultations and Doula Service Packages. Please inquire!
Links and Resources
Links and Resources...
"However much we know about birth in general, we know nothing about a particular birth. We must let it unfold with its own uniqueness." ~ Elizabeth Noble
Community ResourcesVanessa Zanidean ~ Lactation Consultant at the Hospital ~ 778-9509Cypress Health Region Midwifery ProgramYoga Connexion ~ Prenatal Yoga ClassesFamily Resource Center ~ 773-6160~ parentprogram_sasktel.netSwift Current Friendship Center ~ 773-6285Dr. Noble Irwin Regional Healthcare FoundationParent Mentoring Program of SaskatchewanPrenatal InfoPublic Health Childbirth Classes ~ 778-5280Breastfeeding Info and SupportLa Leche League CanadaFind a Lactation ConsultantBLISSFirst 6 weeksPregnancy Info and SupportMother RiskBreech Info and SupportHyperemisis Gravidarum(Extreme Nausea & Vomiting during Pregnancy)Ceasarean Info and SupportICAN(International Ceasarean Awareness Network)VBAC.com(Vaginal Birth after Ceasarean)Saskatchewan LinksMidwives Association of SaskatchewanMidwifery for AllSaskatchewan Birth StoriesOptions Pregnancy CenterSaskatchewan Association of Naturopathic PractitionersRelated Links/Fun StuffMothering MagazineSpinning Babies WebsiteAncient Chinese Birth ChartThe Bradley Method(Saskatoon w/ Chantel Serack)Lamaze InternationalMothers AdvocateBirth Trauma CanadaA Place to Remember(Pregnancy and Infant Loss)PPDA(Postpartum Depression Awareness)Doula OrganizationsThese are just a handful of the many organizations that offer Doula training. It is a good idea to look at all of them and find the one you identify with the most.CAPPA CanadaDONA InternationalAviva InstituteBirth Arts International
Contact
"If a woman doesn't look like a Goddess during birth then someone isn't treating her right." ~ Ina May Gaskin.
Scheduling and Calendar
Scheduling/Calendar
Babywearing
Babywearing...
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Boba is a Soft Structured baby carrier (SSC) that is intended for children between 15 to 45 lbs. Boba has a few extra inches of height to keep your center of gravity closer to your body and support your little one's back. The innovative thing about the Boba carrier is that there are foot straps attached to the waist belt for the child’s feet to sit in enabling a healthy sitting position for the child. The footstraps not only give little tired legs a rest, but support the legs in a flexed abducted (froglike) position which naturally tilts the pelvis, fills out the hip sockets, and aligns the spine.The Baby K’tan™ Baby Carrier (patent pending) is a 100% natural cotton, unique, ergonomically designed & stylish soft baby carrier. Offered in hip neutral colors, the Baby K'tan is a cross between a sling and a more structured front baby carrier, offering the positions and benefits of both, AND MORE!Baby K’tan LLC is an environmentally friendly company which manufactures 100% natural cotton baby carriers without chemicals or azo dyes. All carriers are CPSIA Certified and are manufactured under safe conditions.ERGObaby’s baby carrier design supports a natural sitting position for babies, eliminating compression of the spine and hips that can be caused by unsupported suspension. The baby carrier also balances the baby's weight to parents' hips and shoulders, and alleviates physical stress for the parent.
Welcome
About Us
A Doula is
Dads and Doulas
Labour Doula Services
Postpartum Doula Services
Links and Resources
Contact
Scheduling and Calendar
Copyright 2009-2011 Amy Casson All rights reserved
