Sneak Peek at 2017!

We have so many amazing things in store for you all for 2017 and wanted to share just a few things that we have on the go with the team!

Lactation Counselor services will be launching, as will more online courses such as.....

Planning Your Postpartum
Self Care for New Moms
ABC's of Newborn Care

We will also be publishing another Mindful Motherhood digital collection of meditations, designed for the modern mama. These meditations will be all about empowerment, rest, self realization, acceptance and encouragement when you need it most!



You can also expect more Car Seat Clinics with Lisa, placenta encapsulation information from Janice and sleep advice from Kerri!

Our team is growing their expertise and we cannot wait for all of the abundance that 2017 will bring!

xoxo
Shannon

Prenatal Mental Health Check-In

So it's December....which means shorter hours of sunshine, cloudy days, snow and cold (at least here in Ontario).

Mental health in general during the winter is a challenge thing. The environmental factors that impact mental health are at a massive low in the winter months; when the days are dreary, we feel that in our bodies and minds.

Now is a great time to check in with your mental health status during pregnancy before the stress of the holidays hit.

How are you feeling?

Be honest here. Let down your guard and be honest. It's ok to say that you're not enjoying every moment of pregnancy. It's ok they be absolutely euphoric about pregnancy and you upcoming birth.

No matter how you are feeling.....

it. is. ok.

Take a few minutes to find your breath today. If you're feeling stressed or overwhelmed, anticipating a stressful holiday season. Or if you're quickly approaching birth and time seems to be flying by you.

After you've found you breath and have felt your heart slow, start planning out some self care activities to carry you through the most stressful time of year. Pregnancy itself is stressful, add in the holidays and family dynamics, potential for judgement and it's easy to see how your mental health can become compromised and difficult to manage.

However you are feeling, today and in the coming weeks, it is ok.

Acknowledge it and find your breath. Find a way to slow the pace of your heart. Check in with yourself every so often throughout your pregnancy, especially during the winter, and be honest.

xoxo
Shannon

Winter Pregnancy Safety

I remember my pregnancy Graeme well, and not just because it was after a loss but because it was a winter pregnancy between months 2 to 6!

Being pregnant in Canada during the winter is a huge challenge. You want to get out but the roads and sidewalks are slippery. It's cold and you're not sure how to dress. You want to stay active, but how?

After the first trimester fatigue passed, I was determined to keep up with running but that meant slippery surfaces and inconsistent weather. Then there are the times where the days seem to only last for a few hours and by the time you are home from work or whatnot, it's dark and the coziness of the couch and Netflix is calling your name.

If you want to stay active during the winter months of pregnancy, be mindful of a few things.

For footwear, consider putting extra traction on your running shoes. Head to your local running store for their individual recommendations and tell them what your goals are. If you are like me during pregnancy, maybe you're running three times a week and still training for races through your 8th month. Maybe you just want to take the dogs out for a walk every evening. No matter what your goal is, make sure you are wearing shoes that have extra traction for slippery surfaces.

Layering is the easiest way to dress for pregnant in winter. Consider thin layers that are easily tied around your waist or chest. Bring or wear a cheap pair of thin gloves that can be taken off and stuffed in a pocket when you overheat. I used to feel like I was overheating a lot during pregnancy when I was running, but having layers allowed me to take off simple things like ear warmers, gloves, a long sleeved tee shirt to make sure I was comfortable at all times.

Always always always tell someone where you are going and take you cell phone with you. If you can, take a mophie or battery backup with you just in case.

Lastly, follow your instincts. If you're not feeling up to you scheduled run or walk on a particular day, stay home. Pregnancy isn't the time to push your limits but is the time to listen to your body and your instincts.

Stay safe and warm. Be smart. And when all else fails.....

Couch
Blanket
Netflix

xoxo
Shannon

You Are Enough

Our last installment of Mindful Motherhood for 2016! What a journey it has been this year, and we are deeply grateful to each of you that continues to read, engage, and listen.

This month, we have a simple and pure message for all of you mamas out there.

You.
Are.
Enough.

You are enough for yourself
You are enough for your children
You are enough for the world around you

You
Are
Enough

And you have enough. And you do enough.

You are so perfectly made, just the way you are. Lower those expectations of perfection, and just be you.

If you need any other reminder of just how enough you are, listen here.

Listen over and over, until the words are etched on your heart and you breathe them in as if it is second nature. 

Wishing you all the very best, from the bottom of my heart.

xoxo
Shannon

Childbirth Education From the Comfort of Your Own Home!

Dreading prenatal class in the dark days of winter? We have an online workshop that is the perfect solution to those who would rather stay cozied up at home in their pajamas, yet still want to learn about all of the incredible options that they have for their birth!

birthPrep takes you through everything from positions for labour and birth, comfort measures, what to expect in the first 24 hours following birth and some simple strategies for your postpartum transition.

We've created a series of conversational videos, a PDF handbook, various worksheets and then open the floor for questions. Once you complete the online course, simply email us with your questions and one of our very capable doulas will be in touch with you to make sure you get all the answers and guidance that you seek!

To find out more about birthPrep or to register for the course, click here!

xoxo
Shannon