12/16/2022
Want to know how cutthroat my doula competitors are? Just look at how they engage with me…
Sharing food, drinks, laughs, gifts and fun at Broken Spirits Distillery while we painted wine glasses and ornaments under the direction of Paint It - Mobile Painting Parties.
Seriously don’t know if another industry has this level of support, interaction and camaraderie with their competition. Thank you Calgary Doula Association for putting this on.
I love all these people dearly and am so blessed to call them colleagues and friends! ❤️
And check out my haul! Lovely succulents, a crocheted b**b, a beautiful book! Plus I’m pretty happy with how well my projects turned out despite being a *recovering* control freak (ergo NOT a good artist).
11/12/2022
I just had a lovely afternoon meeting with nine expecting families looking for doula support! Thanks to the for organizing another successful MYD event. Now for some quality family time and ordering dinner in. ☺️
11/05/2022
Come join us in Chestermere for an amazing Prenatal Class series where you will learn:
Techniques to manage labour pain
How partners can best support you through birth
What types of detours you may encounter
Postpartum recovery
Breastfeeding and bottlefeeding
Caring for your newborn
And so much more!
Bonus! This class will include a yoga session for the pregnant person.
Enroll at: https://www.maternalinstincts.ca/classregistration
11/02/2022
Bodyform: #wombstories
Wow! Such a well done, short 3-minute video that really captures all the emotions of owning a womb.
Bodyform: #wombstories
Our are never simple. But all of them – the weird and the wonderful; the happy and the sad – need to be heard. Trigger warning: images of needle...
10/29/2022
Meeting all the new and experienced families today!
04/24/2022
Prenatal Class Registration
We have a last minute spot that we have deeply discounted in our prenatal classes starting on Saturday, April 30th. Normally this series costs $275, but will be offered at only $100. Simply fill out the registration form and note that you'd like to take advantage of this last minute offer and we'll let you know if it's still available. Here are the further details:
These comprehensive 12 hour classes will cover everything you need to know about birth, breastfeeding and baby care!
Stages of labour - physically what happens and how you'll feel emotionally
Coping techniques - a variety of both medical and non-medical methods will be presented along with practicing the best positions for each stage of labour
Complications that may arise - fetal monitoring, cesarean sections, etc.
Postpartum recovery - what the healing process looks like and ways to cope
Breastfeeding - in depth information of latch, supply and possible problems
Baby care - changing diapers, swaddling, sleep hacks, etc.
Runs 3 consecutive Saturdays near Chinook Centre
April 30, May 7 and May 14
3:00 - 7:00 pm each week
Cost: $275
Visit our website to learn more:
www.maternalinstincts.ca
Or register here:
https://www.maternalinstincts.ca/classregistration.html
Prenatal Class Registration
Comprehensive classes for giving birth, learning about breastfeeding and newborn care. Available in person in Calgary or virtually from anywhere!
03/30/2022
Let’s normalize postpartum bodies!
03/01/2022
With mask mandates ending today we understand you may be happy or you may be anxious. Both feelings are totally valid! Don’t worry - we’ve got you! Please feel completely confident knowing that we respect your decision to keep wearing your mask if you choose to and know that we will too if you’d like us to. Simply ask! If you prefer to go without, that’s cool too! Your choices will always be supported by us. 💗
02/14/2022
As I wrap up a series of prenatal classes to a bunch of parents-to be, inevitably I tear up in my effort to try convey what they are heading into. It’s a little crazy how deeply we love these kiddos and could never explain the complexity of emotions as we raise them and set them free. ❤️
https://www.facebook.com/100044068974301/posts/497938241685137/?d=n
Nobody Told Me
Just wait until he is a teenager, they said, with a sense of foreboding attached to every word. Sometimes they would force a sarcastic chuckle as they warned me about the dark years ahead. Over and over again… “Just you wait”.
His teenage years will be behind him in a few short months and I realize that nobody told me so many things I would have liked to have known sooner.
Nobody told me that watching him live his wildest dreams would be infinitely more satisfying than living my own; an experience that would eventually give way to the realization that one of my biggest dreams must, in fact, be him.
Nobody told me that our quiet car rides on the way to school would allow for some of the most important and meaningful conversations of our lives; an experience that would lead me to opt to drive him every single day that I possibly could, rather than lend him my car or help him get his own. I would not trade those minutes for anything.
Nobody told me we would laugh until tears rolled down our cheeks. It sounds so simple and so ordinary, but nobody told me. I was told a lot of things. Some terrible things. But, never this.
Nobody told me he would need me more as a teenager than he did as a child, even though we spend considerably less time together. It is strange. We think as our children grow into young adults and gain independence, they need their mamas less, but that is simply not true.
Nobody told me about the pride I would feel for him every time he honors his authentic self and that it would make me feel like a nebula giving birth to a billion stars. Like my whole being could explode with pure contented joy.
Nobody told me that I would worry about him even more during his teenage years than I did when he was a baby. Even though he is older, stronger, and more capable of so many things, my worry grows with him. The stakes somehow seem higher with every move and the obstacles larger.
Nobody told me that I would move heaven and earth for MYSELF to show him what is possible. Yes, myself. I realize I need to be whole to help foster wholeness.
Nobody told me that my measure of success would morph from happiness into authenticity. I used to simply want happiness for my child. Now, I hope that my child feels it all and remains authentic in spite of it.
Nobody told me I would not know what I was doing for this long. I mean, shouldn’t I be a bit of an expert after 19 years (166440 hours) of being a mother?
Nobody told me that one day I would be ready to let go of that boy that I grew in my womb and cradled in my arms, and that letting go is really just celebrating his unique life path that was never mine to begin with. Just because we leave seeds for the birds or mend a broken wing doesn’t mean they should refrain from flying away into the open skies when their wings ache for something more.
Nobody told me that these years would add up to be the most magnificent adventure of my life.
02/08/2022
Watch this reel by wikedchik on Instagram
Ooooohhh babies! They watch and hear everything you say and do!!
Watch this reel by wikedchik on Instagram
306 Likes, 25 Comments - Yolanda () on Instagram
01/27/2022
Midwives & Doulas – Healthcare – CommunityVotes Calgary 2021
So honoured to have received a Platinum Award! Thanks to all that voted!
Midwives & Doulas – Healthcare – CommunityVotes Calgary 2021
Official 2022 Community Voting Awards Platform for Calgary, AB. Where the community votes for their favourites every year.
01/19/2022
Use of forceps, vacuum during childbirth has higher rates of physical trauma, study finds
Forceps, vacuums and Canada’s high rate of physical trauma. Here’s the latest study:
Use of forceps, vacuum during childbirth has higher rates of physical trauma, study finds
Researchers of a new study that looked at more than 1.3 million deliveries in Canada are calling for childbirth guidelines to be reviewed after finding that the use of forceps or a vacuum in labour was associated with a higher degree of trauma for the mother and the child than previously thought.
12/13/2021
Art or irresponsibility?
This is kicking up a big fuss in the comments section.
https://www.facebook.com/166574662483/posts/10158154935487484/?d=n
11/28/2021
Motherhood.
From my earliest memories, I knew I wanted to be a mother. The thoughts ran so deep, I didn’t even consider a career as I just wanted to be a mom. I knew I would love my children with all my heart. But I was wrong.
Well, not really wrong, per se. I just didn’t realize that my heart would grow and expand so much that it would break its former mold, thereby doubling its capacity. The love I experienced far exceeded any of my expectations. A love so deep and fierce, it scared me at times. How could I love another being so much?
And yet, as much as one’s capacity for love grows, so does their capacity for pain, fear, frustration, guilt and self-doubt. For with a love so fierce, comes plenty of the opposite feelings. A constant roller coaster of emotions, swinging violently from one end to another.
The sleep deprived nights of tending to newborns who desperately clung to me for warmth and comfort eventually turned into lonely and sleepless nights wondering where my children were and hoping they were safe.
The toddler I once hid from, hoping for one minute of peace and quiet and goddamn it, some privacy while I peed or showered, is now a teen who won’t even let me in their room. My presence is now greeted with a snarky, “What do you want?”
The shy preschooler who wouldn’t leave my side to play at a birthday party, now chooses their friends over doing anything with their mom.
The smiles, laughs, giggles and “I love you mommy!” have turned into grunts, glares, eyerolls and “You are so annoying.” I’m left wondering exactly when I went from hero to villain?
Cuddles and hugs were once an hourly staple, yet I literally cannot remember the last time one of my children let me wrap my arms around and comfort her. I swear it’s been years and as an extremely affectionate person, this one cuts deep.
Weaving its way through every step on this journey, is a persistent feeling of self-doubt and guilt. Did I do enough? Was that the right way? Should I try something else? Am I doing a good job? Should I push for better grades? Am I setting a good example? The list never ends. Second guessing Every. Damn. Thing.
Some days, motherhood feels like torture. Like my heart has been ripped from my chest and stomped on the floor. Then the next day it’s swelling with pride again. Like I said, a literal roller coaster. But that’s life, isn’t it? How do we know how amazing the highs are if we don’t experience the lows?
So, in case no one has ever told you, motherhood is the best thing ever. And it’s the hardest thing ever.
It’s the most rewarding. And the most demanding.
It’s so fulfilling. And so draining.
It’s full of pride. And full of shame.
And despite knowing my literal job description is to produce productive people who are capable of taking care of themselves, it is so fu***ng hard when you realize they don’t need you like they used to. Maybe part of my fear of them pulling away is that so much of my identity is wrapped up in them. Who and what am I when my role of mother is stripped away?
I knew I would love my kids. I didn’t know how much. And I didn’t know how damn much it would hurt to watch them grow.
10/30/2021
It’s the most wonderful time of the year!
Trunk or Treat fun at Camp Chestermere with
10/19/2021
Choosing where to have your baby in Calgary
Wow! Lots can change in five years. Here's a newly updated link to the options for birthing locations in the Calgary area.
Choosing where to have your baby in Calgary
Choosing which hospital or birth centre to give birth at in Calgary
10/11/2021
AbbieHerbert on TikTok
True story! Alternate!!
AbbieHerbert on TikTok
Is this normal? Mom friends help me out
10/01/2021
CBC Radio has gotten in touch asking if any expecting mom’s would like to be interviewed on Monday afternoon regarding the AHS changes that will now limit support people to just one in Labour & Delivery.
Message for contact info!
09/30/2021
From the government of Canada:
“September 30, 2021 marks the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
The day honours the lost children and Survivors of residential schools, their families and communities. Public commemoration of the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital component of the reconciliation process.”
09/30/2021
Further update - Calgary hospitals have made the decision to go further than this and start on October 1 instead.
Hot off the press! Literally checked a few hours ago and it’s been changed since then. AHS is reverting back to one support person for maternity effective Oct 4. The province’s doula association (the DAA) is hard at work to find out what this means for our clients. Stay tuned…
“Effective Oct. 4, 2021 - Maternity - one (1) designated support person can be on-site with the patient. Exceptional circumstances and requests by patients for two (2) designated support persons will be considered by site command posts on a case-by-case basis. One (1) additional designated support person (for the infant) will be considered in cases of adoption or surrogacy if physical distancing permits.”
09/29/2021
Hot off the press! Literally checked a few hours ago and it’s been changed since then. AHS is reverting back to one support person for maternity effective Oct 4. The province’s doula association (the DAA) is hard at work to find out what this means for our clients. Stay tuned…
“Effective Oct. 4, 2021 - Maternity - one (1) designated support person can be on-site with the patient. Exceptional circumstances and requests by patients for two (2) designated support persons will be considered by site command posts on a case-by-case basis. One (1) additional designated support person (for the infant) will be considered in cases of adoption or surrogacy if physical distancing permits.”
09/29/2021
Some super cute baby Halloween costumes! Also, look in the comments for a link to some great ideas if you’re still pregnant.
https://www.facebook.com/184627908624991/posts/1286011421819962/?d=n
07/18/2021
FIREWORKS!! Exactly how it felt to be heading to the hospital for the first time since January. So thankful to finally be welcomed back into the hospitals and came across the Stampede fireworks on the way there.
07/01/2021
Have you heard??
July 5th all Calgary hospitals are welcoming back second support persons into Labour and Delivery!!
WE ARE SO EXCITED!!!!
06/17/2021
12 years ago I did one of the best things ever when I attended a birth doula training. Little did I know that this training and subsequent journey would be so influential on my life. Not only did I learn how to guide, support and encourage parents through their birth experience, but I have also learned so much about so many day to day life situations.
• I know what it means to listen and support without judgement
• I know how to be a reflective listener
• I know what it means to hold space for people
• I know that we all make different choices and what’s right for one isn’t necessarily right for another
• I know how to push myself beyond what our small minds think we can do
All of these lessons have helped me to grow so much not only in my profession, but also in my personal life. And for this I will be eternally grateful. 🙏
06/08/2021
Planning for a Positive Postpartum | Macaroni Kid Chestermere
Planning for a Positive Postpartum | Macaroni Kid Chestermere
Tracy, who lives in Chestermere with her family, teaches childbirth and parenting classes and also offer both birth and postpartum doula services. Shé…
05/21/2021
Canadian company Knix Wear raises $53 million while disqualifying investors who questioned CEO's pregnancy
The president of Knix is fierce!
https://www.ctvnews.ca/mobile/canada/canadian-company-knix-wear-raises-53-million-while-disqualifying-investors-who-questioned-ceo-s-pregnancy-1.5436656?fbclid=IwAR2c7bU872Z6zp-iuAfZKe2__15hBOefpIXAwTjNDD5Uc8esfpfHgsDmS-4
Canadian company Knix Wear raises $53 million while disqualifying investors who questioned CEO's pregnancy
Canadian undergarments company Knix Wear has raised $53 million in capital while pregnant with twins, all while refusing to work with any investors who had a problem with the CEO's pregnancy.
05/19/2021
MOM BOSS: Meet Tracy Hudson, Maternal Instincts Childbirth Services | Macaroni Kid Chestermere
MOM BOSS: Meet Tracy Hudson, Maternal Instincts Childbirth Services | Macaroni Kid Chestermere
The Macaroni Kid Mom Boss Marketplace is the place to showcase YOU as a local mom and the business you run, but most importantly to share the person tha…
05/05/2021
Yay for midwives who are improving births everywhere!
We think you are the best!
Aurora Midwifery
Birth Partnership Midwives
Red Community Midwives
Briar Hill Midwives
Honeycomb Midwives
Origins Midwifery
Cochrane Community Midwives
Airdrie Midwives
Birth Partnership Midwifery Service
10/29/2022
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