Becca - Full Spectrum Doula

06/16/2024

✨️ ✨️ is different for everyone. Some consider it a time to celebrate & express gratitude. For others, it may be a day filled with mixed emotions.

To those celebrating - may your day be filled with joy, laughter & cherished moments with your loved ones. To those who find this day difficult, please know that it's okay to feel what you feel & take the time you need to honor your emotions 🤍



[ID: Graphic. White background with a green, wavy design top left & bottom right corners. Yellow & green hearts in opposing corners. In the centered is scattered green texted that says:

Experienced loss
New fathers
In the 2SLGBTQIA+ community
Stepped into a father role
Lost a father
Striving to be a father
Experienced or processing birth trauma
Estranged from their father
Experiencing infertility
Solo fathering
Breaking cycles]

06/09/2024

🏳️‍🌈❤️

06/06/2024

✨️Protecting access to comprehensive reproductive healthcare✨️(including safe & legal abortion) is crucial for the rights & well-being of all individuals, particularly those who are most vulnerable.

↪️HEALTH: Reproductive healthcare restrictions & forcing people to carry pregnancies often leads to an increase in unsafe access, resulting in serious public health consequences like higher rates of perinatal mortality & morbidity.
↪️BODILY AUTONOMY: Anti-choice policies undermine fundamental right to bodily autonomy, taking away ability to make personal medical decisions.
↪️ECONOMICS: Unintended pregnancies can lead financial strain, impacted educational/career opportunities & perpetuating cycles of poverty. Broader impacts include increased public spending on healthcare, social services, & welfare.
↪️ACCESS: Marginalized folks in low-income or rural areas, often have less access to comprehensive reproductive healthcare. Anti-choice policies exacerbate these disparities by limiting access to safe & legal services.
↪️BIPOC, Q***R & DISABLED FOLKS: compounding anti-choice laws with other systemic barriers in healthcare can lead to significant danger. Especially when multiple identities intersect.
↪️VICTIMS OF ABUSE: Survivors of sexual & domestic violence may be forced to carry pregnancies resulting from abuse, which can have devastating physical & psychological consequences.
↪️CRIMINALIZATION: Anti-choice laws can lead to criminalization of individuals seeking or providing abortion care, disproportionately affecting marginalized communities who are more likely to be targeted by law enforcement & the criminal justice system.
↪️SOCIAL INEQUITY: Anti-choice policies deepen existing social inequities, exacerbating disparities in health, economics & social well-being across different demographics.



[ID: Video. Liberal MP - Jennifer O'Connell, speaks in parliament May 9/2024 about anti-choice CPC members. Two article clips show a CPC MP celebrating Roe v Wade overturn & a CPC MP attending anti-choice protest on parliament grounds.]

06/01/2024

The ORIGINAL qu**rs of North America 🪶❤️🧡💛💚💙💜

Colonialism attempted to erase that part of us.

They failed.

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Each piece from our Relentless Education Collection, including this shirt, comes with a QR code that leads you and others to learning resources on Two Spirit and IndigiQueer People.

The resource includes 20 out of the hundreds Indigenous languages that describe someone that’s neither man nor woman.

There’s a lot of other resources in there too ❤️

And YES, if you’re non-Native, you can wear these pieces as well. It’s an important conversation starter, especially this month 🌈

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This piece was created by a Two Spirit artist that reimagined what life and old photos would have looked like had we been accepted for our expansiveness and fluidity.

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Shop for this and more here:

https://relentlessindigenouswoman.ca/collections/relentless-education-collection

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Earrings by SACRD THNDR

Model: Chase Campeau

05/30/2024

Have you ever seen the uterus looking like this? We only tend to see the uterus laid flat but that's not how it looks inside the body.

The uterus is located in the pelvic cavity between the bladder and the re**um.

It is a pear-shaped muscular organ. It has a thick lining (endometrium) that can support a fertilised egg.

The uterus can be broken down into several key parts:

Fundus: The top, rounded portion of the uterus that is above the openings of the fallopian tubes.

Corpus: The main, central part of the uterus. It is the largest portion and where implantation of a fertilised egg occurs.

Isthmus: The narrow part of the uterus between the body and the cervix.

Cervix: The lower, narrow part of the uterus that connects to the va**na. The cervix has an opening called the cervical os, which allows passage between the uterus and the va**na.

Endometrium: The inner lining of the uterus. This layer thickens in preparation for potential implantation of a fertilised egg and is shed during menstruation if pregnancy does not occur.

Myometrium: The thick, muscular middle layer of the uterine wall. This layer is responsible for the contractions during labour and delivery.

Perimetrium (Serosa): The outermost layer that covers the uterus.

05/29/2024

It has been exhausting being medically gaslit into a fibromyalgia diagnosis after 4 years, despite dismissed complaints of widespread pain, fatigue, cognitive difficulties & other complications following my pregnancy & birth experience. That label was placed on me for 2 years (despite constant self advocacy), yet recent tests have validated misdiagnosis & years of avoidable suffering.

Treatment for my "fibromyalgia" included a cocktail of medications: pain relievers, antidepressants & muscle relaxants. Physical therapy, CBT, regular exercise & stress management was recommended (despite unsuccessful efforts). My symptoms persisted & in some cases, have worsened, with each new appointment yielding no improvement or answers.

Fibromyalgia is indeed real & debilitating for many; but, it is sometimes applied too readily without thorough investigation into other underlying conditions. Tendency to diagnose fibromyalgia more frequently in women can be traced back to a mix of historical gender biases in medicine. When symptoms don't fit neatly into a known category, it becomes a convenient label. Studies show that women are more likely to have their pain dismissed & wait longer for proper diagnosis/treatment compared to men. This leads to prolonged suffering, a decline in quality of life & in some cases, a worsening of the actual condition(s). Conditions such as autoimmune diseases, chronic infections or even endocrine disorders can present with similar symptom but require very different treatments.

Healthcare professionals need to listen attentively, validate women's experiences & pursue thorough investigations of their symptoms. Women deserve to feel heard, understood & genuinely cared for in every medical interaction. All postpartum bodies deserve love & care. We know our bodies best.

As I try to process disappointment, anger, sadness & uncertainty, I know life goes on. My responsibilities don't stop & I'm not about to give up on my goals. But it would be oh so nice to not face barriers in the process.



[ID: Graphic with split background. Left side white, right side green. Left side has green text that says "Being made to prove how sick you are as a chronically ill person is abuse. Being refused testing/diagnostics & referrals repeatedly creates self doubt about our bodies & personal experiences. We are amazed when doctors listen & believe us. If that doesn't speak volumes about the healthcare system & needed change, I don't know what will". On the right of the image is a sunflower, symbolizing invisible disabilities.]

05/28/2024

05/24/2024

Raising awareness about ✨️hypertensive disorders of pregnancy✨️ can help with early detection, empowerment of both pregnant individuals & healthcare providers in recognizing warning signs, better access to prenatal care/education & improving perinatal & fetal outcomes.

https://www.uscjournal.com/articles/hypertensive-disorders-pregnancy-literature-review-pathophysiology-current-management

https://millionhearts.hhs.gov/tools-protocols/tools/hypertension-disorders-pregnancy.html



[ID: Graphics showing information about HPD's

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HPD's) are treatable & can be classified into 5 categories:

-Chronic Hypertension
-Gestational Hypertension
-Pre Eclampsia
-Eclampsia
-HELLP Syndrome

HPD's affect ~10-15% of pregnant people. They are a leading cause of perinatal mortality & can put both the pregnant person & baby at risk. The burden & outcomes of HPD's continue to be adversely impacted by racial/ethnic disparities in perinatal healthcare.

Even though HPD's are similar, they are not the same. So what makes them different & what signs/symptoms can we look out for?

Chronic Hypertension:
-diagnosed before 20 weeks
-BP 140/90 or higher
-consistent headache
-edema (swelling)
-small urine output
-sudden weight gain
-vision changes
-nausea/vomiting
-upper/right abdominal pain
Hypertension:
- symptoms of chronic hypertension but after 20 weeks gestation
Pre-Eclampsia:
-symptoms of hypertension plus proteinuria (protein in urine) & decreased fetal movement
Eclampsia:
-symptoms of preeclampsia plus seizures
HELLP Syndrome:
-symptoms of hypertension plus bleeding & decreased fetal movement

Sometimes HPD's can occur for weeks after pregnancy. If you notice signs of HPD's while pregnant or postpartum, it's crucial to contact your healthcare provider immediately. These conditions can be serious & require prompt medical attention to ensure the health & safety of both you & your baby. Your healthcare provider will assess your symptoms & may recommend further tests or interventions to manage the condition effectively. Don't hesitate to seek help if you have any concerns. Ask questions about medical care provided to you. It is ok to seek the support of a doula, partner, friend or other companion if you need help advocating for yourself.]

05/12/2024

**photo shared with my son's consent**

[ID: Graphic. Left half of image shows a woman with black shades, curly brown hair & black shirt. Back right is a boy upside down, black shirt & brown hair. Both are jokingly sticking their tongues out.

Right half of image has a black background with white text that says "Mother's Day comes with diverse experiences for every person. Please show your loved ones appreciation while remembering to do so year round. Let's be mindful of folks facing adversity, who do not have the opportunity to rest. While it's easy to get caught up in consumerism, corporations profit off of our labour. Consider homemade gifts & redirecting that money towards helpful causes. Together, let's make this day meaningful beyond materialism 💐"]

humanappeal.org.uk/appeals/gaza-emergency-appeal

friendsofthecongo.org

help.rescue.org/donate

donate.worldvision.org/giftcatalog

focuscongo.com/en

secure.humanconcern.org

unicefusa.org

05/08/2024

Stand up against conservative proposals aiming to restrict reproductive rights! Every individual deserves autonomy to make their own choices about their bodies. Take action now to defend reproductive rights in Canada. Here are some things you can do to push back against anti-abortion policies:

✨️Advocate: Join or support advocacy groups that promote reproductive rights & lobby for policies supporting access to abortion.
✨️Educate: Spread awareness about the importance of reproductive rights & consequences of restricting access to abortion.
✨️Vote: Support political candidates who prioritize reproductive rights & vote for policies that protect access to abortion services.
✨️Participate: Attend rallies, marches & protests to demonstrate support for reproductive rights & oppose anti-abortion legislation.
✨️Donate: Contribute financially to organizations working to protect & expand access to abortion services.
✨️Engage: Contact elected representatives to express opinions on reproductive rights & urge them to support pro-choice policies.



[ID: Vid (top left corner) of Conservative MP Arnold Vierson proposing anti-abortion petition. 3 text boxes surrounding it that say

1
Preserving & improving access to abortion in Canada is essential for ensuring reproductive autonomy & healthcare equity. Restrictions proposed by conservative politicians will endanger the health & well-being of individuals seeking abortions, especially for marginalized communities. Access to safe & legal abortion services is crucial for protecting the rights & bodily autonomy of pregnant individuals, promoting public health & reducing perinatal mortality rates.

2
Referring to fetuses as "preborn children" can be dangerous. It implies a level of personhood & rights that don't align with scientific or legal understanding. This terminology is commonly used to undermine reproductive rights & restrict access to abortion by framing the debate in a way that prioritizes the rights of the pregnant person.

3
Politicians who propose restrictions on abortion should be watched closely & approached with skepticism. Such politicians often prioritize ideological agendas over scientific evidence & the well-being of their constituents. Furthermore, politicians who advocate for restrictive abortion policies often ignore the diverse needs & circumstances of pregnant individuals, particularly those from marginalized communities who may face additional barriers to accessing healthcare. By closely monitoring their actions & holding them accountable, we can safeguard against the erosion of reproductive rights & ensure policies are based on evidence, compassion & respect for individual autonomy.]

05/05/2024

, also known as the National Day of Awareness for MMIWG2S, originated as a grassroots movement in Canada to raise awareness about the disproportionately high rates of violence faced by Indigenous women, girls & Two-Spirit individuals. The red dress serves as a powerful symbol to honor and remember those who have been lost or gone missing.

Today is opportunity to shed light on systemic issues that disproportionately affect Indigenous communities in perinatal healthcare while also acknowledging Indigenous birthworkers & organizations paving the way for healing within their communities. All birthworkers can help work towards a future where all individuals have equitable access to healthcare & can experience safe, respectful childbirth experiences. Action is needed to address inequities in perinatal healthcare:

✨️Cultural Competency Training: Healthcare providers need training to understand and respect Indigenous cultures, traditions & healing practices. This can foster trust and improve the quality of care provided to Indigenous patients.

✨️Community-Led Initiatives: Supporting community-driven approaches to healthcare, such as Indigenous-led birthing centers & midwifery programs, empowers communities to address their unique needs & challenges.

✨️Policy Reform: Advocating for policies that prioritize Indigenous maternal & infant health, address systemic racism & allocate resources to improve access to healthcare services is essential for creating lasting change.

✨️Community Support and Empowerment: Providing resources & support for Indigenous communities to advocate for their rights, access healthcare services, & address social determinants of health can help mitigate the impacts of systemic inequalities.

There is profound loss being felt by Indigenous communities across Canada. Please take care & know support is available ❤️

National Indigenous Women's Resource Center
1-844-7NATIVE (1-844-762-8483)
Hope for Wellness Helpline
1-855-242-3310
Or online chat at www.hopeforwellness.ca
MMWIG2S+ support call line
1-844-413-6649

Image by

05/05/2024

❤

Today is both the international Day of the Midwife, as well as Red Dress Day, aday in reflection of all Women, Girls and 2 Spririt people who have gone missing or have been found murdered.

In Canada, you can not celebrate midwifery without placing Indigenous Midwives, Aunties, and Birthworkers in the front. In Alberta, midwifery is a privilege only afforded to a handful of people but in many Indigenous communities, Midwifery work is Medicine.

Hospitals in Alberta and across Canada are steeped in intersecrional Racism and are incredibly dangerous for Indigenous women and people to deliver in. Kokums, Aunties, and Indigenous Midwives offer more than birth work. They offer generational healing. Each and every missing Indigenous woman, child, and person is a baby to someone. Was someone's birth story. Is someone to care for.

So today, on the day to reflect on MMIWS2 I challenge you to

• Learn more about how the Canadian Govt withheld the rights of birthing Indigenous people
• Wear Red today
• Watch Bring Her Home, from Leya Hale, Voices Unheard from Native Hope or listen to the various seasons of Stolen by , which highlight the stories of Indigenous 2S, women and children
• Donate to a cause such as ,
• Talk to others about why Indigenous rights and healing are pivotal in the communities across Turtle Island.

Art work by


back

04/20/2024

✨️Visitor vs Support Person✨️

Acting solely as a visitor postpartum can sometimes cause added stress for new parents. It may come with a lack of practical/emotional support, pressure to entertain guests, feeling forced to put on a "happy" face/appearance & experiencing an intrusion of boundaries.

In contrast, acting as a support person can minimize stress by sharing responsibilities such as caring for a newborn & household tasks, providing practical & emotional support directly to the postpartum person, respecting boundaries to help create a more comfortable dynamic & building an authentic, deep connection with ongoing support.

While both roles have their merits, acting as a support person often provides more meaningful & effective care, helping to reduce stress & anxiety during a vulnerable time of transition.



[ID: Graphic. Green background. Title is in green text and says "Visitor vs. Support Person". Subtitle is in black text and says "What's the difference?". Below is a quote in black text that says "After I gave birth to my first I remember sitting in the hopsital after my c section trying to feed him while the lunch the hopsital brought me just sat there. My mom came in and sat next to me and started to feed me and said, 'You feed your baby and I'll feed mine.' I was so tired that I just smiled, but I cry every time I think about it to this day. That was almost 12 years ago."]

04/19/2024

✨️ What Is A Doula? ✨️

The primary goal of a doula is to provide supportive companionship to folks across a wide range of reproductive & transitional experiences. Tailored to each person's needs, their role is to be a source of emotional, physical & informational support.

Research suggests having a doula present can reduce rates of interventions, help with access to/understanding of necessary resources & improve health outcomes. Through compassionate care & advocacy during life's most sensitive moments, individual's can feel empowered & supported throughout their journey.

Check out this new resource for a deeper dive into evidence based information about doulas. I'm here to help answer your questions & provide further explanation if needed. Let's keep the conversation going & learn together!

❗️TW: This link includes gendered language that doesn't reflect the diversity of doulas or clients❗️

https://evidencebasedbirth.com/the-evidence-for-doulas/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0BMQABHWxNXggtj8WEg2BjTXWpZVWFrFcBv1O2wr-JCdK_DMYawz4me8Oh2X7A2w_aem_ASllNKnDLJ3y-k-r4X9QjMfQV_kumCkGNsaL5oaPor_EUJIFGlyEbIPVcBDbRmJ24Hg



[ID: Graphic. Yellow background. Green circle in the middle with the word doula in white text. Going around the circle are the words abortion, gender, bereavement, full spectrum, birth, antepartum, postpartum & fertility in black text.]

04/18/2024

[ID: Image 1. Green background. Text that says "When the path of birth diverges unexpectedly, some parents find themselves grappling with the echoes of unmet expectations. Whether robbed of a pelvic birth, denied the empowerment of informed consent, or navigating the aftermath of an unnecessary cesarean, their journey reminds us of the importance of respectful, compassionate care in every birth story. In recognizing their experiences, we advocate for a future where all birthing individuals receive respectful, informed & compassionate care, regardless of the path their journey takes."

Image 2. Collage. 3 images of my partner, me & our newborn at the hospital. One image of my partner cuddling with our newborn, watching TV at home. Text in the middle that says "TW: Birth trauma story following"

Image 3. Green background. Text that says "My own journey through an unnecessary, disempowering cesarean served as a catalyst. Feeling stripped of a voice during such a pivotal moment, experiencing longterm complications as a result, ignited my passion to advocate for change within the birthing community. What may appear as happiness & health in these photos overshadows the mental & physical hardship that awaited us. Being unable to tend to my child at all for 5 weeks, watching my partner do it alone as we both developed PPA & PPD (little did we know at the time), was not what we envisioned. Our experience is only one of many who have been let down by the system."

Image 4. Green background. Text that says "Cesarean Section Awareness Month provides opportunity to engage in conversations about the full spectrum of birthing experiences. It's an opportunity to shed light on the complexities of navigating unexpected or traumatic births & advocate for systemic accountability/change. Those marked by adverse outcomes, grief & need for empathy & validation - you are seen, your experience is valid & you deserved better."]

04/17/2024

It's so easy to get caught up in highlight reels & forget ✨️there are humans behind those screens✨️ Embracing imperfection is a huge part of providing more personalized/compassionate care, to meet the diverse needs of clients with sensitivity & respect. It also allows us to seek the care we need to prevent burnout. My platform will always be a safe space where being human, with all it's highs AND lows, is not just accepted but ✨️embraced✨️ 🤍



[ID: 8 graphics. Bottom of the graphics is a hand holding a yellow flower. Greenery in the background. Top of graphics have white text with green highlighting that say

Social media is a highlight reel. So here are some REAL things about me to remind you that everyone is human & you are not alone.

I've been struggling using my spoons wisely & experiencing more flareups than I can count.

My body will never be the beauty standard & I struggle feeling comfortable in it sometimes.

Imposter syndrome has been huge lately.

I've been grieving being one-and-done more than usual seeing my son grow up around friends that have siblings.

I feel guilty when my partner has to take on more because my body works differently.

I'm always questioning if I'm doing enough as a parent.

It's ok to be imperfect. Life isn't linear. You may see social media filled with happy moments but don't forget there are people behind those screens, only showing you what they want you to see. BE authentic. It is ok to struggle. It is ok to talk about it.]

04/12/2024

It is ✨️Black Maternal Health Week✨️

April 11th to 17th is opportunity to amplify voices/experiences of Black birthing people, shedding light on the disparities, celebrating empowerment & acknowledging the rich history within perinatal health care.

🌟 Intersectionality Matters: The experiences of Black birthing people are shaped by intersecting identities, including gender, sexuality, disability & more. These intersectionalities must be centered in conversations about perinatal health to ensure inclusive & comprehensive care.

📉 Disparities Persist: Rooted in systemic racism, discrimination & barriers to accessing quality healthcare, Black birthing people in Canada continue to face alarming disparities in perinatal health outcomes. Despite these disparities, data collection is lacking.

📣 Empowerment Through Advocacy: Black communities have a long history of resilience & advocacy in perinatal health. Elevating Black voices, challenging inequities & advocating for culturally competent care can contribute to dismantling systemic barriers & creating safer birthing experiences for all.

📜 Honoring History: Take time to acknowledge contributions of Black midwives, doulas, and perinatal health advocates throughout history. Their legacy inspires an ongoing fight for equitable & dignified care for Black birthing people today.

I would like to acknowledge the impactful work of a few organizations/individuals focused on advancing Black perinatal health. Through community outreach, advocacy, research & policy initiatives, they are driving meaningful change. Their effort to improve perinatal health outcomes, foster empowerment & create safer birthing spaces doesn't go unnoticed.

04/04/2024

Expectation to 🚩bounce back🚩 postpartum places undue pressure on child bearing individuals to quickly regain their pre-pregnancy bodies. This can result in significant negative impacts including increased stress/anxiety, negative body image, low self esteem & physical harm due to rushed exercise or restrictive diets.

✨️Postpartum bodies are diverse & deserve care on a personal level✨️ There are many factors that play a role in recovery, such as:

-genetics
-pregnancy/postpartum complications
-health & fitness level
-stress levels
-sleep quality
-support systems
-hormonal changes
-financial barriers
-community access

✨️Postpartum extends beyond the immediate weeks or months after childbirth✨️ & can have ongoing effects on a person's health & well-being. Perpetuating this narrative upholds societal beauty standards, undermines the importance of self-care & dismisses the unique journey of each individual.



[ID: Graphic. Zoomed in image of a postpartum body, clothed, with an exposed belly. Belly has loose skin, fat & stretch marks. Baby sit on the right side on the persons lap. In the center is multi-colored writing that says...

The "Bounce Back" Myth

Misconception that people's bodies should quickly return to their pre-pregnancy state after giving birth.]

04/03/2024

During Cesarean Section Awareness Month, let's celebrate the strength and resilience of all birthing experiences. Whether it's a planned C-section, emergency procedure, or any other method, each birth journey is unique & beautiful. It's important to honor the diversity of bodies & experiences & remember that C-sections are not the "easy way out". Each are a testament to the incredible journey of bringing life into this world.






[ID: Graphic with green background. 2 circle images. One top left of a low transverse scar. One bottom right of a low vertical incision. Graphic includes white text that says "Cesarean Section Awareness Month".]

04/02/2024

Today I had the privilege of meeting some more birth workers & seeing the beauty of

I hope to be back soon 🥰



[ID: Black & white graphic. Collage of 2 images side by side. Left image shows a queen bed, chapel window to the left head of the bed & a picture frame with a baby laying on its stomach. Image on the right shows a large tub with a towel laying on the front edge & a picture hanging on the right.]