Mother Nurture Birth Services

07/24/2025

“Parenting is easy when you have a pile of rocks”

Incidentally, a pile of sticks is also applicable.

That was the caption on this photo and Facebook Memory that came up. I don’t remember what was so challenging about this time, but it must have been.

I expect it was just life with two littles and feeling overwhelmed.

The truth is, my husband was right. Any time, even now that my kids are big kids-any time they are getting on each other’s nerves, getting outside helps.

And to this day, if you find us at the beach in Waterton-there isn’t a rock or stick they haven’t found to occupy their time.

Sticks, rocks and water seem to be the best inexpensive way to calm this anxious mama’s nervous system.

What is your best trick?

07/17/2025

I’ve been in the room when the plan changes.

When the air gets sucked out.

I’ve been in the room when folks have heard they don’t even get to labour and have to give birth via cesarean birth.

I’ve been there when people have said, “this is literally everything I didn’t want.”

I’ve watched families sink in what appears to be defeat and resignation.

I’ve been in the room when if fills with staff trying to manage an emergency, and no one saying a word-the birthing person with eyes wide feeling every word not being spoken, their partner frozen and pushed to the side.

I’ve been in the room days, months and years later when people are still trying to understand how to all unfolded. Why it all happened. How they could have made it different.

I’ve seen the grief, even if they don’t know that that’s what they are feeling. I’ve seen it from birthing folks and from their partners.

When you are planning to have a baby, no one prepares you for the grief that could come from a change in the plan.

I know it’s not what you wanted.
I know it’s not what you’d hoped for.
I’m so sorry.
I see you and I understand.

You are not alone.

07/08/2025

FYI

Important Update for Potential Clients
If you applied for midwifery care between February 1 and July 7, 2025, please re-submit your application.

Due to an unexpected system issue, some applications were unfortunately lost. This was not a security breach, and we’re working hard to make sure it doesn’t happen again.
We truly apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your understanding. 💛
If you need support, please reach out to clientcare@alberta-midwives.ca — we’re here to help.

06/30/2025

There is a heatwave this week and I thought I’d share some tips to help you beat the heat!
🌞

1. Get to the water. Not only will it help you stay cool, the weightless feeling of swimming and floating will feel good on your aching body as it grows with pregnancy.
💦
2. Stay hydrated. It’s more important to keep up your fluid intake than ever. Getting dehydrated can cause you to feel lightheaded and dizzy and can also cause contractions. Remember to drink electrolytes as well as water.
🥤
3. Stay indoors. While you may not want to miss out on the summer fun, if the heat is too much there is nothing wrong with staying inside. Get to a movie theatre, walk in the mall or set up your bed in your basement.
4. Stay in the shade. If you do get out to enjoy summer activities, find some shade. It’ll feel good to take breaks from the hot sun.
5. Be mindful of picnic foods. Picnics, potlucks and barbecues are popular and the food is a big draw. Be careful with food that’s been sitting out in the sun for a long time if it should be refrigerated. This is where deli meat might be something to avoid, as well as creamy salads.

With the holiday this week? It should be a fun one!

06/23/2025

If you are expecting, there is a team of folks that you might want to seek out for support while you go through your pregnancy, birth and postpartum period.

1-First, you find a care provider like a midwife, general practioner or Obstetrician. If you are local to Southern Alberta, you won’t get the option like most literature suggests to interview doctors. You’ll rotate through several doctors and whoever is on call will deliver your baby. If you’d like a midwife, apply immediately to ensure you get a spot.

2. Often disregarded and underused, pharmacists can be real friends to expecting families. Not all medications are safe for expecting people, or for breastfeeding. Your pharmacist is the expert on medications.

3. A body worker like a massage therapist, chiropractor, physiotherapist or acupuncturist. As your body changes, you may find discomfort that comes along with it. These providers will help you manage the temporary discomfort that comes with a rapidly changing body. Be sure to watch that they have appropriate training.

4. A plan for movement and nutrition. If you aren’t already doing rigorous fitness routine, don’t start something aggressive. Simple walking, prenatal yoga and swimming are good options.

5. Keeping an eye on your emotions is important . Certainly with hormone changes, you might feel a little out of sorts, but watch for prenatal anxiety and depression. Check in with friends, or if you need more support talk with your doctor or counsellor.

This is a village you don’t want to miss out on.

06/18/2025

What I see often in birth environments is “informed procedure” not informed consent.
Not really.

And while I know that providers mean no ill intent by just doing, it’s not actual consent.

Why does this happen? I expect that it’s culture mostly. The idea that because you have agreed to the care, that anything that is offered will be agreed to because they are the “expert” and you want to make sure everything is okay.

“I’m going to ________” and you’re going to agree. Because you are there and you trust your provider.

But you can’t give informed consent if no one actually asks you a question.

For example, I often hear people say, “I’m going to check your cervix”. Then, assuming the birthing person nods, the provider will say something like, “you’ll feel my touch” and then they might say, “okay some pressure here” as they continue.

But no where in those statements does anyone ask, “is it okay if I check your cervix?” And “is it okay if I go in?”

If care providers are reading this, you may wonder why it matters. But keep in mind that approximately 45% of adult Albertans have experienced sexual assault in their lifetime. (Association of Alberta Sexual Assault Survey-2020)

So if almost 1/2 of the folks giving birth have experienced SA, wouldn’t it be trauma informed care to assume as much and provider as much consent as possible, just in case?

Informed consent always requires a question.
For students to be present
For internal exams
For interventions

“I’m just going to….” is not consent

Source:
https://aasas.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Prevalence-of-Sexual-Assault-Childhood-Sexual-Abuse-Summary-of-Key-Findings_FINAL.pdf

06/15/2025

Watching over their babies before they even enter the world

Happy Father’s Day to the ones who are steadfast in strength, courage and love. For the steady hands and comfort that starts long before that first cry.

06/12/2025

Birth story time 🥰

This is the second birth shared with us from this mama, and it’s a good one!

Check it out!
👇

“I was 39 weeks and mentally and physically very done. Being 35, with wicked insomnia and a busy toddler it was all making it extremely difficult towards the end of pregnancy.

I decided that on Friday the 13th I would take castor oil. When midwife did a cervical exam two days prior, my cervix was favourable and a sweep was done. So this was an educated decision I made, with the support of my midwife who felt it was safe to try it, knowing the potential risks of dehydration, I gave it a go. I took first dose at 7am and second dose at 10. At about 1130, the period like cramps started so that’s when I mopped my floors.. went outside to pick up dog p**p, trying to do chores and get active.

Midwife was aware and was planning on coming around 230. at 2 I called my husband, having fairly regular contractions saying I think you should come home soon….

230 ish midwife came, checked me, things were changing so we decided to just carry on as is. After she left my contractions began to get very regular, every 2-3 min. She returned around 430, and again, with consent I made the educated decision to rupture my waters as I was really ready to have this baby and I trusted that my body was ready too. Midwife had said it may kick things into high gear … so be prepared either way.

Well the second she walked out of my house, things went into high gear. Contractions every minute, so I used my ball, my husband and I put on a cheesy Christmas movie and attempted to watch that while the contractions grew.

At 5 ish I got into the shower to see if it would take the edge off the contractions (it did). But at 530 I knew I had to decide, do I want to go to hospital to attempt the water birth I’d dreamed of since my first daughter, or do I push thru at home a little longer. I decided I wanted to go to hospital whether it was for epidural or water birth but figured it was time.

Continued in comments 👇

06/11/2025

When I meet with new families and tell them more about how I can work with them, there is a big part that cannot be explained or described.

No doubt, it’s somewhat self explanatory that doulas provide “emotional and physical support to pregnant and birthing folks and their families.”

But the specifics are vague at best.

And there is a reason for that. While we can make plans all day long about what we want the space to look and sound like, and we can have a visual in our minds eye of what that day will be like, there is an element that unfolds as the labour progresses.

For instance, if you and your partner are doing okay and they are able to support you physically and emotionally-maybe you don’t need your doula just yet, but you also know they are just a quick phone call away should you need them to join you.

Once your doula arrives, they’ll look at
You and take an inventory of the scene. What is YOUR instinct telling you to do? Are you at home or have you gotten to the hospital?
Are you in bed? Do you want to be? Do
You have to be? Have you gotten any rest?
Where is your partner? Are they present with you or are they distracted and nervous? They might be wildly overwhelmed.

Once we get our bearings, we gently step into your space.

“Hi. I’m here. You’re doing a really great job”

Maybe we give you sips of water
Maybe we place some counter pressure on your back
Maybe we suggest a position change

Your doula might ask your partner to put counter pressure on your back, or your doula might offer for them to take a break if they need.

These are things that can’t be planned or known in advance.
Because at its root, it’s intuitive and observational.

It requires trust.

06/10/2025

Halfway through the year means updating my availability to show 2026!

I have *a few fall dates left, but I’m already meeting 2026 families so let’s book that meet and greet right away!

My husband has a big birthday in the spring, so I’ll be taking time off then to celebrate (March 22-April 11)

If you’d like to see if we could be a good fit to work together, send me a DM and we’ll book a meeting soon!

06/09/2025

Reflecting on the births that happened in May and I saw variations of breathing and pushing that made my heart swell.

Each person, in tune with what their body required from them to birth their baby.

It seems that in the age of information, there is a lot of “how to’s” when it comes to giving birth. And I can’t help but think that it’s over complicating our body’s natural urge and response to the intent of what it’s trying to do.

Yes, you can breathe your baby out
Yes, you can roar and scream your baby out
Yes, sometimes you need to hold your breath in and push as hard as you can

As long as no one is forcing you to do what doesn’t come naturally, it’s okay.

You’re doing it
🙌