Christina Bosowec, Full-Spectrum Doula Care

08/30/2020

what is a full-spectrum doula?

although people often associate doulas with childbirth and parenting, some doulas - often called full-spectrum doulas – provide support during all pregnancy outcomes. full-spectrum doula work is based on a deep understanding that people have many different experiences of pregnancy, and have similarly diverse needs for care and support. a full-spectrum doula supports people whose pregnancies that end in abortion, miscarriage, stillbirth, or adoption, as well as those that end in birth and parenting.

graphic by full-spectrum doula sarah kiva

08/29/2020

my full-spectrum doula services will be available in the fall! please feel free to share with friends or family seeking postpartum support in Tiohtià:ke/ Montréal. i’m available for in person or virtual support. sliding scale rates are available. you can learn more by visiting http://christinabosowec.com

08/29/2020

capitalism has been successful in hiding the labour of caregivers, maids, nannies, early childhood educators and espically the labour of bipoc and undocumented immigrant workers. the devaluation of reproductive labour is rooted in misogyny and power. frontline workers are indispensable yet systematically undervalued and underpaid. the current capital crisis is shedding light on the importance of these workers and how their contribution to society is the invisible backbone of the economy. care work is real work!

artwork by illustrator louie läuger

06/23/2020

i recently stumbled across solidarity and care during the covid-19 pandemc. this public platform documents and reports on the lived experiences, caring strategies and solidarity initiatives of diverse people and groups across the globe! the pandemic has made visible our need for collective care. check it out!

A public platform that documents and reports on the experiences, caring strategies and solidarity initiatives of diverse people and groups across the globe.

06/19/2020

woven bodies is an inclusive digital service supporting q***r folks and allies. it was founded by two q***r women who wanted to expand their family but found it challenging to find care providers who were q***r, q***r fluent and allies. they're currently looking to grow and are seeking donations to help cover administrative fees, rebuild their website, and offer pay-what-you-can classes. please consider supporting woven bodies. you can donate here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/woven-building-a-hub-for-q***r-bipoc-families?utm_source=customer

we’re an inclusive digital practice supporting q***r folks + allies from family planning through parenthood

06/15/2020

really cool initiative for 4 black moms to study to become doulas. we need more black doulas in birthwork! please donate to help fund their doula training.

UPDATE: IN LESS THAN 24 HOURS, COMMUNITY PULLED THROUGH AND HELPED ME MORE… Sydanie Sun needs your support for Dou-la work! support 4 black moms in birth work

06/02/2020

'Indigenous women, women of color, and trans* people have always fought for Reproductive Justice, but the term was invented in 1994. Right before attending the International Conference on Population and Development in Cairo, where the entire world agreed that the individual right to plan your own family must be central to global development, a group of black women gathered in Chicago in June of 1994. They recognized that the women’s rights movement, led by and representing middle class and wealthy white women, could not defend the needs of women of color and other marginalized women and trans* people. We needed to lead our own national movement to uplift the needs of the most marginalized women, families, and communities.'

check out sister song's website and follow them on instagram to learn more on women of color reproductive justice.

SisterSong defines Reproductive Justice as the human right to maintain personal bodily autonomy, have children, not have children, and parent the children we have in safe and sustainable communities.

05/29/2020

the conscious kid provides education on reducing bias and promoting positive identity development in youth by providing resources on how to talk with children about racial inequality in our society.

it's never to early to talk about race!

05/25/2020

why did no one tell me this? is a great book that promotes no specific way of being, birthing or parenting. it is written from the perspective of doulas and reproductive health experts and covers the physiology of pregnancy, childbirth, and breast/chestfeeding as well as addresses the common fears that may arise as a parent-to-be. the book is also filled with vibrant illustrations by toronto artist louise reimer. check it out

Full of honest advice and inclusive options, Why Did No One Tell Me This? is the funny, personality-filled, illustrated guide to pregnancy, birth, and beyond that modern parents have been waiting for. Plus, chock-filled with mindfulness activities to keep you grounded in these uncertain times.

05/21/2020

some helpful tips for postpartum parents who may be feeling isolated due to covid-19.

The postpartum period is hard enough without a global pandemic in the mix. Here are some tips to help you through the isolation, adapted from the book Why Did No One Tell Me This? : The Doulas’ Guide for Expectant Parents by Natalia Hailes and Ash Spivak.

05/20/2020

"Community care can look like a lot of different things," Valerio says. "It can be as simple as reaching out to somebody over text when you just need someone to talk. It can be someone grabbing groceries for you or … somebody coming and doing your dishes and watching your kids while you're grieving."

Self-care alone can't heal communities.