Katelyn Dykstra Massage and Birth Services

25/01/2021

Heads up ⚠️

Can you tell the difference? Pot-laced edibles made to look like children's candy are leading to a spike in poisonings, raising questions about why the illegal websites are allowed to sell them.

13/01/2021

01/01/2021

This sums it up 👏🏼😅 Happy New Years Eve, folks!

20/12/2020

Check out this deal! Her work is amazing 🥰

GIFT CERTIFICATE FLASH SALE!!

Still looking for that last minute gift? (OR looking to TREAT YOUR SELF)?

From Now until CHRISTMAS EVE, you can save $100 off ANY 2021 session (excluding Mini Sessions).

18/12/2020

Congratulations to the Aberdeen! 👏🏼😊

Congrats alert! - Corey

Aberdeen Hospital of New Glasgow, Nova Scotia has been designated as “Baby-Friendly” by the Breastfeeding Committee for Canada (BCC).

It is one of only three hospitals in Atlantic Canada to receive this designation. It is also the first hospital within Nova Scotia Health to receive this award. IWK Health was designated in 2018.

The Baby Friendly Initiative (BFI) is an evidence based international initiative to protect, promote and support breast feeding. It is now a globally recognized indicator of maternal and child health that was started in the nineties by the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF.

In Canada, BFI designation is awarded to hospitals and community health services providing maternity and newborn care that meets Canadian best practice standards set by the Breastfeeding Committee for Canada.

These include the practice of skin-to-skin contact following the birth, rooming babies in with their families, educating parents about the benefits of breastfeeding and providing follow up care after the family leaves the hospital.

“It is known that the work involved in achieving designation results in improved health outcomes for both mothers and also newborns with evidence demonstrating that breast feeding improves population health: it promotes brain development and reduces the risk of obesity in children and protects women against breast and ovarian cancer and diabetes,” said Sally Loring, senior director, Women & Children’s Health Program at Nova Scotia Health.

This award is as a result of approximately five years’ work culminating in the hospital hosting three Baby-Friendly Initiative assessors from Breast Feeding Committee of Canada who completed the final piece of the three-part assessment process for Baby-Friendly Designation – a two-day external assessment.

“The fact that our journey towards this designation has been several years in the making really reflects the hospital’s commitment to ensure that we provide a high standard of care to each woman who delivers here,” said Deborah MacDonald, manager, Women & Children’s Health Program / Palliative Care, Aberdeen Hospital. “We are proud that from the beginning all of our staff recognized that providing families with the resources and information they needed not only ensured they are fully engaged in their delivery experience but that they are also supporting early infant bonding and safe feeding practices.”

At the end of November, Nova Scotia Health received a letter informing them of the results of their final assessment and notifying them that they received the designation.

The letter ends with this quote from the Co-Chairs BFI Assessment Committee Breastfeeding Committee for Canada, “The Board of Directors of the BCC recognizes the hard work of everyone involved in implementing the standards to become ‘Baby-Friendly.’ Congratulations on having achieved the standard of care provided to mothers and babies embodied in ‘Baby-Friendly’ designation. The work of everyone at Aberdeen Hospital serves as an inspiration to others working in birthing facilities across Canada."

03/12/2020

Isn’t this incredible? 💪🏼

Brianna Hill took the bar exam online while in labour and completed it shortly after giving birth to her first child.

04/11/2020

Just because 💕
I am offering this one time only November Newborn Mini Session for those that have been effected by this pandemic. If you have not been able to afford or nervous to have newborn memories taken this is for you.
Session must be on a weekday and all covid policies must be followed by you and me. I have had mine in place since I reopened , so please feel free to chat with me about them if you have any concerns.

This is a mini session of my typical newborn session so that we can safely get you in and out of my studio in less time, less wardrobe changes, so less touching but you will still receive the same amazing memories of your newest edition in any prop that I have. I can even make a photo with Santa happen for you without the risk.

This mini special only applies to a newborn session booked in November on a weekday morning. Message or call for more information please. Let’s not let this pandemic stand in your way.

(Note that covid numbers are currently low in our area so the risk is low, but I can not promise that by the end of Nov or Dec that I will still be open if cases increase)

If your little one is older than 5 weeks, message me and I can see what I can do for you :).

02/10/2020

You know you’re a doula .... when your kids’ apple art project reminds you of a placenta 🤣

27/09/2020

⚠️ Important reminder!

24/09/2020

Great info!

23/09/2020

🙌🏼

RESHARING THIS POWERFUL MESSAGE ABOVE AND 📸FROM ONE OF MY FAVORITE ACCOUNTS 💕
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"Today is the start of maternal mental health week.

We want to start by acknowledging and normalising how hard parenting is.

PARENTING IS HARD.

We have spoken to hundreds of parents over the years. The following list are some of the thoughts we've heard many struggling parents genuinely believe about themselves😢.

Let's debunk every single one of them now.

Finding it hard does NOT mean any of the following:

❌you're a bad parent.
❌you don't know what you're doing.
❌your baby/toddler/child doesn't like you.
❌you aren't cut out for it.
❌you're a failure.
❌you're a fraud.
❌you're doing it all wrong.
❌there is something terrible wrong with you.
❌you should be guilty or ashamed.
❌you will always feel this way.
❌you will always struggle.
❌your child would have been better off somewhere else.
❌everyone but you feels this way.
❌you don't love your children.

You're finding it hard, because it IS hard. Not because you're a bad parent.

Sometimes people experience intense struggles and need to access additional support. This is because on top of how hard parenting is, they have extra pressures that need handling. That's tough!

If this is you, still NONE of the list above applies to you! Not one💛.

If you're finding it extra tough and feel you need help, perhaps due to postnatal depression or anxiety, please seek out support from your local GP or Health Visitor. They can put a plan in place to help you access the support you need.

If you are reading this and you need additional support, you are NOT a failure. You're a modern day Mum who needs a bit of a hand. Needing a hand is perfectly OK. Parenting is hard."
-
💛🌻

05/09/2020

A really great visual reminder of why self care is a necessity.

Doc Mommy PsyD (creator of the graphic) did a post as a follow-up to this. Follow the link below.

https://www.facebook.com/105989764342813/posts/165512645057191/

23/08/2020

This is looking hopeful 🤞🏼

Researchers at Amsterdam UMC's Emma Children's Hospital found antibodies against the coronavirus in the breast milk of women who had been infected with Covid-19. The antibodies were still present after the milk was heated, important because breast milk is only usable to others after it had been past...

22/08/2020

Adoptive families, I’m here for you too! 💕

Sometimes we don't understand the weight of the words we say. ⁣⁣⁣⁣
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It's hard when we don't have the lived experience and don't fully know what these comments feel like.⁣⁣⁣⁣
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We may never walk in another person or families shoes, but we can commit to learning and apologizing when we get it wrong. ⁣⁣⁣⁣
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Aiming to be inclusive and understanding doesn't mean you always know the right things to say, but that you have the courage to admit that you've gotten it wrong. ⁣⁣⁣⁣
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We all get it wrong. ⁣⁣⁣⁣
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It's a part of learning. ⁣⁣⁣⁣
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It's all in how we repair our mistake ❤️⁣⁣⁣⁣
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When speaking to a family who has adopted, be supportive. ⁣⁣⁣⁣
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"Adoptive moms" are moms. (period) and just like every other mom her priority is the love, safety and security of her child. ⁣⁣⁣⁣
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If you have burning questions, you could ask, "do you mind if I ask you a few questions about your adoption?" ⁣⁣⁣⁣
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This shows you sincerely want to learn more and gives the parent the ability to say yes or no. For example if her child is with her and she doesn't feel like it's an appropriate time to have the discussion. ⁣⁣⁣⁣
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Appreciating all of the beautiful families out there. Regardless of how you came together, happy you found home ❤️⁣⁣⁣⁣
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Thank you for the amazing collab, go follow Rachel to learn more about adoption and raising a multiracial family ❤️❤️❤️⁣⁣

19/08/2020

Chronic pelvic pain effects many women of both child bearing and menopausal ages. The causes vary but the treatment options in naturopathy are plentiful. Typically women go many years before the cause and treatment are determined in the modern medical system (think hospital.) If you suffer from pelvic pain on a regular basis or with in*******se, please know there is help and you don’t have to wait years to get relief.

18/08/2020

Maternal mental health matters. Be informed.

Myths about postpartum distress (depression and anxiety)

16/08/2020

So strong ❤️

❤️🧡💛💚💙💜

.wana
・・・
My name is Wetalu and we are Nimiipuu and Warm Springs Paiute.
I choose to continue what my mothers before me demonstrated. I feel this is the responsibility handed to us Indigenous women as we focus on reclaiming our healing for our babies after lapsed years of historical trauma and colonization; women and children were ripped from each other’s arms in attempt to sever their connection and dismantle our tribes. Not to mention, years to follow, assimilation health policies kept our families divided.
My journey started in 2014 with my first-born daughter and I am now well on my way breastfeeding my second daughter. I am blessed to reclaim this healing once again. I have become more intuitive and aware of my decisions and the importance on why I’ve decided to make it my goal to be exclusive. Not to mention, I'm setting the standard as my first-born watches what I do. Mother’s milk is more than nourishment. It is baby’s first sacred food, it is nurturing their mind, body, and spirit creating a bond that conveys a mother’s life narrative and prepares baby to encounter trials and tribulations of tomorrow’s life.
It has been a challenging and invigorating experience reconnecting once again. Im proud to say we are officially exclusively breastfed.
This week is a time to celebrate our mother’s past, present, and future that are ignited with inspiration and filled with comfort knowing we can reclaim this cultural shift and watch as Indigenous women all over NDN country uphold the same energy, which is to reclaim and normalize breastfeeding once again.
This is why I choose to breastfeed.
📸: .wana
Models: and her two daughters

15/08/2020

Accurate 💯

13/08/2020

Products that make colorful flames in campfires contain copper sulfate which is toxic and an extremely irritating substance. Each year, the IWK Regional Poison Centre receives several calls related to these products.

Children and adults who have mistaken “magic fire” powder for popping or rock candy have gotten really sick:
- Severe vomiting and stomach pain
- Burns to eyes, skin, mouth
- Coughing and asthma like symptoms from inhaling the fumes.

Be Safe:
Keep the powder away from snacks and food.
Keep away from small children.
Follow the instructions on the package and stand back from the campfire to avoid inhaling the fumes.

In an emergency call the Regional Poison Centre 1-800-565-8161

11/08/2020

You might be a doula if...

You bring home the produce and it reminds you of the breastfeeding days 😂

05/08/2020

I often get this question, and parents are shocked when I share that your kid's high chair is one of the most important tools to set your child up for feeding success!👶⠀
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In fact, did you know that I highly recommend trying to keep your child in a high chair for as long as possible and not to transition them to a booster seat any earlier than 18 months? Ideally, I say aim to keep them in their high chair for 2+ years if possible! ⠀
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Believe me, Momma, I know this can be difficult! But, having them in a proper feeding position can really eliminate a lot of problems with fidgeting, wanting to leave the table, not being able to self-feed, and more. Check out my blog post on my highchair guide for more info! Link in the profile 🔗🔗⠀
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Here are my 5 top tips that you should be looking for in your high chair:⠀
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1️⃣Safety harness. This is essential to keep your baby safe from slipping or falling out of the chair.⠀
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2️⃣It allows you to put your baby easily in a 90-90-90 seating position! This means a 90-degree angle at the hips, 90-degree angle at the knees, and 90-degree angle at the ankles with feet flat. ⠀
3️⃣Has a footstool (adjustable is best). Dangling feet while eating is no good for your baby’s trunk, core support, and stability. Not having proper foot support can cause your baby to be inattentive & less focused at mealtimes. ⠀
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4️⃣Easy to clean. As a fellow Mom, I know that you don’t want a high chair with a lot of fabric! To purchase an easy to clean high chair, find one that has a wood, plastic or metal frame!⠀
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5️⃣Removable tray at the level of baby’s elbows. Having your baby’s tray at the height of their elbows allows for proper range of motion when eating. A removable tray is another addition that is good if you want to remove it and have your baby join you at the dinner table for a meal! And a chair with adjustable height can also help you bring their chair seamlessly to your dining table.⠀

6️⃣ *Honorable mention* You don’t need to buy a high chair with a recliner. While reclining can be ok for bottle feeding, reclining your baby when eating solids is NOT safe for baby!
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Want to read more? Check the link in my profile for this week's blog! 🔗

04/08/2020

Who can relate? 😅🙌🏼

28/07/2020

You are enough ❤️

Sometimes motherhood makes me feel like a fraud. Aren’t mothers meant to be patient and calm? Shouldn’t it have made me wiser and stronger and braver?

The truth is, I don’t feel wiser. I used to devour literature and watch history documentaries. Now I crawl into bed exhausted and watched reruns of problematic 90’s sitcoms.

I don’t feel stronger. I used to be fearless. Now my heart feels palpably close to the surface. My mind racing to the worst-case scenario. As I film a cute moment a fleeting thought crosses my mind. “What if it’s the last one”.

I don’t feel calmer. Anger can bubble up inside of me out of nowhere. A simple request to meet a basic need asked one too many times. A sudden spill and its not just water on the floor, as words and emotions tumble out of me.

I don’t feel more patient. I used to work long days, and into the night on a single task, my attention sharply focused. Now my mind is all over the place. I’m reading a picture book, my thoughts drifting to tomorrow’s errands, losing track of my place on the page. Suddenly overcome with an urgent need to complete a task and as I say “just a minute” for the hundredth time that day, I realise the task wasn’t at all urgent. But my need to peel myself away was.

I don’t feel brave. I fear judgement. I fear chaos. I have a general feeling of unease about things outside my control. I could lose everything at any moment. But if I feel that way, why aren’t I more patient and calmer? Why don’t I have the strength or wisdom to savour this moment?

We celebrate the glorious parts of motherhood. But maybe we should also be celebrating the deeply profound parts of motherhood that break us down. Our moments of weakness aren’t shameful. They are acknowledging the fragility of what it is to be human. And they allow us to rebuild ourselves.

26/07/2020

😅👌🏼

Did anyone warn you about fundal massages? No one warned me and when my nurse did the first one, I was like, "what is this fresh hell??" 😂😱⁠
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So what is a fundal massage anyways? ⁠
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It is when your OB, midwife or nurse vigorously rubs down on your fundus (the top of your uterus) after your baby is born to cause your uterus to contract and clamp down on where your placenta was attached so you don't bleed out. They do this every 15 minutes or so for the first couple of hours until your bleeding is slowed down.⁠
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Now you know.

25/07/2020

If you’ve had a baby since March, you can request a bag of books for free! Details below ❤️

24/07/2020

Perfect! Where can I order one?

Someone please invent this !!!

📷 Happy Mum Happy Child
🌬 For support in your gentle parenting journey get your copy of the new Winter Issue 39 of The Natural Parent Magazine https://linktr.ee/TheNaturalParentMagazine 🌬

22/07/2020

💕💕

Postpartum is not a set amount of time.

The amount of time it takes each woman to fully heal after birth is unique.

Be patient, forgiving, and kind to yourself during this vulnerable time.

You do not have to look like your pre-pregnancy self 6 weeks postpartum, 6 months postpartum, or EVER. Your body created and birthed a human, it has done plenty to prove it's amazing.

You do not have to figure motherhood out in those first 6 weeks. Trial and error will help you find what you're comfortabe with.

You do not have to meet anyone's standardards.

RELAX.

Let your body heal. Nourish it with warm foods, herbal teas, and water. Care for your body as if it just trained, ran, and won a marathon. Because it basically did, FOR 9 MONTHS.

Bond with your baby. Snuggle your baby. And ask for help when you need a break.

Take as long as you need to heal❤