Full Circle Birth Collective

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Full Circle Birth Collective

Serving birthing folks & families through pregnancy, birth & postpartum since 1998. Individualized & Book today for a free consultations. By appointment ONLY.

Additional services we provide:
Placenta encapsulation
Placenta prints
Labour birth tub rentals
Birth ball use for clients to use
Lending library over 500 books, videos and magazines for clients to use
Belly casting services
Blessingway ceremonies
Postnatal and prenatal support
Postpartum Doula support

Hypno Doula experience and variety of birth settings- Home Birth, Hospital or Birth Centre experience.

16/06/2025

Let’s Talk Swaddling: Safety, Reflexes & What Your Baby Really Needs. Swaddling is often one of the first soothing tools new parents try—but it also comes with a LOT of questions.
Does it help sleep? Is it safe? Is suppressing the startle reflex ok?

What is the Moro Reflex?
That sudden flailing movement your newborn makes when they’re startled or shifted quickly? That’s the Moro reflex—a totally normal, healthy reflex that helps babies adjust to the outside world. It peaks in the first couple of months and fades by around 4 months.

Why swaddle?
Swaddling gently reduces the intensity of the Moro reflex so your baby doesn’t startle awake every few minutes. It mimics the cozy containment of the womb and is thought to lead to longer stretches of sleep, help calm the nervous system and make an easier transitions between sleep cycles

Should we suppress the Moro reflex?
Not entirely. The reflex has a purpose—it supports neurological development and helps babies integrate sensory input. Over-suppressing it (especially with tight, arms-down swaddles) may: limit movement and motor skill development
Interfere with feeding cues (babies use their hands to show hunger) reduce self-soothing opportunities
Instead of "shutting it down," think of swaddling as a way to gently buffer the reflex while your baby matures.

Swaddling doesn’t work for every baby. And that’s okay. If your little one resists it or seems frustrated, try keeping their arms out or arms up swaddling, consider baby wearing or skin-to-skin during the day or creating a soothing bedtime rhythm without a swaddle.

Your baby’s cues will always tell you what’s working—and what’s not. Drop a comment or message if it worked for you and your baby.

Grounded in Health Canada and Canadian Paediatric Society recommendations (2025).

15/06/2025

Today, we honour the art of fathering
Not bound by biology, gender, or tradition,
But rooted in presence, devotion, and love.

To the fathers and father-figures
The ones who hold hands through contractions,
Rub backs in the quiet hours of labour,
Whisper courage when the world shifts beneath tired feet.

To the ones who warm food,
Fold tiny clothes, feed and tend to the other parent,
Stand guard over sleeping newborns
And grow into parenthood, heartbeat by heartbeat.

In our work, we’ve had the honour of witnessing
many rise with tenderness,
Meeting the raw, sacred moments of birth and postpartum
With strength, softness, and deep care.
What a gift it is to witness such love in action.

Fathering isn’t always loud or traditional.
Sometimes it’s a quiet, steadfast love and devotion
A soothing voice, a warm meal,
A hand on a trembling back.

Happy Father’s Day to those who father, In all the ways that matter.

Although a celebration for some, this day can also come with many feelings, we hold space for those grieving a father, those yearning to be one , those healing from absence or loss, those carving new paths of parenthood or anything which makes this day a hard one for some. We acknowledge this hardship and hope you find peace in the day.

09/06/2025

Once upon a time, birth was a ceremony.
Midwives, aunties, and elders gathered in close.
Stories were passed down.
Birth was trusted.
Pain was witnessed.
Power was honoured

But somewhere along the way, we lost our way.
The village disappeared.
The wisdom was buried

We stopped trusting the body.
We stopped trusting women.
We stopped listening.

But the wisdom is still in our bones.
Still in our bellies.
Still in our breath.

Doulas are here to help remember this connection
To revive the ancient knowing that birth is but a portal to walk through.
What ancient birth wisdom speaks to you? What do you wish you had been told before giving birth?
Let’s talk about it. Let’s remember together.

07/06/2025

Doulas are not a luxury —but a quiet revolution sweeping the birth world .

For far too long, birth has been seen as something to endure rather than a powerful, life-changing experience to be honoured, supported, and remembered

Doulas are changing that one birth at at time. We’re not just a “nice extra” or a luxury—doulas are the heartbeat of this movement bringing back what birth was always meant to hold: respect, support, and sovereignty for every person welcoming new life.

We hold space through the fear, the strength through the pain, and the voice when systems fall silent. We’re here to remind birthing people that their experience matters just as much as the outcome.

This isn’t just about birth — it’s about reclaiming power, finding trust in your body, and knowing you don’t have to face it alone.

Imagine a world where every family feels seen, heard, and deeply supported in their birth journey. That’s the revolution we’re building — quietly, fiercely, together.

What does empowered birth mean to you? Drop your thoughts, stories, or questions below — let’s keep this conversation alive!

06/06/2025

The Inner Critic in Pregnancy & Birth

That voice in your head that whispers:
“Am I strong enough?”
“Am I doing this right?”
“What if I mess this up?”

That’s your inner critic — and it often gets louder during pregnancy and in the process of labour and birth.
We see the inner voice show up in vulnerable moments. It feeds off uncertainty and comparison… but it’s not the truth. So what can you do when it shows up?

Here are a few strategies when this arises:
Name it – Say “That’s "Debbie", my inner critic talking.” Naming it helps create distance.
Breathe and ground – A few deep breaths can bring you back to the present.
Affirm your truth – Try: “I am learning. I am doing enough. I am supported.”
Talk it out – Share your fears with a doula, partner, or friend who listens without judgment.
Reflect on your values, your strength, and your vision for your birth.
Learn not to let it lead you. Acknowledge and Affirm, you are doing the best you can, take it one step at a time.

(With love to all the Debbies out there — we promise it’s not personal. )

04/06/2025

At Full Circle Birth Collective, we believe that how you're supported after birth can shape how you feel as a parent, how you heal and how you adapt as a family.

Our postpartum doulas are here to offer:
Sleep support so you can rest
Feeding guidance—breast/chest, bottle, combo
A listening ear for birth processing and emotional support
Help with baby care, soothing techniques, and routines
Light housework and sibling support so you can breathe again

Whether you're a first-time parent or welcoming your fifth, you deserve to be cared for too.

Because when a families are nourished, witnessed, and held—everything changes. Confidence grows. Bonding deepens. Healing happens.

Let us walk with you through this sacred season. You were never meant to do it alone.

Serving families across Edmonton and area
DM us to learn more or visit [www.fullcirclebirthcollective.com]

03/06/2025

Thinking of skipping the TENS machine in labour? Here’s why you might not want to!

The TENS machine (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) is often overlooked — but it can be a powerful tool for comfort and control during labour. Here’s why it might just be your secret weapon:

It’s drug-free + in your hands
You control the settings and intensity. It’s non-invasive, has no side effects, and you decide when to turn it up or down. Feeling a surge? Hit the boost button and let it do its thing.

It’s most effective when used early
Many people wait too long — but using it in early labour helps build endorphins and interrupts pain signals before they intensify. Early use = better results.

It supports your nervous system
That gentle pulsing helps calm your brain, distract from discomfort, and reduce the sensation of pain. It’s not just pain relief ( it won't take the pain away, but many say it takes the edge off) — it’s really a nervous system support and mental focus.

Whether you’re planning an unmedicated birth, want to delay other options, or just want more tools in your toolbox — don’t count out the TENS.

Some places will rent them or borrow one from your doula ( many of us do carry them for their clients use- but not all may have them).
It is a simple tool, Learn how to use it. Try it early. It could be a game changer.

Did you use a TENS machine in labour? Thinking of trying it?
Share your thoughts below! 💬

01/06/2025

Welcome May Babies!

To all the beautiful little souls born in May — welcome earthside!

You arrive during a time when the world is blooming, and just like the flowers, you bring new beginnings for many families.

If you were born a Ta**us (April 20 - May 20) you tend to be grounded, calm, and deeply loyal. Ta**us babies are little lovers of comfort — they’ll find peace in rhythm and routine. With their tender hearts and strong wills, they remind us to slow down and savor the sweetness of life.

For those born in Gemini (May 21 - June 20) you are curious, expressive, and full of sparkle! Gemini babies bring lightness wherever they go. They’re chatterboxes in the making with quick minds and lively spirits — always exploring, always learning.

The May’s Birth Flower: Lily of the ValleySymbolizing purity, happiness, and a return to joy — this delicate bloom perfectly matches the fresh, hopeful energy that May babies bring.

Whether you were born in a cozy moment of spring rain or under a brightening sky full of birdsong, you are a gift to this season and to this world. We are grateful to be a part of your “welcoming committee” and into your first moments with your amazing parents.

**usBaby

31/05/2025

Happy 27 Years of Doula Care.

Today marks 27 years since this sacred journey began — a journey that started with our founder, Sonya's very first doula training in Calgary with the lovely Elaine Montgomery. Her wisdom and her own birth experiences with midwives, lit the spark that would guide her through decades of birth work, heart work, and community care.

From solo support to now being part of a powerful collective of doulas offering full-spectrum care, the evolution has been both humbling and beautiful. Together, we’ve grown and adapted to meet the changing needs of families in 2025 — with compassion, evidence-based support, and an unwavering belief in the strength of birthing people and these sacred life journey.

Thank you to every family, every baby, every doula, and every mentor who’s been part of this path. Here’s to 27 years of holding space — and many more to come. We are so grateful for every single moment we have been welcomed into.

26/05/2025

THE SECRET’S OUT... OUR NEW WEBSITE IS LIVE!
We’ve been holding this close to our hearts… and now, we’re overjoyed to finally share it with you.

Our brand new website is more than just a fresh look for our 27th year in practice—it’s a sacred reflection of the work we pour our hearts into every day. A space rooted in much love, care, and reverence for the tender journey of birth, parenting, and transformation.

We have featured on our front page, a beautiful tender moment captured by the talented photographer, Vannessa Brown, .brown.photography. It spoke to the tender sacredness of deep love, and the safety found in being wrapped in their parents’ arms, the warmth of connection, and the bond—ancient, unbreakable, and whole. A sanctuary of belonging, where the soul feels known, seen, and profoundly held.

This creation came to life with the help of some incredibly talented humans:

– our gifted website designer, who jointly crafted with , a space that feels warm, welcoming, and aligned with our values.
– the creative spirit behind our new logos, holding the heart of our past to the present in every line and curve.
Our Full Circle team – whose wisdom, energy, and deep commitment to this sacred work shaped every corner of this new beginning.

We have lots of cool features, an ongoing calendar of events, a client log in portal with a large variety of resources, downloadable items and informational links, an expanded shop with downloadable content and so much more.

We hope you feel the love we poured in every detail.

24/05/2025

We have been working hard on a new surprise launching Monday. Be sure to keep posted on our new development. We are so excited to share with you.

22/05/2025

We feel so fortunate to be invited to this special event today put together by . So many amazing people who support and care for the women and families in our community. Thank you for all your great work. We are grateful to be included and for Nicole and Shannon to represent.

Address

Opening Hours

Tuesday	10:00 - 17:00
Wednesday	10:00 - 21:00
Thursday	10:00 - 21:00
Friday	10:00 - 17:00
Saturday	10:00 - 15:00

Telephone

+15875212717

Website

http://www.fullcirclebirthcollective.com/

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Welcome

Book today for a free consultation. By appointment ONLY. EST. 1998 serving families through all facets of pregnancy, labour, birth and postpartum. Additional services we provide: Placenta encapsulation Placenta prints Labour birth tub rentals Birth ball use for clients to use Lending library over 500 books, videos and magazines for clients to use Belly casting services Blessingway ceremonies Postnatal and prenatal support Postpartum Doula support Hypno Doula experience and variety of birth settings- Home Birth, Hospital or Birth Centre experience.