Adreanna Boucher, CLD Embracing Birth Doula Services

Over the past few years I had the absolute privilege of being present for the earth-side arrivals of dozens of beautiful little humans. Walking with families on their journey to meet their children has brought me so much fulfillment and joy! As much as I love working with families in this capacity, I've decided that it's time to take a hiatus from doula work. To all the families, doulas, nurses, and doctors I've had the honour of getting to know: thank you for everything. To any expectant mamas who come to my page looking for a doula, please feel free to message me for a list of other wonderful, skilled, kind women who can serve you. Much love.

Sheila is an absolutely amazing doula, teacher, and human being. I would highly recommend taking her class!

Have you ever wondered what that thick, white layer on a fresh, new baby is.....? Well, this waxy substance is called Vernix Caseosa - and it is a result of a...n important secretion - of a special oil - created in baby’s sebaceous glands. Vernix typically begins to accumulate in the last trimester of pregnancy and is thought to not only protect the baby in utero, but it also serves as a mechanism of defense after baby is born. In the past, as soon as baby emerged from its protective womb, it was quickly whisked away from its mother - to have that gunk wiped off, be given its first bath, have a whole series of tests taken, procedures done, and injections given. Luckily, research has shown that (beyond leaving the baby alone with its mother) delaying baby’s first bath- and allowing that vernix to reside on the skin - has a number of health benefits! It has antimicrobial properties. Recent studies have shown that vernix contains antimicrobial amino acids that block invasive bacteria present in the amniotic fluid from meconium contamination. After baby is born, these amino acids work to protect against harmful bacteria such as: B. streptococcus, E. coli, Staph aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans, Listeria monocytogenes, Serratia marcescens, and Klebsiella pneumonia. Vernix has wound healing properties. It has been shown to help with the quick regeneration of skin following a wound. In fact, the use of vernix with skin grafting on burn victims is currently being investigated! It moisturizes and hydrates baby’s skin. The newborn’s integumentary system undergoes immediate changes following birth, including dehydration. Because of its high water content, vernix acts as a natural moisturizer for your baby, protecting its skin from dryness and environmental exposure. It can help regulate baby’s body temperature. There is only very rarely a need for a warmer and lights! Babies almost always do better skin to skin on their mother (even tiny preemies). Studies show that infants who have it washed off have a significantly higher rate of heat loss. As the movement toward evidence-based practice has become standard, more hospitals are no longer bathing infants. So, when you deliver your baby, don’t be surprised if they arrive with a thick coat of vernix. It is there for a reason! Instead of washing it off, use that time to snuggle up to your baby and enjoy the magic of skin-to-skin..... celebrating this perfection in its entirety. *And if you are a friend or a family member of someone who chooses not to bathe their baby after birth, make sure you support - and even celebrate them - for working so hard to keep their new baby healthy. Some of the research: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2763724/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12538777/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14595204/ #NatureKnowsBest #LeaveBirthAlone #YouCantImprovePerfection #Vernix #HomeBirth #BabiesArentBornDirty #Newborn #MommaBabyDyad #MotherLove Motherlove #OhioBirthKeeper #StudentMidwife #Doula Emily Schultz #FreeBirth #CelebrateNature #Birth #WeAreSoProvidedFor #EducateYourself #BirthMatters #ChangeBirthChangeEarth #EveryBirthMatters #GoodThingsAreComing #IAmSoGrateful #LoveIsMySuperPower #ThisIsResistance @omeupediatra

WE NEED DONORS! There has been a decrease in registrations to become a donor over the past three weeks. In order to ensure we can provide premature babies with ...live-saving donor human milk we need your help! If you have excess breastmilk, please consider becoming a donor and help us save the life of a sick or fragile baby. To donate, visit http://www.northernstarmilkbank.ca/give-donate/donate-milk/

Our schedule is worked around the stats for December to make sure we are still available to you if you need us!