Gabriela Mizrahi, BirthWise Montreal

Pregnancy is not put on pause in the COVID-19 pandemic, and neither are fundamental human rights. All women have the right to a safe and positive pregnancy and childbirth experience, with high-quality, respectful maternity care.

A great opportunity to share your experience of giving birth and starting your parenting journey during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Importantly, milk produced by infected mothers is a beneficial source of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgA and IgG and neutralizes SARS-CoV-2 activity. These results support... recommendations to continue breastfeeding during mild-to-moderate maternal COVID-19 illness." Read more about this new study - Characterization of SARS-CoV-2 RNA, Antibodies, and Neutralizing Capacity in Milk Produced by Women with COVID-19: https://mbio.asm.org/content/12/1/e03192-20 See more

It’s been a long wait for the results since writing the International Board Certified Lactation Consultant exam this September. Say hello to the newest IBCLC on the block! I am so thankful for all the amazing support and encouragement that I received along the way from my family and friends. I look forward to starting 2021 as an IBCLC and continuing to accompany families along their birthing, parenting, and breastfeeding journeys.

"Empathy in the birthing room translates to safety because the members of the birth team are aware of the birth process and assessing the wellbeing of birth giv...er and baby. Being heard and voicing choice are ways the birthing person feels included in the social and birth management (care) on their behalf." See more

Breastfeeding support is still available even as we continue to follow physical distancing. La Leche League is holding virtual support meetings across Canada. You can find the schedule of support meetings and classes at the link below. Stay safe. Get support. Connect with fellow breastfeeding parents.

Empowered Birth online conference coming up October 10-11. This is an event made for parents who are preparing for birth, to help them get the info they need during these tough COVID times. Take a look!