Mothers Way

Time at home with your little ones can be wonderful but it can also test your patience and make you feel like you're "failing" as a parent. As the majority of us don't have the luxury of a yard or the support that we need, the next few months will no doubt be a mixed bag of emotions. As circumstances and situations change from day to day, I am now offering virtual support. I am offering my services to any parents out there looking for answers about their new earthling or just to simply be heard. Please DM or email ([email protected]) me at any time.

Birth. Intensity like you have never felt before. Birth is not just your baby moving down and your body opening. Birth is the rawness, it's the vulnerability, strength and absolute animalistic sensations that take hold of you and your body as you get ready to bring new life earthside. Everything except you and you baby cease to exist or matter during those hours, those hours where you gather your resilience in sending oxygen down to your baby. The hours where you use every l...ast bit of energy in letting your unconscious mind take over and let it push you towards new life. @mothersway.doula #birth #labour #vancouver #pregnantinvancouver #doula #nsdoula #northvancouverdoula #intense #love

I'm very excited to announce that I have teamed up with Allie from North Shore Doula. Allie is an incredible doula who is hard working, empathetic and extremely passionate about her work. I feel so grateful to be able to call her my doula wife! @bunkybambino

The Golden Hour . The time that most people would describe as the hour when the sun begins to slowly descend or ascend through the sky. The beautiful iridescent glow that you can feel in your very depths. A visceral feeling of warmth that spreads throughout your whole body and makes its way to the edges of your smile. In the birth world, the golden hour refers to the hour after giving birth. It’s a time that you get to snuggle your new earthling and most likely, will feel ...intoxicatingly similar to the warm glow that emits from the sun (hello oxytocin!). The golden hour makes the transition into parenthood all worth it. The first skin to skin snuggles with your newborn kicks off a magical process that not only helps with the bonding process (maternal/newborn attachment) but initiates a sequence of events that helps the newborn adjust to life outside of the womb. It's a time that should be honoured and respected. It's too often that I see immediate tinkering with mom and baby when it is not necessary. Other benefits of immediate skin to skin include: A release of Beta-endorphin which is an analgesic like hormone that helps mom feel nice and relaxed and aids in her interactions with her newborn. Colonization of good bacteria from mom vs the hospital. Improved breastfeeding outcomes as baby's reflexes awaken while skin to skin. Less stress for mom and baby. How amazing is birth & nature!? We just have to learn how to sit back, not tinker, be silent and enjoy the warm glow of the golden hour. #goldenhour #newborn #baby #parents #doula #birthdoula #mom #love #pregnancy #labour

Reports you will read of in the news are hauntingly similar. A black woman tries to communicate and advocate for themselves in hospital. They are ignored. They die. Sadly, this is not a new story. It's one that we’ve heard countless times and countless times we continue on living our lives. The racial disparities found in maternal fatalities during pregnancy are nauseating. The article pictures above was written in 2019 and highlights a few (not all) problems in the healthcar...e system. The CBC states that, black women are 3.3 times more likely than white women to suffer a pregnancy related death. Could you imagine fearing for your life when you go into the hospital to give birth!? A leading cause of pregnancy related death is cardiovascular disease. Black women disproportionately are affected. This is a good time to briefly talk about privilege. Due to systemic racism, white people have profited for generations allowing for us to have access to higher education, better life opportunities, etc. This also means that we can afford healthy food which lowers our chances of getting cardiovascular disease. These days, it's time efficient and most of the time a lot cheaper to buy fast food than it is to buy fresh vegetables. This allows for people to feed their families whilst also working their two to three jobs trying to make ends meet (hence the higher rates of CVD in black women). Institutional racism runs so deep. It has been a looming presence since the beginning of health care. Don’t ever second guess what's happening right now just because you don't see it. Just because you can't hear it.It's time to realize that's part of our privilege. The biggest take away from this is that there is a massive racial disparity where the system places a higher importance on the wellbeing of white over black. It's time to stand up and speak up and create long lasting change. Get involved and use your voice. #blacklivesmatter See more

I vow to be a part of the solution. I vow to raise my voice.

Time. Its the one thing a lot of us don't have. Enter the veggie bowl. Take whatever veggies you have and either steam, fry or bake them. Toss them in olive oil before hand. Throw on some wild rice, quinoa, freekah or any other whole grain and combine with vegetables. Top with avocado and sauerkraut and you're away!... Dressing: Avocado, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, tahini (Get creative! The peanut sauce on my insta feed will also go down an absolute treat.) What are your go to dressings!? #love #instagood #vegetables #nutrition #goodvibes #pregnant #doula #doulalife #supportsmallbusiness #instadaily #food #nutritionist #holistichealth #holisticnutrition #holisticnutritionist #motherswaydoula

Please share widely!

I am on a bit of juice kick lately. I don’t have access to a juicer so I use the trusty old blender to do the job for me. Best bit? I don’t loose all of the wonderful pulpy goodness in the process!! I’ve been getting a lot of my recent recipes from postpartum clients. I love learning from my clients! I like to call this one Popeye Goes to The Tropics. Ingredients:... 2X Navel oranges 2X Handfuls of spinach 2x Handfuls of Ice Thumb size piece of ginger (optional) 1x Apple 1x Handful of pineapple (optional) 1/2 Cup water *Enough for two or three people. #nutrition #yummy #greenmachine #prenatalnutrition #baby #postpartum #tummylove #immunesupport #ironman #vitamins #nutrients #healthylifestyle #healthyfood #health

I am on a bit of juice kick lately. I don’t have access to a juicer so I use the trusty old blender to do the job for me. Best bit? I don’t loose all of the wonderful pulpy goodness in the process!! I’ve been getting a lot of my recent recipes from postpartum clients. I love learning from my clients! I like to call this one Popeye Goes to The Tropics. Ingredients:... 2X Navel oranges 2X Handfuls of spinach 2x Handfuls of Ice Thumb size piece of ginger (optional) 1x Apple 1x Handful of pineapple (optional) 1/2 Cup water *Enough for two or three people. #nutrition #yummy #greenmachine #prenatalnutrition #baby #postpartum #tummylove #immunesupport #ironman #vitamins #nutrients #healthylifestyle #healthyfood #health

I wanted to say, I hate you. I wanted to cry. You’re not what I remember and for that, I don’t yet know how to reply. Lying somewhere deep inside, a verse rings out so pure and true, you grew life inside of you. I don’t know why I feel such deep and resounding sorrow. The gain and the loss all happened so fast. I feel I’m playing catchup and only now beginning to understand. The power and fortitude that I possess, I am a queen lioness. Protector and lover, a shield and force - I am Mother. @madbutt #postpartumbody #postpartum #doula #baby #body #mother #lioness #birthdoula #postpartumdoula

Golden Milk - Helps with inflammation and supports milk production 1 cup oat milk 1 tbsp Coconut oil 1 tsp turmeric... Pinch cinnamon Pinch sea salt Pinch pepper 1 tbsp maple syrup See more

Time at home with your little ones can be wonderful but it can also test your patience and make you feel like you're "failing" as a parent. As the majority of us don't have the luxury of a yard or the support that we need, the next few months will no doubt be a mixed bag of emotions. As circumstances and situations change from day to day, I am now offering virtual support. I am offering my services to any parents out there looking for answers about their new earthling or just to simply be heard. Please DM or email ([email protected]) me at any time.

As you are woken by the unpleasant feeling of nausea for the second week in a row, you question why anyone would decide to embark on this insane journey. You remember your friends telling you how much they all adored being pregnant and how they couldnt wait for you to experience the magical glow. After speaking to other folxs, you understand that youre not an oddity and in fact, quite the opposite! Around 70% of pregnant people experience morning sickness and about 3% of... people can experience severe nausea and vomiting. We still dont know why with 100% certainty as to why morning sickness is experienced in the first trimester. The theory is that it has to do with elevated levels of a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). In severe cases (hyperemesis gravidarum), it is important to talk to your care provider about further recommendations. For those experiencing morning sickness to a lesser extent, above are some natural recommendations that might offer a helping hand to curb the nausea . @nsdoula @mothersway.doula #morningsickness #pregnant #doula #firsttrimester #midwifery #hypermesisgravidarum

I'm very excited to announce that I have teamed up with Allie from North Shore Doula. Allie is an incredible doula who is hard working, empathetic and extremely passionate about her work. I feel so grateful to be able to call her my doula wife! @bunkybambino

The Golden Hour . The time that most people would describe as the hour when the sun begins to slowly descend or ascend through the sky. The beautiful iridescent glow that you can feel in your very depths. A visceral feeling of warmth that spreads throughout your whole body and makes its way to the edges of your smile. In the birth world, the golden hour refers to the hour after giving birth. Its a time that you get to snuggle your new earthling and most likely, will feel ...intoxicatingly similar to the warm glow that emits from the sun (hello oxytocin!). The golden hour makes the transition into parenthood all worth it. The first skin to skin snuggles with your newborn kicks off a magical process that not only helps with the bonding process (maternal/newborn attachment) but initiates a sequence of events that helps the newborn adjust to life outside of the womb. It's a time that should be honoured and respected. It's too often that I see immediate tinkering with mom and baby when it is not necessary. Other benefits of immediate skin to skin include: A release of Beta-endorphin which is an analgesic like hormone that helps mom feel nice and relaxed and aids in her interactions with her newborn. Colonization of good bacteria from mom vs the hospital. Improved breastfeeding outcomes as baby's reflexes awaken while skin to skin. Less stress for mom and baby. How amazing is birth & nature!? We just have to learn how to sit back, not tinker, be silent and enjoy the warm glow of the golden hour. #goldenhour #newborn #baby #parents #doula #birthdoula #mom #love #pregnancy #labour

Reports you will read of in the news are hauntingly similar. A black woman tries to communicate and advocate for themselves in hospital. They are ignored. They die. Sadly, this is not a new story. It's one that weve heard countless times and countless times we continue on living our lives. The racial disparities found in maternal fatalities during pregnancy are nauseating. The article pictures above was written in 2019 and highlights a few (not all) problems in the healthcar...e system. The CBC states that, black women are 3.3 times more likely than white women to suffer a pregnancy related death. Could you imagine fearing for your life when you go into the hospital to give birth!? A leading cause of pregnancy related death is cardiovascular disease. Black women disproportionately are affected. This is a good time to briefly talk about privilege. Due to systemic racism, white people have profited for generations allowing for us to have access to higher education, better life opportunities, etc. This also means that we can afford healthy food which lowers our chances of getting cardiovascular disease. These days, it's time efficient and most of the time a lot cheaper to buy fast food than it is to buy fresh vegetables. This allows for people to feed their families whilst also working their two to three jobs trying to make ends meet (hence the higher rates of CVD in black women). Institutional racism runs so deep. It has been a looming presence since the beginning of health care. Dont ever second guess what's happening right now just because you don't see it. Just because you can't hear it.It's time to realize that's part of our privilege. The biggest take away from this is that there is a massive racial disparity where the system places a higher importance on the wellbeing of white over black. It's time to stand up and speak up and create long lasting change. Get involved and use your voice. #blacklivesmatter See more

I vow to be a part of the solution. I vow to raise my voice.

Time. Its the one thing a lot of us don't have. Enter the veggie bowl. Take whatever veggies you have and either steam, fry or bake them. Toss them in olive oil before hand. Throw on some wild rice, quinoa, freekah or any other whole grain and combine with vegetables. Top with avocado and sauerkraut and you're away!... Dressing: Avocado, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, tahini (Get creative! The peanut sauce on my insta feed will also go down an absolute treat.) What are your go to dressings!? #love #instagood #vegetables #nutrition #goodvibes #pregnant #doula #doulalife #supportsmallbusiness #instadaily #food #nutritionist #holistichealth #holisticnutrition #holisticnutritionist #motherswaydoula

Please share widely!

I am on a bit of juice kick lately. I dont have access to a juicer so I use the trusty old blender to do the job for me. Best bit? I dont loose all of the wonderful pulpy goodness in the process!! Ive been getting a lot of my recent recipes from postpartum clients. I love learning from my clients! I like to call this one Popeye Goes to The Tropics. Ingredients:... 2X Navel oranges 2X Handfuls of spinach 2x Handfuls of Ice Thumb size piece of ginger (optional) 1x Apple 1x Handful of pineapple (optional) 1/2 Cup water *Enough for two or three people. #nutrition #yummy #greenmachine #prenatalnutrition #baby #postpartum #tummylove #immunesupport #ironman #vitamins #nutrients #healthylifestyle #healthyfood #health

I wanted to say, I hate you. I wanted to cry. Youre not what I remember and for that, I dont yet know how to reply. Lying somewhere deep inside, a verse rings out so pure and true, you grew life inside of you. I dont know why I feel such deep and resounding sorrow. The gain and the loss all happened so fast. I feel Im playing catchup and only now beginning to understand. The power and fortitude that I possess, I am a queen lioness. Protector and lover, a shield and force - I am Mother. @madbutt #postpartumbody #postpartum #doula #baby #body #mother #lioness #birthdoula #postpartumdoula

Golden Milk - Helps with inflammation and supports milk production 1 cup oat milk 1 tbsp Coconut oil 1 tsp turmeric... Pinch cinnamon Pinch sea salt Pinch pepper 1 tbsp maple syrup See more

Even the most prepared and grounded parents can become anxious, exhausted and need support. In these scary times its easy to forget that youre not alone. If youre in the Vancouver area and feeling in need of support, copy and paste the link below. Fit4two is providing an online platform to connect parents with other parents! http://fit4two.ca/new-parent-connection-groups

Best part? Not all that bad for you and easy to make! Fat bombs: Bottom Layer... 1/3 cup smooth peanut butter 2.5 TBSP coconut oil 1 TSP vanilla extract 3 TBSP cocoa powder 2 TBSP maple syrup Top Layer 1/3 cup smooth peanut butter 2.5 TBSP coconut oil 1 TSP vanilla extract 2 TBSP maple syrup Sea salt Make bottom layer by putting a 1/2 TBSP in 12 different muffin inserts in a baking tray. Make top layer and repeat step 1. Sprinkle sea salt to finish. Put in freezer and wait 30mins. #nutrition #desert #snacks #postpartumbody #yummy #pregnant

Amidst the chaos, Amidst the concern and the sadness. Amidst it all, though sometimes incremental - there is joy. There is love. Intentional touch and a purposeful stare. Strength held in community. Space held in wisdom. Amidst at all, there is power to be found and a voice waiting to be re-discovered. #pregnant #labour #doula #parents #love #baby #covid

The Magical Power of Bone Broth. Rich in collagen, vitamins, minerals and protein, bone broth helps support your body in more ways than one. Bone broth is said to help fight fatigue, balance hormones and support a healthy brain Tip save your leftover veggies and scraps you might throw away. Tuck them in a freezer bag and store until you want to use! Go to your local butcher or use your left over bones from the previous meal. Dump everything in a crock pot, add salt and p...epper, a little apple cider vinegar and let cook on low for 8 hours. Store bone broth in jars in the freezer or fridge (for more immediate use). The broth can be drunk straight or used in a soup, stew, pho, ramen or anything your heart desires. #bonebroth #vancouver #ramen #postpartumbody #nutrition #baby #postpartumjourney #postpartum #healthyfood

Hump Day Inspiration: Easy and delicious! These little frozen treats have had my whole house wanting more. Filled with good fats to keep you going. https://fitfoodiefinds.com/healthy-peanut-butter-cups/

We are needing masks to reduce the chances of transmission at home births and aren't being supplied any yet by the government. Anyone a good sewer and able to h...elp out your local midwives doing front line health care work? #bcmidwives edit: there are some great articles posted below showing better patterns to follow. Please read through the comments. Thank you!

I was recently turned away from a hospital while a client went in to labour with her partner. I respect and completely understand these precautionary measures but it doesnt make it easier. Thank you Lesley Everest for finding the words.

Preparing food for postpartum can be such a task!! Especially if you dont have a big freezer. A recent client showed me an awesome recipe for a peanut butter, ginger, lime and cilantro based sauce. The sauce keeps for a close to two weeks and you can put it on EVERYTHING. By everything, I mean mostly vegetables and rice (which is essentially everything).... Swipe to see recipe.

Mothers Way is now accepting new clients for 2020! Whether you're having a baby or already have a few, Mothers Way offers postpartum and birth doula services that will help you thrive. Please check out www.mothersway.ca for more information.

After 9 months of growing and nourishing their baby and after countless and intense hours of hard work, my clients graciously accepted the hand they were dealt. With courage and love they welcomed their little bundle into the world. Right on time. #newbornphotography #baby #newborn #babygirl #breastfeeding #doula

THE VALUE OF A DOULA! Yesterday in a moms group Im apart of I saw a comment from a mom that said I looked into hiring a doula but their fee was $xxx and she... didnt seem to offer much. Ill admit this comment was a little disheartening to me. However, it made me realize that the general public and even sometimes the families that hire us do not understand the true value behind the care we provide. You see, theres so much more that goes into the work a doula provides than holding a hand and giving encouragement to the birthing mom (although those things hold great value in themselves). Those that choose the career path of being a doula dedicate their life to this work. They pour hours upon hours into educating themselves on all things birth and babies. We have a deep knowledge of the birth process. And for most we never stop educating ourselves. It is a continuous learning process so that we can provide our clients with the most up to date research and information. Prior to a mom giving birth a doula will spend anywhere from 3-6 hours with her client and the family doing light childbirth education, talking about her birth desires, processing through any fears she has, teaching coping techniques, giving nutritional advice, talking about ways to prepare her body physically and mentally for birth, etc. We are also available 24/7 to our clients via our phone. I myself have spent hours on the phone with clients in addition to our prenatals just working through concerns and other emotional issues. As a doula we go on-call 2 weeks prior to a womens due date and remain on call until her baby is born. However, if we have more than one client on our schedule for the month (which most doulas do) this puts us on a never ending on-call status. Im not sure most understand all this entails. Being on-call for a doula means that we must ALWAYS have our phones on us. When we have a client in the window of her due date we hesitate going far from home, we must have on-call childcare because we must be able to leave with a moments notice. This may also mean that we miss our kids birthday party, Thanksgiving, Christmas morning with our kids, or other important events. Ive left my kids sobbing at the door begging me not to leave. I may be at a birth 4 hours or I may be at a birth for 45 hours. Ive held a womans body weight while they squat or given continuous counter pressure for hours on end. Ive held women as they cry and as they rejoice. Ive coached them through some of the hardest decisions in their life. This lifestyle is not for the faint of heart. The women who choose to become a doula have such a deep passion for birth, women and babies. The sacrifice we make to be ever present for our clients doesnt come without consequence. Theres a reason the divorce rate amongst birth workers is so high. We pour so much of ourselves into our work. And you must understand that when things dont go as planned at a birth we dont just go home and move on with life. Those difficult births can take a huge emotional toll on us. Also, our relationship with our doula clients doesnt end after they have their baby. We then offer postpartum support. Most doulas visit with their client at least once after the birth and provide continuous phone support for breastfeeding issues, emotional support, etc. So the next time you think to yourself that doulas fee seems a little high or is a doula worth the money I can assure you that a doulas fee is well worth all the support that comes with it and the sacrifice that doula makes for your birth. Doula Statistics Numerous studies have shown that the presence of a doula during labor and birth results in: * 31% decrease in the use of Pitocin * 28% decrease in the risk of C-section * 12% increase in the likelihood of a spontaneous vaginal birth * 9% decrease in the use of any medications for pain relief * 14% decrease in the risk of newborns being admitted to a special care nursery * 34% decrease in the risk of being dissatisfied with the birth experience Parents who receive continuous support such as that of a doula tend to: * Feel more secure and cared for * Are more successful in adapting to new family dynamics * Have greater success with breastfeeding * Have greater self-confidence * Have less postpartum depression * Have lower incidence of abuse

When clients ask what lifestyle and nutrition factors will keep them and their baby the healthiest, I respond with what they dont always want to hear. The fact of the matter is, a lot of our society is becoming more and more removed from their centres. Our centres represent our mind, body and spirit. When tended to, your MBS can create a foundation that will help carry you throughout your pregnancy and life. Weve become so focused on doing the exact right thing and so afra...id of creating more damage that we forget to just sit still and listen. Start by listening to your most basic needs... why am I feeling irritable? Have I had enough water?. The more you practice listening to your body, the more centred you become. When clients ask me about nutrition and lifestyle, I always get them to check in with their centres before throwing information at them. This allows easier digestion of information (pun intended) and helps build report and accountability. Task: sit still for 5 minutes and write down how you feel. Ask your self why you might feel this way. Then, ask yourself what youve done today to promote or discourage a healthy mind, body and spirit.

With the help of an amazing graphic designer (Jessica Soparlo), my mentor (Jill Colpitts) and some wonderful friends, I have finished my website. Please feel free to have a look, pass my information on and contact me if you have any further questions.

For those of you who dont know, my name is Emily and Im a registered holistic nutritionist as well as a birth and postpartum doula. When I was younger, I had an innate curiosity for new life and a predisposition for empathy. I had a desire to help heal people. I grew up learning that listening with an open heart allowed people the opportunity to tell their story. My curiosity for life pushed me to explore life beyond Canada and to explore the multicultural nooks and cranni...es of different continents. I was able to really see the culture, gain wisdom and become inspired by the people that surrounded me. The path that led me to becoming a nutritionist and doula was written long before I knew where I would end up. Having the ability to help people find their power through education, making them feel supported and nourished, changes the birth experience from a potentially scary journey to one where birth can be wholly and confidently embraced.