Patronus Doula Services

Happy national doula week!

The third trimester can be both exciting and scary for parents-to-be, especially those welcoming a baby into their lives for the first time. The third trimester... is from the 28th to the 40th week, or until baby is born. However, it is normal for women to deliver their babies between the 37th and 42nd week of pregnancy. The lessening of discomforts and increased energy that came with the second trimester are often over as women enter their third trimester. A rapidly growing baby puts extra weight on their bodies, giving rise to new symptoms from swollen feet and back pain to mood swings, extreme fatigue , shortness of breath, insomnia,heartburn, and frequent urination are also common as an expanding uterus puts pressure on other organs. It is also common for women to experience practice contractions, called Braxton Hicks contractions which is how the uterine muscles rehearse before birth. The third trimester is also the time when potential pregnancy complications can arise, including preeclampsia , low amniotic fluid, high blood pressure , or preterm birth. The third trimester for baby is all about gaining weight, growing from 14.4 inches and 2.9 pounds to 20.3 inches and an astounding 8.1 pounds. As the baby grows and fills up more space in the uterus, the movements will not be as vigorous. Most of the infants organs are already developed and functioning in the third trimester, except for the lungs that mature in the last few weeks of pregnancy. A few weeks before delivery, the baby will descend into the pelvic area with the heading facing the birth canal in preparation for delivery, which is commonly called baby dropping. If this does not occur, and the baby is in breech position the infant buttocks or legs down, a doctor will evaluate the best ways to deliver the baby safely. As a woman approaches her EDD she will be offered a number of tests, including: * Blood and urine tests: to detect the presence of sugar, protein, or bacteria as signs of complications * Group B streptococcus test: a rectal and vaginal swab to detect bacteria that might cause infections in newborns (35-37 weeks)

In support of #BellLetsTalkDay, Life with a Baby is hosting an open conversation about changing the culture about unrealistic parenting expectations TODAY at ...1:00 p.m. For more information and to register, visit: https://www.lifewithababy.com/event-4115484 #BellLetsTalkMaternalMentalHealth

Squat Bar The squat bar is a fantastic tool to use if you birth in a hospital! It helps your baby to find space and navigate the birth canal because it puts y...our body into an open, forward leaning position that is also working with gravity If you are planning on birthing at the St. Catharines General Hospital and notice that there isn’t one in your room don’t fret! They are kept in the equipment room and your nurse, midwife or doula can bring you one . . . . . @thistleandlacephotography #squatbar #birthingphase #birthwithoutfear #birthyourway #positivebirth #calmbirth #empoweredbirth #childbirth #normalizebirth #childbirtheducation #hypnobirthing #hypnobirthingniagaraclasses #hypnobirthingniagarapractitioner #hypnobirthingniagara #doula #birthdoula #labourdoula #acorntooakcollective #acorntooakdoula #doulainniagara #niagararegiondoula #niagaradoula #ourhomestc

Today is #bellletstalk day. Today, everyday, perinatal mental health needs to be a part of the conversation. So #bellletstalkperinatalmentalhealth... It must be part of the conversation

What to do in early labour? We talk about this a lot during the Hypnobirthing Niagara course & there are many tools, techniques & things to suggest, but if it...’s the middle of the night & you’re able to, SLEEP is going to be your best friend. Check out some great advice for managing a bit of sleep from @birth_sense Sleep In Labour Clients often ask me what they should do in early labour and my answer is always the same. Rest. Move. Eat. Drink. Repeat. And I know that it might not be that easy, especially when the sensations of labour keep waking you up but lots of little sleeps is still better than none. Here is what I suggest... Get yourself as comfy as possible in whatever position works for you. This might be upright on the loo like this lovely mama. It might be in the bath or it might be in bed, lying on your left hand side with loads of cushions wedged all around you. Make it dark. Have a hot water bottle at your back and a fan to cool you down if it helps. Stick some lavender oil in a diffuser or on a damp facecloth near by. Breathe in and out slowly and imagine as you breathe out that your whole body is sinking down and that your mind is floating away from your body. Just let go. If another surge comes, that's okay... you might wake up a little but keep your eyes closed, focus on staying as relaxed as you possibly can and then, when it's gone, imagine yourself sinking straight back down again. Rather than get frustrated at the interruptions to your rest, focus on the bliss of those uninterrupted minutes in between. Make the most of them, preserve your energy. Your body will thank you later! #hypnobirthingniagara #hypnobirthingpractitioner #hypnobirthing #positivebirth #calmbirth #empoweredbirth

Doulas are like umbrellas! 1. You may not know when or how you will use one, but you have peace of mind knowing you have one close by. 2. We have experience in... all sorts of climates. 3. We come in all different sizes, shapes, colours, and individual styles. 4. At your request we can pop up at a moments notice. 5. We often quietly sit on the sidelines, waiting patiently for that moment things feel stormy. 6. We don’t protect you, we help you protect yourself. You hold the handle, we create the calm environment underneath. 7. We have a long history, a current need, and a certain future in the lives of bettering clients around the world. Trusty umbrella. Trusty doula. No need to get caught in a life-storm without assistance. Words & image property of Doula Training Canada Inc 2020.

Unsure how to support someone experiencing loss? Here are a few tips.

Today is Infant and Pregnancy Loss Awareness Day. On October 15th at 7pm you are invited to light a candle to create a wave of light across the world in honour of babies who have died, pregnancies that have been lost. Today and always, we remember.