The Massage Womb
Liberty Village/Parkdale M6K 2G4 Toronto, ON, Canada

Breast feeding/pumping parents:

ATTENTION PARENTS WHO FEED YOUR BABY FORMULA: "This story is tragic. Every time I cover this in the certified lactation educator training there are always several people that are shocked. We must teach proper preparation of formula. I don't believe it's the parent's fault. I believe we don't stress enough that hot water must be used when reconstituting powder formula. Water must reach 158 to kill bacteria. Powder infant formula is NOT sterile. https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=578499358988169&set=o.319321431468083&type=3

Baby Buns & Mongolian (or Hyperpigmented) Spots (aka Congenital Dermal Melanocytosis or Slate Gray Nevi) **See Edit Below**... These harmless marks are flat bluish-gray or greenish marks found on babies either at birth or within the first few weeks of life. Many are found on the butt, back, arms or legs but can also appear on the face as well. Typical cause of pigment that did not make it to the top layer of skin but generally no cause for alarm. These marks are common in people of Asian, Native American, Latino, East Indian, or African descent. They may appear as bruises so it's important to know what they are if you see them to not warrant any mistake for child abuse from others. They generally hang around until school age but may last longer. My 3 year old still has hers Did you or your babies have a Mongolian Spot? Did it fade or stick around? : A Mother's Love Doula Services LLC **Edited To Add** While the medical term for these birthmarks is called Congenital Dermal Melanocytosis, a common name you may have heard or seen often is Mongolian Spot. Coined in 1885 by German anthropologist Edwin Baelz who used it to refer to "Mongoloids" and other traditionally BIPOC people, as he noticed these spots commonly on babies with darker skin. A derivative of the word Mongolia (Mongol or Mongoloid) was also being used to describe people with Down Syndrome or mentally disabled thus characterizing a condition by ethnic characteristics in the 1860s. This term, although commonly used today, has some negative connotation to its use in history. Other names used for these birthmarks may be Hyperpigmented Spot or Slate Gray Nevi. An important thing to know is they are normal and common among babies of BIPOC descent but may be referred to as different names to not be offensive due to the history of the various uses of the term "Mongol." #GracefulJourney #GracefulDoula #CertifiedDoula #CharlotteDoula #BlackDoula #DoulaOfColor #Pregnant #Childbirth #Love #Pregnancy #Birth #Doula #Baby #VirtualDoula #DigitalDoula #BirthDoula #NC #Charlotte #CltMom #CltMoms #Birthmark #Birthmarks #MongolianSpot #MongolianSpots

Some important info to inform your decision to circumcise your baby boy

#blackmamasmatter!!! Know your rights and options!

CW!! Traumatic birth Do you have scoliosis? Depending on the severity, angle, and location of the curve, your options for anesthesia might be different than most labouring people. *Note*, what happened to this patient in the video is a rare occurrence. Having a doula, if you can afford it, would be immensely helpful in recovery in a case like this. If getting a doula isn't an option for you, please reach out to mental health services in your area. Links to resources in comments. https://youtu.be/6LP43_EMGh0

Please note that during COVID 19, massage therapy will not be available. When RMTs are allowed to start work again, workshops only will be available. Stay safe and well everyone!

Mental health resources for new moms in Ontario at end of article. Take care of yourself https://www.cbc.ca///postpartum-depression-covid-1.5539951

Parents who want to breast feed, don't fret if baby loses up to 10% of their birth weight, it's actually within the realm of normal! https://web.uri.edu//nursing-professors-study-on-infant-b/

It's entirely possible for you to have a VBAC! If it's important to you, and your care provider is really wanting you to do a C-section again, perhaps this article will be helpful to share.

Reassuring information about COVID19 for pregnant people and babies. https://youtu.be/a1M81AoIyAw

Parents of baby boys, please be aware of the risks of circumcision. You can verify this info with your care provider.

Do you have someone to advocate for you? Know your rights! https://www.wistv.com//father-sues-los-angeles-hospital-a/

Did you know the history of midwifery and doulas?