Breast/chest feeding can be a powerful experience for you and your baby, with benefits that include bonding, providing essential nutrients, and promoting overall health. However, breast/chest feeding is not always easy or possible for everyone, and that’s okay. Whether you choose to breastfeed, formula feed, or a combination of both, what matters most is that you are providing your baby with the nourishment and care they need to thrive. Our resources will help you make informed decisions about feeding your baby and address any challenges you may face. Remember, there is no one right way to feed your baby, and you deserve support and compassion as you navigate this journey.
Your Mental Health
You’ve likely heard that low mood, blues or depression can settle in even when the arrival of a baby may seem like it’s supposed to bring only positive emotions. Fortunately, we are all helping to create more space for open, vulnerable and needed sharing on this topic. Even though it can be quite common, there may be factors inside of you, your culture, tradition, values, and circles of connections, where speaking up may require additional strength and courage. No matter your circumstances, there is help available. The Pacific Postpartum Support Society is a valuable resource for new parents experiencing anxiety, depression or other emotional challenges during the postpartum period. Along with their support, we’ve carefully gathered these useful resources to help you through this time. If/when you’re feeling big emotions, we hope you’ll be able to reach out to your provider to get the support and care you need.
Recovery
You might be wondering when you’ll be recovered and ‘back to normal’. It’s important to remember that recovery time and adjustment after childbirth can vary greatly from person to person — and there may be ups and downs along the way. Whether you’re overjoyed or experiencing difficult emotions, asking for help and support is okay. Whether it’s traditional teaching from elders, tips from loved ones or insights from your maternity provider, there are several ways in which you can draw on the layers of support that surround you. If you find it helpful, you might want to write down any key information for you to refer back to when needed. Ask for clarification or repetition along the way. We’re here to offer encouragement and resources to help you journey through this transformative time with self-compassion and strength.
Healthcare Visit Schedule
After your little one arrives, you’ll have regular medical appointments to ensure you and your baby are healthy and thriving. Click “View resources about this topic” to read on.
Revisiting Your Plans Is Okay
As you embark on your journey into parenthood, it’s important to remember that it’s very much okay to reassess the decisions you’ve made along the way and make adjustments that feel right for you and your family. For example, you may want to consider whether your earlier decisions about parental leave and benefits still make sense with your current needs and priorities. If you can, take your time as you ease into parenthood. Maybe today you set micro goals (shower, anyone?) which get reset anew for tomorrow (and the day after that). Have a look at the resources we’ve reviewed and compiled to help you make the choices that will best serve you and your loved ones.
Labour
As your due date approaches, it’s normal to experience changes in your body that can happen over a few days or even suddenly! One thing that many people notice (or talk about) is the release of the mucus plug that has sealed your cervix. You may see this as a brownish or bloody discharge. This is one way your body prepares and communicates that it is preparing itself for labour. You may also begin to experience a clear fluid leak (or gush!) and/or belly tightening or contractions — all signs that your body is gearing up for labour. While these changes might not seem glamorous, they are a natural part of the process and nothing to be worried or ashamed about. Your maternity provider will likely review these with you too. To get a sense of what’s in store, check out the resources we’ve curated for you that may add value to your labour and delivery journey.
You Have Got This
This phase can be like crossing off days on a calendar, you may be waiting as patiently as possible, or it may be spontaneous and sudden. Either way, you’ve got this. Continuing to care for yourself, just as you have throughout your pregnancy, can help you be as ready and healthy as possible in body, mind, and spirit. From taking the breaks you need to staying active, from healthy eating, communicating and getting as much rest as you can, you’ll actively position yourself so that your baby is ready to be welcomed anytime! If you’ve got questions about what to expect, we’ve got the relevant resources in our Common Questions and Concerns.
Thinking Ahead?
While it might seem that the end of the road will happen with the delivery of your little one, this really opens a new beginning! From initial skin-to-skin moments for parents and loved ones, the initial latch for breast/chest feeding and all the questions you might have based on the type of birth you have or the healing you expect, there can be lots to be curious about. We’ve reviewed and spotlighted some key areas to help you navigate what comes after delivery for you, your baby and others.
Discomfort and Pain
Managing the pain of labour can be an intimidating prospect, but it’s important to remember that generations of Life Givers before us have drawn on their inner power and potential to navigate this journey — and many have done it multiple times! While each person’s experience is unique, there may be helpful tips and tricks that others can share with you. Ultimately, your decisions during labour and delivery will be based on what works best for you and your baby. For example, in early labour, relief may be found from bouncing on an exercise ball, showering, position changes, walking, massage or TENS or sterile water injections in the lower back. So, while it’ll depend on your individual needs and preferences, there may be some alternative options that work for you. Check out this guide for more techniques to manage pain so you’ve got a sense of how you’d like to craft and control your experience. Your maternity provider will likely also offer you additional options and insights you can explore here — check them out so you have a sense of what’s available. Regardless of the pain and discomfort that is a natural part of the journey — we know you’ve got this!
Birth
Birth is a ceremony to celebrate new life — these are the milestone moments that we hope you’ll find yourself able to feel prepared and present to experience fully. For some communities, this is also an occasion to honour connection to those before us, be it family ties, ancestors or other loved ones. This may also be a time to create and take space for traditions and cultures to which we feel connected and from which we may get a sense of belonging, grounding, knowing, living, doing — and being. Whether in the hospital, at home, on or off traditional lands, we hope that you will be able to receive the respect, space and care to voice and do the things you’d like to do during this sacred time.
Along the way, you may have specific concerns — if your baby is positioned feet first (breech), if pushing is not progressing in an expected way, if you require other avenues for delivery — for all this and more, explore the topics that seem relevant for your situation. In addition to these reliable resources, your maternity provider may also have additional insights to help you feel even more supported during the birth of your baby.