Wholehearted Doula

Wholehearted Doula Providing a calm & safe space where you feel nurtured & cared for through pregnancy~birth~postpartum

I have worked with families and their children for over 29 years: advising, guiding and listening to the parents and nurturing the growth, behaviours and development of their children through their milestones. I am passionate about women's health, wellness and their well-being, babies and young children. My purpose as your Doula is to provide a safe and supportive environment to empower women and

their partners with evidence-based information to ensure they make the choices they feel most comfortable with to achieve the birth experience they desire. As your doula, I will hold space for you & your partner; provide emotional and physical support with compassion, respect and understanding xx

Happy Mother’s Day to all you fierce mamas ✨🦋💛
05/12/2024

Happy Mother’s Day to all you fierce mamas ✨🦋💛

Our bodies are more capable than we think or believe to grow, birth and feed babies, just as our ancestors were. You can...
05/06/2024

Our bodies are more capable than we think or believe to grow, birth and feed babies, just as our ancestors were. You can do this with patience and in your own time.

In less than 2 months, I will be embarking on full time doula work!!! Something I’ve been dreaming about for years. 🦋 Wh...
05/01/2024

In less than 2 months, I will be embarking on full time doula work!!! Something I’ve been dreaming about for years. 🦋 While saying goodbye to my business of 31 yrs in childcare is bittersweet, I could not be more ready to make this incredible pivot. ✨

Sara Wickham is such a great resource to follow.
03/21/2024

Sara Wickham is such a great resource to follow.

What information should we offer when parents decide to decline vitamin K?

Most parents choose to give vitamin K but some decide to decline this intervention.

Sometimes these parents are given a hard time.

What they are not always given is helpful information.

Information about what they should look for in case their baby is the one in several thousand who experiences the unexpected bleeding that has come to be called ‘vitamin K deficiency bleeding’, or VKDB.

So here's a list of the key things that we might want to suggest that parents look out for in babies who have not received vitamin K.

This is for information / discussion purposes only, of course, and isn't intended to constitute or replace individualised midwifery or medical advice.

PLEASE read the blog post in full, as there isn't room for nuance and detail on social media. For instance, yes, pink spots can sometimes be normal in little girls - more info in the blog post.

Any parent who is concerned about their baby should seek appropriate advice.

There is lots more about this and related issues in my book, Vitamin K and the Newborn.

And more at https://www.sarawickham.com/original-articles/five-things-parents-should-know-if-they-decide-to-decline-vitamin-k-for-their-baby/

The book also goes through the evidence and is designed to help parents make the decision that is right for them, as well as to help care providers and birth workers better understand the evidence and the issues.

If you are considering your options about vitamin K, I hope you'll find it useful.

It’s not just the first 6 weeks, it can be up to 6 years post birth! ✌🏼I’m so excited to be supporting and coaching wome...
03/19/2024

It’s not just the first 6 weeks, it can be up to 6 years post birth! ✌🏼

I’m so excited to be supporting and coaching women to heal with nutrition in the years after birth. 🤍

Mama ~ You matter. Your needs matter. Your future self matters. How you feel matters because your family depends on you. You mama, are the thread that weaves your family together. Be well. ✨

Did you know that the foods you eat in postpartum makes a difference in your healing?Check out some Guidelines for Eatin...
02/10/2024

Did you know that the foods you eat in postpartum makes a difference in your healing?

Check out some Guidelines for Eating in Postpartum ~

~ Eat Nutrient Dense Easy-to-Digest Whole Foods: soups, stews, broths.

~ Eat Foods High in Protein & Fat: Both of these are essential for healing, hormone balance and breastmilk production.

~ Remove Gluten & Dairy for 4-6 weeks: top inflammatory causing foods for both mother & baby.

~ Avoid RAW Fruit & Vegetables, including salads & smoothies. These require a lot of energy from your body to break down into easily absorbable nutrients.

~ No More Calorie Counting, Dieting, or anything that limits your food intake. Pay attention to your hunger & eat accordingly. Weight gain & a decrease in breastmilk is more likely to happen by restricting eating.

~ Remember ~~~Your body is AMAZING at healing. It simply requires you to make it happen.

Let’s change our mindset around postpartum recovery  ~ let’s start to re-think this whole “bounce back” to the go-go-go ...
02/08/2024

Let’s change our mindset around postpartum recovery ~ let’s start to re-think this whole “bounce back” to the go-go-go lifestyle. It took almost a year to grow your baby, so it will take time (more than 6-weeks) for your whole body to recover; instead let’s channel a SLOW postpartum. Mama, YOU deserve to be nurtured and cared for by your village!!

If you felt abandoned and alone after your "all-clear" at the 6-week check-up, you most certainly are not alone!

I've said it before and I'll continue to say it until things change.
The 6-week check-up was created by a patriarchal system that has no relevance to postpartum recovery whatsoever.

Whether you're 6 months or 6 years postpartum (and yes, that includes YOU -- the providers serving new mamas), you CAN heal and thrive.

The 5 Essentials for Postpartum Well-Being: whole body support, nourishment, sleep, nervous system care & following cycl...
01/30/2024

The 5 Essentials for Postpartum Well-Being: whole body support, nourishment, sleep, nervous system care & following cyclical rhythms for our bodies.

Let's work on building a stronger foundation that will pave a smoother transition into menopause.

Nutrition is the most foundational piece to your well-being and will even impact your menopausal journey!

Get that nutrition up ~ Best thing you can do is meal plan in pregnancy. Prep meals that will support your whole self and are appropriate for the postpartum body. If already in postpartum, then start now! Prep those meals ~ warm, nutrient dense, whole foods.

The most beautiful & best gift you can give yourself (and your family) is making changes in your lifestyle & supporting your health & well-being.

What's in your pregnancy & postpartum toolkit?

12/24/2023

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from my family to yours🎄❤️
This past year has been an exciting one with so much growth and new things to come!✨Each and every family I’ve worked with holds a very special place in my heart and I love getting sweet little updates from them 🤍

Cheers to all of us slowing down and enjoying quality time with our loved ones!

The festive season is upon us, causing a whole host of feels and emotions to surface. We overextend ourselves, expectati...
12/24/2023

The festive season is upon us, causing a whole host of feels and emotions to surface. We overextend ourselves, expectations become unrealistic and we compromise our self-care practices. Let’s take a moment to slow down and listen to what your overwhelmed self needs. When gathering with loved ones, remember the importance of practicing self-compassion—it's a meaningful investment in your well-being that benefits both you and your family.

Mamas ~ Your body is an amazing vessel growing a tiny human. Pregnancy reshapes your body, and birth reveals its remarka...
12/18/2023

Mamas ~ Your body is an amazing vessel growing a tiny human. Pregnancy reshapes your body, and birth reveals its remarkable strength. After your birth, feeling depleted and being forever changed, this crucial mom moment calls for settling into the coziness of your home with your baby. Let your village handle all the tasks while nurturing you with warm, nourishing foods. It's essential to be cared for to regain optimal health. A well-rested & healthy mama = a happy & healthy family.

❤️
11/22/2023

❤️

This is such a great infographic for bed sharing and how to keep it safe.
11/18/2023

This is such a great infographic for bed sharing and how to keep it safe.

You've probably heard the 3 basic infant sleep recommendations:
- baby on back
- no bumpers or large stuffies
- baby in seperate crib near parents bed for first 6 months

The issue is that the majority of parents end up bedsharing at some point or another, often without having planned on it. A common scenario is baby will only sleep well with mum (which makes sense considering baby slept most of his or her life in their mother's womb), and the parents feel uncomfortable with leaving baby to cry in their crib.

There are many ways to share sleep unsafely, so I would much rather share ways to respect the fragility of an infant in a bedsharing environment. Otherwise we see mothers falling asleep in rocking chairs, couches, or adult beds not designed with infant safety in mind.

Please review the points presented in this infographic, and the following articles, to make a conscious, informed choice:

- http://attachmentparenting.ca/articles/articles1.htm

- http://cosleeping.nd.edu/safe-co-sleeping-guidelines/

- http://www.brandiehadfield.com/ #!Sleeping-Safely-with-your-Baby/ctu0/CCFEEABA-32FA-4549-ABA6-D934679CAD34

11/11/2023
Listen up parents & guardians…your littles need to feel safe and connected. They need to trust that you will be there fo...
10/15/2023

Listen up parents & guardians…your littles need to feel safe and connected. They need to trust that you will be there for them through all that they are going through. Remember, you are their North Star 🌟

🌟 Hey there, lovely mamas and baby whispers! 🌟As your Wholehearted Doula, I'm here to share a nugget of wisdom that's as...
09/16/2023

🌟 Hey there, lovely mamas and baby whispers! 🌟

As your Wholehearted Doula, I'm here to share a nugget of wisdom that's as important as those baby snuggles: Nourishing our new moms during the postpartum period! 💖🍲

🤱 We all know that the early days of motherhood can be a whirlwind of emotions, sleepless nights, and endless baby cuddles. But, amidst all that, it's crucial to remember that a well-nourished mom is a superhero in the making! 🦸‍♀️✨

🍏 Nutrition plays a starring role in postpartum recovery. It's not just about calories; it's about fueling your body with the right stuff to heal, recharge, and thrive as a new parent. From nutrient-packed meals to hydration heroes, taking care of yourself is the ultimate act of love for you and your little one. 🍼❤️

🌿 Let's embark on this beautiful journey together, where I'll be your guide, your cheerleader, and your source of delicious postpartum meal ideas. We're diving into a world of wellness, one wholesome bite at a time. 🍲 💪

So, whether you're a new mom or have a mom-to-be in your life, remember: Good nutrition is the secret sauce to postpartum vitality! 🌟✨

Stay tuned for more tips, recipes, and smiles as we navigate this incredible chapter together. Let's nourish those beautiful hearts and bellies, one wholehearted step at a time. 💕🌼

Hey there, beautiful souls! 🌸 Postpartum Power ~•Beyond the 6 weeks ✨Did you know that postpartum recovery is a journey ...
08/29/2023

Hey there, beautiful souls! 🌸 Postpartum Power ~•Beyond the 6 weeks ✨

Did you know that postpartum recovery is a journey that extends way beyond those first six weeks? 🤱🏼 It's a whole year of nurturing your body and spirit to feel truly back to your amazing self. 💪 Let's dive into the incredible process together and discover the tips and support that make this journey a joyful one! 💖

Food is the best and first place to start when we need to heal or to ensure you are functioning optimally. 💥
08/21/2023

Food is the best and first place to start when we need to heal or to ensure you are functioning optimally. 💥

Your baby’s fussiness is temporary. What to do? Contact, carry, walk and talk. Don’t forget a good ol’ swaddle.  For som...
08/21/2023

Your baby’s fussiness is temporary. What to do? Contact, carry, walk and talk. Don’t forget a good ol’ swaddle. For some babies, this makes them feel safe and snug.

Hiring a postpartum doula is highly beneficial during the 4th trimester; let’s build a stronger village together. 🤍
08/10/2023

Hiring a postpartum doula is highly beneficial during the 4th trimester; let’s build a stronger village together. 🤍

Mommas~ kiss your babies💖 Magic happens to both of you!
08/04/2023

Mommas~ kiss your babies💖 Magic happens to both of you!

Kissing your baby changes your breast milk. Did you know that the undeniable urge to cover your baby in kisses serves a biological purpose? When a mother kisses her baby, she samples the pathogens on baby’s face, which then travel to mom’s lymphatic system. Mom’s body then creates antibodies to fight those pathogens, which baby receives through breast milk. What?! Amazing, right?

💫 Words by
💫 📸: Dusktildawnphotography

OMG, Basil is one of my faves!  Now I have a new favourite for helping with pain. Look out hubby, loads of basil coming ...
07/20/2023

OMG, Basil is one of my faves! Now I have a new favourite for helping with pain. Look out hubby, loads of basil coming your way 💚

During my postpartum shift today with a new momma and her 3 week old twins, THIS right here, is what we talked about tod...
07/20/2023

During my postpartum shift today with a new momma and her 3 week old twins, THIS right here, is what we talked about today❣️

Children and unstructured free play in nature ~ hell ya!!  Then watch the magic unfold ✨
07/15/2023

Children and unstructured free play in nature ~ hell ya!! Then watch the magic unfold ✨

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Douglas Avenue
Maple Ridge, BC
V4R2H7

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