The Practice of Practice

The Practice of Practice

Rachel Parris
Parenting

As a recovering perfectionist, I have spent most of my life avoiding trying new things. Basically, the math in my head went something like this:

  • I receive love when I am perfect (when I am perfectly behaved, when I follow the rules, when I get 100% on a test or project, etc)

  • Therefore when I am not perfect, I am not worthy of love

  • Well, that’s terrifying

  • I can’t risk not receiving love

  • Therefore I will only do things that I know I can do perfectly

  • NO NEW THINGS!

Our culture values striving for excellence, which usually turns into striving for perfection – on the surface, this seems really admirable. Why shouldn’t you always try to be perfect at what you do?

6 Tips for Flying with Newborns and Toddlers

6 Tips for Flying with Newborns and Toddlers

Christine Jennings CD(DONA)
Parenting

In my oldest daughter’s first year of life, I took her on 17 plane rides. I wanted my family outside of Alberta to spend as much time with our new baby as possible. We went to Ontario twice and to BC six times. At the time it didn’t seem like a big deal, but reflecting back on that first year it occurs to me that it was A LOT of flying! And it gave me the perfect opportunity to hone the process.

Whether you’re facing a quick 45 minute flight or eight (or more) hours, here are my top six tips for flying with your littles.

My Transformation Into Fatherhood: An Interview with Peter Jennings

My Transformation Into Fatherhood: An Interview with Peter Jennings

Christine Jennings CD(DONA)
Fathers/Partners

Peter Jennings is a realtor, a husband, a father, and a fierce friend. For this Father’s Day, Peter shares his experience of becoming a father and using doula support during his transformation into parenthood.

Peter and I have been married for five years and partnered for ten. Together, we have two daughters and had two very different birth experiences. Our first daughter, Hazel was born in hospital under obstetric care with birth doula support and postpartum doula support. I had an epidural and an augmented labour with pitocin. For the birth of our daughter Zoe, we had a home birth with midwives and doula support.

Read on to hear about Peter’s firsthand experience of becoming a father, how each birth transformed him, and how doula support impacted each experience.

You and Your Pelvic Floor

You and Your Pelvic Floor

Claire Harris
Local Resource

There’s a myth in our culture that a weak pelvic floor is just the price pregnant folks pay for giving birth. We’re thrilled to share this guest blog post from Claire Harris of Intrinsi, a physiotherapist who specializes in pelvic floor health, to help set the record straight.

As a physiotherapist with a special interest in pelvic health, I am passionate about empowering people to discuss their pelvic floors, and how important it is for overall health. It’s an easy topic to sweep under the rug, but a little bit of leakage after your friend tells a joke is no laughing matter! When it comes to pregnancy and your pelvic floor, there are a lot of strategies to manage any concerns you may have, as well as preventative tools to ensure you are setting yourself up for success during this exciting (and often stressful) time.

The Limitations of New Parenthood

The Limitations of New Parenthood

Christine Jennings CD(DONA)
Postpartum

Stepping into new motherhood, I felt really prepared. I had an arsenal of doulas in my corner and I had a library of resources to draw from (should I need them). I felt quite confident that I could face the unknown and roll with the punches. Even with all the reassurances, it was still an initiation that my heart wasn’t prepared for.

Relationships Are Hard

Relationships Are Hard

Rachel Parris
Relationships

Welcoming a new baby into your family is an exciting and joyous occasion and it also puts significant strain on even the most rock solid relationship. Drs. John and Julie Gottman discovered that “67% of couples had become very unhappy with each other during the first three years of their baby’s life. Only 33% remained content.” (source >>)

Why I Won't Promise To Teach You Everything You Need To Know About Birth

Why I Won't Promise To Teach You Everything You Need To Know About Birth

Rachel Parris
Childbirth Preparation

When preparing to give birth and become a parent, Birthing From Within teaches that there are three kinds of knowing that are essential to the process. It is essential to explore all three kinds of knowing because even if we spent every day together for the next four years learning only about birth and postpartum and parenting, I still would not be able to teach you everything you need to know. Why? Because at its heart, birth is a rite of passage.

Learning How To Advocate For Yourself

Learning How To Advocate For Yourself

Rachel Parris
Childbirth Preparation

In an ideal world, every pregnant person would have the ability to carefully and intentionally choose a maternity care provider who was a good match for them.

In Calgary, the reality of choosing a maternity care provider is more akin to “You get what you get and you don’t get upset”. This means that sometimes you and your maternity care provider are not a good fit for each other and the relationship may suffer from a breakdown in communication, mutual respect, and/or trust.

Sometimes, you may be able to change care providers. But if not, or you choose to stay with your current care provider, what can you do to cultivate a more positive, functional relationship? How can you advocate for yourself and your baby in a kind and assertive way?

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