Peaceful Passage Doulas Now Offer Placenta Encapsulation

July 1, 2017Leave a comment

We are excited to offer this service now! Brenda is now our Postpartum Placenta Specialist.

What is placenta encapsulation?

Placenta encapsulation is the process of steaming, dehydrating, grinding the placenta and placing the material into pills. These pills are then taken by the mother regularly shortly after birth. This is thought to be an ancient, centuries old practice from Chinese medicine. However, there are no real studies done to prove or disprove the benefits of ingesting the placenta and most information is anecdotal in nature. That being said, the possible benefits of placenta encapsulation include increased release of the hormone oxytocin, which helps the uterus return to normal size and encourages bonding with the baby. It may increase the levels of stress reducing hormones and decrease the levels of postpartum depression. It may restore the iron levels in the blood and increase in milk production.

What process do we use?

We use the traditional method of encapsulation which is based on Traditional Chinese Medicine. The process includes steaming the placenta prior to dehydration in order to kill germs or bacteria.

What do I need from you?

As your postpartum placenta specialist, you can feel confident that all of my equipment and supplies are sanitized and prepared for your encapsulation. I will bring everything I need with me when I come to your home to prepare your placenta. All I need from you is your placenta, access to your stove, sink and an outlet to plug in the dehydrator. Everything else is my responsibility.

What do you do with the placenta until I get there?

The placenta must be placed in a cooler on ice or in a refrigerator within 2-4 hours of the birth, until I begin the process. If I am not able to begin the process within three days of your birth, you will place the placenta in the freezer until I arrive.

When do I start the process?

Ideally, I like to begin the process within 2 days of your birth, so that your capsules will be ready for ingestion by day 3. If this is now possible, freezing your placenta is necessary. You can freeze your placenta up to 3 months and still encapsulate.

Why do I process in your home?

As a Prodoula Certified Postpartum Placenta Specialist, your safety and peace of mind and my professionalism are my priorities. The guidelines that I am required to hold myself accountable to far exceed the standards of this industry. It benefits you to have this process done in your home in the following ways. You can be confident that your placenta is in fact yours as it is the only one you have brought home. There is no risk of your placenta being exposed to any unfamiliar bacteria that may interfere with your postpartum recovery.

What if family or friends think you are crazy?

Your decision to encapsulate your placenta is a personal one and it may not be for everyone. Sharing decisions about birth, parenting and postpartum recovery that are personal to you, may expose you to unnecessary judgement from others. Choose what is best for you and make no apologies for your decisions.

Do you need to be home during the process?

This is completely up to you and your comfort level. Whatever you decide is how I will move forward. As a professional, it is my desire to make the process as smooth and comfortable to you as possible. If you are worried about “smell,” worry no more. Using lemon and ginger in the short steaming process helps with this.

How long does the process take?

The entire process will take approximately 24 hours. I will be with you for 2 hours each day for 2 consecutive days.

Questions? Want to book?

If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask. If you would like to book your placenta encapsulation, please use the contact form below:

Emotions in Early Labor

June 18, 2017June 18, 2017Leave a comment

You feel a “cramp” and you wonder if this is the time to have your baby. What emotions start coursing through you?

Woman who feel they are in early labor are often either excited or start to experience fears. At this time, the reality of the impending birth actually sets in. They may feel the need to rush to the hospital or quickly pack their hospital bag (because TV tells us this is what should happen!) and they may need to be reminded to slow down and enjoy the beginnings of labor. Staying in this fearful state causes adrenalin to make an appearance and this can interfere with the flow of oxytocin. Oxytocin, also known as the love hormone, is the hormone responsible for causing the contractions to come steadily. Adrenaline interferes with the flow of oxytocin and can have a slowing effect or cause the contractions to become irregular. So even though it is exciting to be in early labor, it is important to keep focus on everyday things that are happening around you. You may have errands to run, children to care for, cooking to do, or tasks to complete. Keep doing those things in early labor. Don’t stop and focus on the contractions. In fact, if you can sneak in a nap, do that too. You will need all your energy later to birth your baby.

Other women may become fearful of the impending birth. They may be unsure of what is coming and have heard many “war stories” from other woman all too willing to share. As a partner or friend, you may need to be remind this woman to relax and surrender to their early labor in order to allow the oxytocin to do its work and to keep the effects of adrenalin at bay. Remind them to keep doing all the things they would normally do as we stated earlier.

All of these fears and uncertainty can be alleviated with a prenatal class facilitated by a caring individual who will share facts in such a way as to educate but not create fear. Please watch for our up and coming prenatal classes in the fall. We can be those teachers who will share all of the facts that you need, but in a way that you will feel empowered by the information and ready to surrender to your labor in order to meet your new baby.

Peaceful Passage Doulas Welcome Two New Partners

January 29, 2017August 1, 2017Leave a comment

We are so excited to offer our clients the services of two new partners; Cerra Wyatt of Spread the Love Babywearing Education and Jasmine Giourmetakis of Honey Lime Photography. We are thrilled to be able to offer clients who are interested in babywearing an option to learn. As well, we are pleased to offer another photography option for our clients.

Here is a little bit of info about Cerra:

Baby we aring entered my parenting journey in 2014. Our family was expanding, I needed a way to keep up with two older children and keep an infant close. Feeling the bond and closeness, it became more than a parenting tool. It became my passion! I knew very early on I wanted to become an educator. I love sharing the knowledge of how beneficial wearing can be and teaching parents how to safely and comfortably wear their baby. Exploring different carries and trying new carriers can be overwhelming alone, my goal is always to make it as stress free and fun as possible.
Watching the beginning of every different wearing journey is beautiful and I am honoured to be there to watch it begin!

Check her out on FaceBook : Spread the Love

A bit about Jasmine:

I am a proud mother of two beautiful little girls. They are 18 months apart. My husband is my biggest fan and greatest supporter. I would not be where I am without all his love and courage. I have found my passion in not only photography, but Birth and families in general. I love everything to do with babies, pregnant mommas, birth, motherhood, and fatherhood. I truly believe that having frozen memories is something so important, not only to us as parents, but to our children. I always love seeing pictures of my family growing up, and the fact that I get to help families continue to add to their collection of memories makes me super happy! I am super easy to work with, and absolutely love what I do. ❤

Check her out on Face Book or at her web page: http://www.honeylime.ca

We look forward to working with these lovely ladies and know you will as well!

Bengkung Belly Binding

August 23, 2016Leave a comment

One of the services we offer is Bengkung Belly Binding. There are many benefits to belly binding shortly after the baby is born. Belly Binding supports the womb after birth. It protects and assists swollen internal organs to return to their pre-pregnant state. It assists in uterine contractions to expel any left over blood. Belly binding reduces shoulder and back discomfort by promoting good posture. It relieves water retention and improves circulation. It stabilizes loosened ligaments and helps relieve muscle and tendon tension throughout the torso area. This ancient practice just feels good! We are happy to provide pretty binds and to bind you that first time!

Here is a video from DONA to show you how this works when you bind yourself:

New Service Added!

June 26, 2016Leave a comment

We are excited that Peaceful Passage Doulas have a birth pool for their clients to use now! We will supply the connections, the hose to drain, the pump to drain and a pump to blow up the pool. The client will be responsible for a clean hose and a liner for the pool (however, we can pick these up for you if needed). Pools are available for use in any home birth and limited hospital births. Only the Sturgeon and the Lois Hole will allow birth pools to labor in if you have a midwife present. No hospital allows birth in the pool at this time, however. Cost for the pool rental is $100 and is only available to Peaceful Passage Doula Service clients. We look forward to serving you in this new way.

Going the Distance and a Lesson in Patience

March 9, 2016May 8, 2016Leave a comment

By Brenda Giourmetakis

I learn something from all of my clients and their births but my last client taught me patience. And if you know me, you know I like to get things done so I can move on to the next task. Well, this baby had another idea. She was not in any hurry to exit her momma’s womb. In fact, until the minute before she was born, the doctor kept commenting on what a happy heart beat she had. Her mom is a marathon runner and this may have had something to do with her approach. She had a plan and worked steadily to give birth to this little girl.

This was probably the longest labor I had attended and my biggest learning is to think about self-care during a long birth (both for the partner and for the doula). The first night we went to the hospital, I forgot to add snacks to my bag. Since it was late at night, there really was no place open to pick up snacks and I had perfect little gluten free muffins in my fridge! Even my water bottle was left on the counter. Hmmm. How can I help myself remember these important items in the excitement of the moment? That is a process I am going to have to think about. If you have any ideas, please let me know.

We went home after a night of pretty productive contractions that were long and close together and gaining in intensity. But the magic dilation number was not were the hospital would want it. There are more ideas emerging to support a labor process without getting to the magic number of 3 -4. Here is an article about some alternatives: http://birthwithoutfearblog.com/2013/06/06/alternative-methods-of-checking-dilation-the-purple-line-and-more/. As well, it is important to remember that dilation is only one piece of the puzzle. Is baby turning? Is the fundus building to push the baby out? Here is another great article: http://midwifethinking.com/2010/08/18/the-effective-labour-contraction/ Finally, a facebook article about the fundus becoming thick enough to push the baby out: https://m.facebook.com/myNOVAbirth/photos/a.375689399130797.93734.288908944475510/1103754056324324/?type=3

Well, we were sent home and my client had a lovely cranio massage to relax her jaw (and that would in turn relax her bottom). By three in the afternoon we headed back. By this time she was at the required dilation to head up to the labor and delivery rooms. She asked for an epidural (she was so tired) and then was ready to push by 10 p.m. We thought this babe would be born soon, but she had other ideas. “Have patience,” she whispered with every heart beat.

Mom pushed for three hours and the beautiful Morley was born at 1 a.m. Baby was not particularly thrilled to be on the outside; she pooped on the way out and then three more times on her mom.

All in all, we cannot rush birth. We must be patient and take the time that is needed to have a beautiful birth that mom will remember with joy rather than trauma. Big kudos to the Dr. Ching and the staff at the Sturgeon for holding space for the mom to have her birth in her own time.

Marathon

Some Changes are Coming Our Way…

March 6, 2016Leave a comment

Change is coming our way. Watch our website.

Sacred Pregnancy Retreat

July 13, 2015Leave a comment

Here is a testimonial of one momma who attended the retreat:

Going into the sacred pregnancy retreat I knew it was going to be really great, but wow. Just wowl What a powerful way to connect with yourself and your babe. I feel so incredibly honored to have been able to partake in such a beautiful experience. As women we sometimes forget to honor ourselves and the women around us, and this was such a sweet reminder of how strong and beautiful we all are. I haven’t felt at peace with myself in a long while and now I am able to feel the strength that I have for myself and my babies. It’s amazing how comfortable and trusting you become with your sisters and it’s so wonderful to hear everyone’s story At this point in my pregnancy, this was exactly what I needed to remind myself to slow down and be grateful for everything in life and for the strong women that I am surrounded by daily. I am so thankful to Brenda and Clara for setting such an amazing space for us. The energy was extremely powerful. I feel so light and peaceful and love that I have such a great memory to remind me of the importance of strength. Jasmine

And PIctures Speak a Thousand Words…

Please enjoy the story of our First Sacred Pregnancy Retreat through the lens of Michelle Bressler

Sacred Pregnancy Retreat Edmonton – hosted by Peaceful Passage Doulas

Was a beautiful weekend. For information on future retreats, please use the contact us form. We would love to hear from you.

Special Thank You to Our Supporters.

July 13, 2015Leave a comment

Sacred Pregnancy Retreat Edmonton – hosted by Peaceful Passage Doulas

Our first Sacred Pregnancy Retreat was a great success. We had five lovely ladies who thoroughly enjoyed themselves as they prepared their bodies, hearts and minds for their pregnancy and birth. A big thank you goes out to the following people who provided goods for our fantastic “swag bags” that each momma took home:

1. Christine Schneider of Discovery Toys. Each momma got a cute little wooden toy. You can find Christine at discoveringthefun@gmail.com or www.discoverytoys.com/discoveringthefun

2. Jessica Contant of Tiny Hands, Big Words (baby signing). Each momma got a DVD of baby signing. You can find Jessica at tinyhandsbigwords@gmail.com or www.tinyhandsbigwords.com

3. Krystal of Bohemian Alchemist. Krystal gave a discounted price on a little bar of all natural soap. You can find Krystal at krystal@bohemian-alchemist.ca or www.bohemian-alchemist.ca

4. Tarra Young of Designs by Tarra. Tarra gave a discounted price on a beautiful pendant necklace for each momma. You can find Tarra at tarrayoung@live.ca or www.facebook.com/designsbytarra

5. Molly Remer of Brigid’s Grove. Molly offered a discounted price on a lovely tree of life pendant and a tiny pregnant goddess figurine for each momma. You can find Molly’s lovely work by contacting her at brigidsgrove@gmail.com or www.brigidsgrove.com or on Etsy at brigidsgrove.etsy.com

6. Darrell and Georgina of Bushmen’s Bin. Each momma got a crystal point and a rose quartz for their sacred spaces. You can find these folks by email at djasperfay@gmail.com or at https://www.facebook.com/bushmans.bin.5

7. Sacred Pregnancy Edmonton. Each momma got a copy of the amazing book: Sacred Pregnancy by Anni Daulter. This is a fantastic companion book for pregnancy and birth

7. Brenda Giourmetakis of Peaceful Passage Doulas. Each momma got a Beautiful Tummy Balm Bar, Nipple Cream (with no Lanolin), Soothing Salve, and Baby Bum Balm all lovingly created with organic materials right here in Edmonton. For more information on these items, please use our contact form.

Thank you also to Clara Ansel-Houle who did all of the cooking and it was so delicious! Thank you to Tracy Simpson of the Grow Centre for providing a beautiful space for our mommas! Thank you to Michelle Bressler of Lucid Dream Photography for the lovely images to remind us of this sacred weekend.

First Ever Sacred Pregnancy Retreat

March 14, 2015March 31, 2015Leave a comment

Peaceful Passage Doula Service is so excited to present our first Sacred Pregnancy Retreat June 13th and 14th. This retreat will offer pregnant mommas a sacred space to connect with one another in sisterhood, and experience their pregnancy in meaningful and personal ways. Mommas are invited to look deeply at the issues unique to their pregnancy journey and find a centred, peaceful place to live this pregnancy journey. These two days will include time to look at topics such as creating a personal sacred space, food and body image during pregnancy, relationships with your partner and your baby, expectations and hopes for birth and so much more.

Your fee of only $250 includes:

-the course in the peaceful and lovely Grow Centre on Whyte Avenue

-supplies for a multitude of beautiful and engaging activities

-excellent catered lunches and abundant snacks

-daily yoga practice with a qualified prenatal instructor – our very own Clara

-learn to safely use essential oils during pregnancy and birth with a special guest

-opportunity to connect with other pregnant mommas- the first step in building a new sisterhood.

-and an amazing gift bag that includes the Sacred Pregnancy book and journal (watch for posts on Facebook about some sweet swag we are gathering).

We will have space for up to 12 mommas and will enjoy our weekend at the Grow Centre at 10516 – Whyte Ave. We will begin each day at 9 a.m. and go until 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Register before the end of April and receive $25 off. Clients of Peaceful Passage Doula Services receive an additional 10% off of retreat registration fee.

Email us at peacefulpassagedoulas@gmail.com to reserve your spot.

Brenda and Clara look forward to serving you and leading you in the beauty way for this weekend. If you are interested in taking part in the beautiful weekend and want to bring “sacred” back to your pregnancy, please email us at peacefulpassagedoulas@gmail.com

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