The Magic of Menstruation with Amanda Laird - Register NOW for the June Breastfeeding Cafe

How much do you really know about menstruation and your body? So many menstruating people don't truly understand their cycles and what's happening each month, so I've invited Amanda Laird the host of the Heavy Flow Podcast to join me at the June Breastfeeding Cafe for a talk about the Magic of Menstruation. 

In this talk, Amanda (a Registered Holistic Nutritionist), will unpack menstrual myths, explain why the menstrual cycle is a vital sign and teach you what you didn't learn in health class. She will also address every new mom's most burning question: "when will I get my period back?!"

This is going to be a good one! If you would like to attend the Cafe on June 5th at West End Mamas and learn all about menstruation Register Here. Remaining space is very limited in this FREE Community Event, so please don't wait to Register. If your plans change and you can't make it, please email care@with-care.ca so we can open up your spot to another community parent who would like to attend. **Please Note that this is a FREE Community event, but this month Participants are encouraged to bring a box of tampons or a large purse to be donated to the Period Purse.

Also, if you haven't listened to The Heavy Flow Podcast yet, I highly recommend it. You can check out the episode that I was a guest on, as well as tons of other amazing episodes here. Enjoy!

- Care

**After this month the Breastfeeding Cafe will be on summer holidays and will resume in the fall. 

Kegel's are NOT always the Answer! Pelvic Floor Recovery for Moms - Register Now for The April Breastfeeding Cafe

I am so excited to have Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist Trang Bui from West End Mamas joining me at The Breastfeeding Cafe in April to discuss Postpartum Recovery and the Pelvic Floor.

Before pregnancy the pelvic floor doesn't mean much to most people, but after having a baby, it can play a huge part in your recovery and wellbeing. So many people (well meaning health care providers included) believe that the answer to all Pelvic floor issues is kegel exercises, but did you know that these exercises can actually worsen symptoms for some women? That's why it's so important to speak to a skilled care provider and have an individualized assessment, so you can better understand how to best help your personal situation. As a midwife and mom of 3, I believe that all pregnant women should see a pelvic floor physiotherapist prenatally, so they can prepare for their delivery and understand what to be looking for in their postpartum recovery.

If you have questions about your pelvic floor and recovery since having a baby, or just want to learn something new about your body, join us at The Breastfeeding Cafe on April 3rd at West End Mamas at 9:30am. Come and learn what your pelvic floor is all about, find out what's normal versus what's common after having a baby, and how Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy can help in your postpartum recovery. Trang will be available to answer your questions about common issues including incontinence, painful intercourse, pressure in your bottom, and back pain, just to name a few. So many women suffer silently in pain and discomfort, when simple treatment can be very effective.

If you want to join Me and Trang at the Breastfeeding Cafe at West End Mamas in April please Register Here. Remaining space is extremely limited, so don't wait!  

This session is mainly focused on postpartum recovery but pregnant people are always welcome to join this Free Community Event. If you're expecting, please make sure you check out West End Mamas FREE monthly sessions on Pelvic Health Basics for Birth with their amazing team of physiotherapists. Space is very limited for these events, so don't wait to register.

If you're in need of some one-on-one treatment mention With Care to receive 20% off your 1st Wellness Service at West End Mamas. I can speak from personal experience when I say that their on-site childcare is the answer to all of your mama wellness woes. Plus check out their Postpartum Restore Your Core Fitness Classes with Laura Wood if you're needing some help getting moving and reconnecting to your core.

Hope to see you at the Cafe! Register Here

- Care 

3 Things You Need to Know About Breastfeeding Beyond 6 Months + Register for The March Breastfeeding Cafe

Taya & Baby Mabel photo credit: four bees photography

Breastfeeding isn't always straightforward, so it's essential to have amazing support along the way. I find that there tends to be a lot of support for parents with newborns, but with older babies, breastfeeding questions are often overlooked. That's why I'm so excited to have Taya Griffin joining me as guest speaker at the March Breastfeeding Cafe, to answer questions about breastfeeding babies of all ages.

Taya is an incredible Lactation Consultant and mom of 2 beautiful girls. She is my go-to referral for all breastfeeding related issues because she is so gentle and caring, but also incredibly knowledgeable. Taya offers amazing Prenatal Breastfeeding Classes at West End Mamas (Register for her next session May 29th), as well as Private In-Home Education & Support, and sees clients at Kidcrew Medical & Dental Clinic.

As a little sneak peak to the amazing advice parents will receive at the Cafe, Taya has provided me with answers to 3 of the questions she gets asked most often about nursing an older baby and returning to work. This is amazing advice and so important for parents to know, so make sure you read it below.

If you want to join Me and Taya at the Breastfeeding Cafe at West End Mamas in March please Register Here. Remaining space is extremely limited, so don't wait! (Edited to Note that the Cafe is now Full! Please email care@with-care.ca to be placed on the waitlist.) *See post for full details

3 Things You Need To Know About Nursing Beyond 6 Months - By Taya Griffin

"As a Lactation Consultant who works in a clinic and community setting, I see babies of all different ages, and answer questions from mothers about nursing well beyond the first and second year. Breastfeeding an older baby is fun, as they are full of personality and their own special quirks, but it definitely comes with its own set of questions that are very different from the newborn stage! Here are three of the top questions that I get asked about nursing an older baby."

1) Do I need to pump when I go back to work?

"Should you be returning to work before the 1 year mark the answer is yes.  You will need to pump each time that baby feeds while you are away from them.  However the luxury that many Canadian mothers have of staying home for a year (and now 18 months for some mamas!) means that upon a return to the workforce there is no need to pump.  Baby will likely want to breastfeed as soon as they see you, and throughout their time with you, but while you are away your breasts will figure out that they are no longer needed. If mother feels some discomfort in the first few weeks of returning to work, hand expressing off a little milk will help to relieve the breasts until they get used to the time away from baby."

2) If I am still breastfeeding will my baby need cow’s milk? 

"This is one of the best aspects of breastfeeding beyond the year mark.  If your baby is breastfeeding at least three times a day there is no need to worry about them receiving any other kind of milk.  Between your breastmilk and a well- balanced diet they will receive more than enough of the vitamins and minerals that they need."

3) My baby won’t take a bottle – how will they drink liquid if I am not around?

"Health Canada’s new guidelines recommend that babies are introduced to a cup at the six month mark. Drinking from a cup, not a bottle, is a life-long skill that we all need and is better for the teeth and palate.  As a transition I have helped many families move from breast to doidy cup (a cup with a small spout) to an open faced cup with a lot of success." 

Thanks for this great advice Taya. For all of the local West End parents, don't forget to Register for the Cafe so you can ask Taya all of your questions in person. Plus we'll be doing fun Giveaway at the Cafe for some delicious Booby Boon Lactation Cookies. You can also get in touch with Taya directly via Email or call her at 416-996-0321 with any questions. 

- Care 

Let's Talk about Sex!....After Baby + ENTER My Gorgeous Lingerie GIVEAWAY!

With Valentine's Day around the corner I thought it was only appropriate that I dial up the love for all the mamas out there. So I'm very excited to announce that I will be hosting a super HOT Breastfeeding Cafe at West End Mamas on February 6th. Guest speaker Registered Psychotherapist Melissa Moore will be joining us to chat about Sex After Baby, and how to bring back the heat, when all you want to do is sleep! Learn all about getting the love you want, and creating the love you need. This is one you definitely don't wait to miss!

The Breastfeeding Cafe is a FREE community event, but you must pre-register for this exclusive event. Space is very limited each month, so don't wait! (Register at bottom of page, or here)

As an extra little Valentine's treat I'm hosting an online GIVEAWAY for a gorgeous Bralette from Mayana Geneviere (Value $115!). This bra is like no other. It has no clasps, no wires, no clips, and has the added perk of being absolouety stunning, while functioning as a regular bra, or nursing bra! Plus it's Canadian designed, sewn ethically locally in Toronto, and a portion of all purchases goes toward their non-for profit Maternal Goddess. This project aims to provide education and awareness towards the changes and challenges women experience post birth. Now this is my kind of bra, and company!

******* UPDATED: CONTEST CLOSED ******* 

To Enter for a chance to WIN a Bralette from Mayana Geneviere simply comment below with your name and email address, or alternatively you may comment below and submit your email address to care@with-care.ca for entry (you must comment below to be included).

Plus make sure to check out my Facebook page & Instagram feed for 2 more ways to enter!  Contest is open to all residents of North America who are 18+ and closes Tuesday January 30th at 11pm EST. A winner will be chosen at random and contacted within 24 hours. Good Luck!

West End Mamas generously offers my client's 20% off their 1st Wellness Service, so don't hesitate to reach out if you're in need of a little help along this parenting journey. They have an amazing team of dedicated professionals, a beautiful space, and childcare during appointments! It doesn't get much better. 

- Care

*This is a sponsored post which means I was provided compensation and/or product for this post. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own. I only partner with products and services that I genuinely love and want to recommend. 

Welcome to the Neighbourhood West End Mamas!

Photo Credit Jade Beall Photography

I'm so excited to welcome West End Mamas to our Bloor West Neighbourhood! This total wellness centre for motherhood was created by Sarah Mickeler, a neighbourhood mom and incredibly skilled Chiropractor. After almost 15 years of working with clients solely on fertility, pregnancy and postnatal issues, Sarah decided to create a space that focuses on supporting the whole journey of motherhood. 

West End Mamas officially opened their doors today, and will provide a wide variety of Wellness Services including: Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy, Registered Massage Therapy, Acupuncture, Lactation & Breastfeeding Support, Psychotherapy & Counselling, Naturopathic Medicine, Nutrition Services, Doula Services, and Parenting Coaching. You can find out more details about their Fertility, Pregnancy & Postpartum services online.

In addition to this incredible line up of services, West End Mamas will be hosting amazing educational workshops, wellness classes and community meetups in their bright studio space. I'm very honoured to be working with West End Mamas and offering some of my programs including: Infant/Family CPR & Safety Workshops, Starting Solids Workshops, Parent Prep Classes, FREE Babywearing Meetups, and FREE Breastfeeding Cafes. Space is extremely limited for these programs, so please don't wait to Register. 

As a Midwife and neighbourhood Mom of 3, I firmly believe that we need more spaces like this for hopeful, expectant and new families. Bringing together skilled clinicians and amazing educators means that families don't have to travel around this huge city to find the services, education and support they need. When I began Fifty-Seven I imagined it as a space like this, but my business took me in a different direction. I soon decided to focus on my own personal offerings via teaching, consulting, writing and speaking, but was always sad that there wasn't a space like this for my clients, friends, family and neighbours. Needless to say I am very happy that Sarah has come in to fill this huge void in our community. I know that West End Mamas will be a incredible source of support for local families.

Check out West End Mamas gorgeous website to learn more, and drop by some time to see their beautiful space in the heart of Bloor West (2477 Bloor St W, 2nd Floor). If you have any questions about services or programs offered please don't hesitate to Contact West End Mamas.

- Care