The Doula Collective

The Doula Collective is a circle of sisters and friends committed to providing women and their families with informational, emotional, and physical support during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum adjustment period. We are passionate about childbirth, and, having supported each other in our own childbirth experiences, we feel called to do the same for other women and their families. As doulas, we recognize and honour the importance of empowering childbearing women and their families to be as involved as possible in decisions surrounding their pregnancy, labour, and postpartum experiences. Our professional training and ongoing commitment to continuing education enable us to offer a depth of care characterized by individual attention and a focus on the unique needs of each of the families we serve, whether they decide to labour at home or in the hospital, or plan to give birth with or without medication. We offer babywearing classes, belly blessings/rituals. birth doulas, birth planning sessions, childbirth education classes, prenatal yoga sessions, reiki, and spiritual birth preparation sessions.

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The words on this dad's shirt are perfect. She is a tough mother. Like all mothers, however they birth. The depths women reach down to so they can birth their children, however they birth, is incomparable. Their strength, courage and their love is carnal, raw and real. 📷by @modernstorytog #toughmudder #toughmother #birth #labour #labor #cesarean #vaginalbirth #strength #love #devotion #power #courage #bravery #birthphotography #birthart

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Always and forever, my little person.

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How awesome is this illustrated boob pattern by @crownjulez? LOVE IT.

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Hey you. Stay beautiful, just as you are. 💞

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So true. So cut yourself some slack. 😉

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ARE WE THERE YET?

by Morgan

You have hit week 37, you're considered full term. Bring on Baby! However, Babies can stay quite cozy for up to 42 weeks! Do you ever wonder what it is they are doing in there those last few weeks?! Well, I am here to tell you!

1. Developing better lungs

There is actually research to show that this development is continuing at birth and beyond. However, during those last few weeks, those little lungs are busy getting super strong.

2. Growing a bigger brain

Between weeks 35-39 a baby’s brain almost doubles in size! Those last few weeks are when your baby is forming brain connections and pathways that are important for learning, coordination and movement after birth.

3. Plumping up

From week 35 on, your baby gains about a half pound a week. This layer of fat helps to keep baby warm after birth. Also in boys, testicles begin to descend.

4. Liver Function

The liver develops up to week 39. Its biggest job is to filter out a substance called bilirubin (pigment from red blood cells) from the bloodstream. Babies born a wee bit early may not be able to process bilirubin as quickly as full term babies, increasing the risk of jaundice after birth.

5. Losing hair and making poop!

The fine, downy hair that covers babies in utero (that has many wonderful functions in the womb) begins to shed in the last few weeks. Your baby has been constantly swallowing amniotic fluid, which contains bile, cells etc. All of those gulps end up in the intestines which turns into the first dark tar like poop called meconium.

There you have it! A few interesting facts on what is literally cooking those last few weeks.

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Accurate. 

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Aren't these so beautiful? 

Did you know that the placenta functions as numerous organs for the baby - in one!?  Shaped like a tree, the placenta functions as multiple organs in one acting as the baby’s lungs by providing oxygen from the mother, kidneys by filtering out waste product, and as its gastrointestinal and immune system by delivering nutrients and antibodies. It keeps the mother’s blood supply separate from that of the fetus, while also helping pass nutrients from the mom to the baby. 

The placenta is what allows the fetus grow to a healthy size before birth - SO MAGICAL!!!!! 

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We got you. 🙌

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We cannot get enough of @merakilabbe's work. We're sure you have seen it but here is another beautiful piece.

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You got this. You are STRONG. You are COMPETENT. You are CAPABLE.

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Love this quote. Its a good reminder to take a moment to stop, feel your little one moving and remember what an amazing thing it is to grow life inside you!

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'It Takes a Village'

by Amanda

We all know that the path to motherhood is not always easy. In recognizing the need for support through all the stages, the Navy James Foundation was created. It is an online store of beautifully made baby items from some of their favourite businesses. A portion of the proceeds goes towards 100% funded Doula Support and counselling for families going through IVF treatments, miscarriages, still births, infant loss, Postpartum depression, or welcoming their Rainbow baby. They also fund education on sensitivity training for Health Care Providers. Navy James' mission is to ensure every mother, mother-to-be, and family knows they are loved and supported.

Support for the Makers of Tiny Humans & Angels

Visit the Navy James 'village' online at www.navyjames.com

Follow on instagram 📷: thenavyjamesfoundation

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😂😂So true.

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Beautiful breastfeeding art from @paper_sunshine_

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Wise words and sometimes so hard to remember. With birth, comes one of the greatest shifts in your life. It's hard to embrace for some many reasons - fear, pain, giving up a piece of yourself. Remember to breathe, let go and let your love take over. 💞

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Good morning! Happy Friday! A good giggle to start your day off right. 😆