Birthing Roots Doula Care

11/16/2025

Slate grey nevus, also known as blue-grey spots or congenital dermal melanocytosis, are a type of birthmark that are typically flat and blue-grey, or sometimes purple, in colour.

They are most common on babies with Black and Brown skin and are generally found on the sacrum and buttocks, but can also be observed on arms and legs.

Slate grey nevus are NOT bruises. They are simply the result of pigment cells, or melanocytes, not reaching the surface of the skin.⁣ They do not hurt and generally require no treatment; they often fade by the age of 4.

If you identify a slate grey nevus when doing a baby examination, or NIPE, it is important to document it. This is to avoid it later being mistaken for a bruise.

Finally - you may have heard these birthmarks called ‘Mongolian blue spots’. This is derogatory, racially insensitive terminology and should NOT be used. If you hear it used in practice, please take the time to correct it. We can all play our part in decolonising language and midwifery education.

📸: 💕

11/12/2025

“An incredible new study found that pregnant women who consume just 6 dates a day in the 4 weeks leading up to their due date were 74% more dilated upon their arrival to the hospital, had a 77% shorter first stage of labor and a 42% lower rate of caesarean sections.

Eating dates in the late stages of pregnancy lead to higher cervical dilation upon hospital admission because the fruit contains nutrients that influence oxytocin receptors, preparing the cervix and uterus for labor by increasing muscle response to oxytocin and other labor-supporting hormones. Dates are a rich source of energy from natural sugars and fats and also contain prostaglandins, which contribute to cervical ripening. Additionally, they provide serotonin, calcium, and tannins, which contribute to powerful uterine contractions.

Eating dates in the late stages of pregnancy shortens the first stage of labor due to their ability to stimulate the production of prostaglandins, which promote cervical ripening (softening and thinning of the cervix) and increase uterine contractions. Dates also contain tannins, which have a similar effect, and provide a natural sugar source for energy during labor. Some studies even suggest that dates can increase uterine sensitivity to oxytocin, leading to more effective contractions and a quicker and smoother labor process.

These actions are also the exact reason why women who eat dates in the late stages of pregnancy and far less likely to need a c-section!

The most common recommendation is for women to begin eating 6 dates a day starting in their 37th week of pregnancy.”
PMID: 40322306, 21280989

11/11/2025

I love this!

11/03/2025

10/24/2025

A new study led by Indigenous researchers amplifies the voices of Indigenous women across the U.S. about what respectful pregnancy and birth care truly mean.
Their message is clear: culture, safety, and dignity must be at the heart of maternity care.

Health systems are called to create emotionally, spiritually, and physically safe spaces that honor Indigenous birthing practices and traditions.
📖 Read the full article: What Indigenous Women Want in Pregnancy and Birth by Karina Bañuelos MA, Mona Zuffante PhD, Paul Masotti PhD, Cheyenne Seneca MA, Shannon Maloney PhD.

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jmwh.70037

10/17/2025

Join us for Meal Prep Made Simple 🥕🍎

A meal planning and cooking class.
Supplies provided, pick up required.

When: October 30, 2025
Time: 5:30pm - 7:30 pm
Supply Pick Up: White Pines Wellness Centre
Class Location: Virtual (Microsoft Teams)
Cost: Free

Registration is Required:
https://forms.office.com/r/3vTDfsshds

Registration link opens
October 17, 2025 at 8:30 am

One member of each household fills out the registration form.

If you require assistance, please call 519-754-7405

10/09/2025

It’s pretty amazing to think this time 2 years ago I was just discovering what I really wanted to do, uncertain if birth work was for me.

Now I couldn’t imagine my life any other way! This work is where I belong 🍓🌿✨

Picture taken with my little breastfeeding babe at 17months old 🥰🥰

10/07/2025

Low Iron & Ferritin is a common issue in women and Native American people. Here's a handy-dandy list of the items that are iron-rich that you can incorporate or substitute into your diet. We got you, fam!