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Because sharing stories is empowering...

Praise 

An Anthology of Canadian Birth Stories is a MUST READ for every new doula. The book takes you through a journey of just how varied birth experiences can be. It reinforces that satisfaction with birth has EVERYTHING to do with how we’re supported, not just the outcome we had hoped for. The book will bring you through every emotion and inspire you to continue your work as a birth worker, reinforcing the DEEP INNER KNOWING that we are needed more than ever before. 

 

Stefanie Antunes, LCCE, FACCE, BDT/CD/PCD(DONA), Association of Ontario Doulas' board member, Doula School Founder

Release date: September 15th, 2023

To further support birth givers, this book also provides evidence-based information about perinatal care, written by experts in the field of perinatal care. This includes:

  • a short history of evidence-based perinatal care

  • information on health provider and birth setting options,

  • evidence on doula support

  • understanding the unique challenges and realities that Indigenous, Black, and other people of colour face birthing in Canada

  • reflection on human rights and perinatal care

  • the beginning of breastfeeding

 

Birth is so much more than a medical event—it is a critically transformative event in people’s lives, and an event that every birther remembers forever. These stories bear witness to what a birth can be in Canada, and where more work is needed to ensure a positive birthing experience for all.

Too often, birth givers and those who support them head into birth with only negative and fear-inducing stories to guide them. This book changes that and provides a much needed and empowering guide for expectant parents and families, as well as for health providers on the front lines of birth. An Anthology of Canadian Birth Stories centres on the voices of those who birth and the unique, authentic, and powerful wisdom they have across a diverse range of birth experiences. Collected through an annual Birth Story Writing Contest held by the Doula Support Foundation based in Kingston, Ontario, this book is a celebration of birthgivers and their support teams and offers well-crafted, intense, vulnerable, and real stories of Canadian birth givers from coast to coast to coast.

 

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           Excerpt 

"Was I really going to be a mother after almost eight years? Was this just a cruel joke? I was convinced that one day, I would wake up and realize that it had all been a dream. I would be back on the other side of the window, face pressed up against the glass, watching all the mothers rock, nurse, and care for their precious babies."

Cutting Ties and Letting Go

Lori Sebastiannuti

Ontario

Birth Story Sharing Circles
Feel the solidarity...
and don't miss the music performance at the end! 

With Jenn Grant, singer-songwriter
With Kim June Johnson, singer-songwriter
Pages of Book

Meet the writers!

Jurors and contributors.jpg

The contributors added their insights to the birth stories

We are so happy to present the contribution of some great minds of Canada with Michael C. Klein, Karen Lawford, Chandra Martini, Jack Newman and Teresa Pitman, and doulas from the DSF into the Essential evidenced-based guidance for birth.

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This section complement the stories and answer the most pressing questions people may have regarding some initial choices during their birthing journey. 

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We want to thanks the jurors for being generously involved in this project. Without you we would not have had those moving stories to share.

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