Most common questions asked by the people about Occupation Therapy include:

Do you help people find jobs?

No, we do not help people find jobs. ‘Occupation’ refers to the activities that you complete in your everyday life. Anything that “occupies” your time is an occupation. We help people who are experiencing barriers to activity completion; these barriers vary drastically (disability, illness, role transition, etc.). Wow! This means the therapy we provide can vary dramatically from person to person!

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is the most common menstrual related diagnosis in women of reproductive age. Typically symptoms first appear in adolescence, however some women begin to develop symptoms in their early to mid 20’s. Although PCOS is named after the presence of multiple cysts on the ovaries, it really is a collection of symptoms.

The birthing parent is not the only one who is at risk of developing anxiety or depression related to pregnancy and childbirth. The non-birthing parent is also at risk of postpartum depression and anxiety. The stigma men experience if they struggle as a new parent is even higher than women. Traditionally men are viewed as strong and self-sacrificing. This makes reaching out for help even tougher. Janelle Daku provides fantastic suggestions on how Dad’s can bond with baby and be the involved parent he desires.

When it comes to women’s health, knowing and understanding how our bodies work is important. It’s the only way we can be alerted to when things are off. Unfortunately, most women, my self included were not educated about our bodies. Start the conversation about your reproductive system and menstrual cycle with Shasta Zeeman in her recent blog post, first of a 3-part series!

Managing stress in Danielle’s life has become top of her priority list ever since going through a diagnosis and surgery for a frontal lobe brain tumor. She believes it has been one of the things that has truly helped her get back to my optimal health and happiness. Read more on her reflection.

During times of stress, the “fight or flight” (sympathetic) nervous system becomes more active to help us deal with our stress. This part of our nervous system is not meant to be turned on for a long period of time. Dr. Stephanie Liebrecht, ND provides insight on three common plants that are used to support the nervous system in naturopathic medicine.

Stress is a natural part of becoming a new mom. A newborn baby can bring so much joy and excitement to your life. It is also very normal to experience stress during this time. Worry, strain or pressure can occur in response to very demanding circumstances, in this case having a new baby to care for. Find out ways to combat stress as a new mom that is practical and achievable from occupational therapist, Janelle Daku.

You’ve likely heard the phrase, “fight or flight.” It’s actually pretty helpful for understanding how people respond to stress. Especially if we can add one more word: Fight, flight, or freeze. In this article, Dr. Marnie Rogers de Jong describe three common stress responses and their potential effects.

Danielle shares on her recent health journey and the incredible adversity that she overcame. Being diagnosed with a brain tumor in May 2020, to surgery 8 days later, and an incredible healing journey all through a global pandemic, her courage, strength, and optimism is truly inspirational. ‘I think it would be easy to look back on the last year and say, “I never want to remember that year” or “that was the worst year ever”, but instead I choose to celebrate the positives, even amongst all the negatives. I now know more than ever that I am a strong, resilient and very grateful woman, wife, mother, sister, sister-in-law, daughter, daughter-in-law, granddaughter, aunt, cousin, friend, and therapist.’ Thank you for letting me share my story, Danielle Bararuk.

‘Movement was the catalyst for reconnection after so much disconnection.’ When it comes to a movement program postpartum, Kelly believes that it is really vital to provide the mother what she needs on that day & in that moment. It’s not just about what you need for movement it’s also what you need for your self-care, your nervous system, your mind, & your body. Read more about movement and pregnancy in this awesome blog!

Kelly Button bravely shares on her recent ectopic pregnancy, the ups and downs with experiencing a pregnancy loss, and extends gratitude to her care team, family & friends for the support she has received. Kelly shares honestly, feels deeply, and places words to all of the emotions that she has been experiencing as she moves through her healing journey.

We are seeing more and more evidence stating the more supported Mom is, physically, emotionally, and spiritually through pregnancy, has direct benefits to baby. This isn’t new information, but the amount of evidence is quite significant (1-4). Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist Lindsey Tasker Cole provides education on prenatal exercise, the benefits and what is safe to partake in with this blog post. Take a read!

If you are looking for a safe & effective form of movement throughout your pregnancy, Pilates is a great choice. It can aid in releasing tension (lower back pain), building strength, preparing for labour & delivery, & aid in your recovery postpartum. Kelly Button provides a fantastic overview of the focus in movement during each trimester & outlines great adaptations available to keep you moving throughout your pregnancy safely!

Mothers who use massage to support a healthy pregnancy may also note that it can be a useful tool for pain relief during labor. Supportive touch can help the mother feel a sense of calm and assist with coping during contractions. Massage may provide a decrease in pain and anxiety, as well as an increased feeling of control during this time. Lindsay Olver, Massage Therapist explains the different types of massage that is helpful during labor!

Physiotherapist, Lindsey Tasker Cole dives into the differences between physical activity, exercise, & fitness. She provides insight and comfort for moms on how daily activity can be in fact fitness training! You are doing a great job momma!

Dr. Stephanie Liebrecht, ND shares how her patients inspire her to be their health advocate, and to continue bringing awareness to women’s health. She is inspired to keep learning, keep supporting, and find the root cause. Being able to guide you on your health and healing journey has been the most rewarding experience.

Creating a morning stretching or movement routine helps to establish self-care in your day. Whether it be in the shower, when you get our of bed or as you blend your smoothie; getting in a few simple movement such as the sequence attached below can be way to practice proper movement pattern for the rest of your day. Dr. Madolyn Linka, DC provides an easy morning stretch routine that is truly achievable!

In Kim’s recent blog she is writing to all of the moms out there, to the moms who have had a baby during the covid-19 global pandemic and to those moms who are expecting a little one any day. ‘Moms I feel you so very hard and I desperately want you to know that you are most certainly not alone. The year 2020 has been very hard. I am leaning into the uncomfortable and sharing my story. Thank you for the safe place to do so.’

The theme for our newsletter this month is Resilience. I couldn’t think of a better word to describe how our community has faced this year. With all the physical restriction still currently in place, we have all had to adapt to how we communicate, socialize, learn, exercise, work and basically function.

Dr. Stephanie Liebrecht, ND provides insight on how Naturopathic medicine offers a variety of natural anti-inflammatories found within herbal medicine, eating certain foods (or not eating certain foods), vitamins and minerals, and acupuncture - to name a few.