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.

Everyone has some level of stress or anxiety in their lives. It’s normal to feel worried at times, especially when you’re faced with tough situations - like financial problems, relationship issues, or a global pandemic! But fear and worry can go beyond that helpful range and have negative impacts on our day-to-day life. If you’re wondering whether anxiety is an issue in your life, here are five things to consider.

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.

To all the mothers who have babies, are planning on having babies and who’s babies are grown up – we at HPW have something amazing in store for you. We have recently been working through a cohesive post-partum rehabilitation program for moms! We, as a team of healthcare professionals with a special interest in prenatal and perinatal care have always supported, encouraged and rehabilitated mothers navigating the 4th Trimester and beyond.

‘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.

The theme for this year’s International Women’s Day is #ChooseToChallenge. I wanted to mark this day by highlighting how COVID-19 has impacted women’s well-being. While there’s no doubt that men are struggling too, research suggests that women have been hit hard by the economic, social, and emotional challenges of the pandemic.

As a Nurse Practitioner Shasta Zeeman provides primary healthcare services that care for both you and your family. I can provide prenatal care for pregnant women up until delivery and then immediately postpartum & beyond. I hope to create relationships that last a lifetime and include caring for you, your newborn, other children as they grow, and your partner who often gets left out during this monumental time.

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!

Chiropractic care throughout pregnancy is an ideal way to incorporate this holistic approach. The techniques that Dr. Madolyn Linka, uses in her practice helps to keep her patients stay comfortable, prevent common injuries and assess that mom and baby are growing well together is a diversified approach using Webster's Technique. What makes this technique so helpful throughout pregnancy is it’s safety, effectiveness and clinical utility.

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.’

From what I have seen with my own kids and hearing from other parents is that our kids are extremely resilient! They have handled this year incredibly well, but they have also been negatively impacted. Kids can experience stress in the forms of insomnia, behavioral changes, and digestive disturbances. Learn how massage therapy can help children move through stress and relax their central nervous system.

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.