A Soft Landing Birth Support

Cha Cha Cha Cha Changes....

2011-11-02T15:40:00.001-07:00

The Baby Gear portion of A Soft Landing is officially closed... but not gone

Our gear will be making it's way over to a brand new store opening December, 2011

Please watch this site for more details as they come available.

Landing Gear products will be available on this site and in a few local shops by January, 2012

3 Super Heroes

2011-08-12T22:06:00.000-07:00

Tonight I find myself on an extended play date with a little girl who I had the honour of attending 2 1/2 years ago. They are all so precious to me and I enjoy watching them grow up. Every time I get to hear first words, watch first steps or hear about their first day of preschool, I feel blessed to have been part of their beginning.

So, it's past 10 and I am sleepy. We have discussed my bracelet and how it gives me special sleeping powers... this is a new bracelet that reminds me of the fact that as a young girl, I was sure I was Wonder Woman. Next, I tried the pretend to sleep game, to which Sydney replied "I gonna pretend to wake up!" (emphasis on the word UP!) I told her that super kids know how to fall asleep before their caregivers. No dice.

Finally, I told her I had super reading powers that make little kids fall asleep before the book is over. I was so sure this one was gonna be the magic and that sleepy fairy dust would soon fall over this house. I would like to quote to you the reading of Goodnight Moon ~ no doubt this would work right? Anyone who has ever parented another human being knows the power of Margaret Wise Brown I think. I like to leave off the last word of the parts of books that rhyme and see if the child I'm reading to will pick up what I'm laying down.

Diane: "Goodnight room, goodnight moon, good night cow jumping over the"
Sydney: "moon"

Diane: "Goodnight light and the red"

Sydney "balloon"

Diane: "Goodnight bears, goodnight chairs, goodnight kittens, and goodnight mittens. Goodnight clocks, and goodnight"

Sydney: "socks"

Diane: "Goodnight little house, and goodnight mouse. goodnight comb, and goodnight brush
Goodnight nobody. goodnight"

Sydney: "YOGURT!" (little girl... big, bright voice)

My super powers have failed me... we are sitting side by side now at the island in the kitchen. She is watching youtube videos of Susan Sarandon reading GNM and some little owl trying to lull a star to sleep with the sweet hushing's of "Twinkle Twinkle" ~ I am writing on my laptop beside her... trying to keep my eyes in focus.

Sydney: "Di Annnnne?" Diane: "Yes Sydney?" Sydney: "I hungry :)" Diane: "Okay Sydney.. okay"

Birthdays

2011-06-02T20:19:00.000-07:00

Little fellow born on a Monday! You and your parents brought me fully back into North America and for this I am grateful. You were such a little gentleman for your Mama and gave her all the signals necessary to get you into the world with us. When the time came for you to make your appearance, you certainly had everyone moving around fast. I had a feeling about you my little baby friend. I'm glad you decided to join us.

Congratulations Chester on your precious baby brother!

Love,
Your Doula

Tread Softly...

2010-10-22T08:47:00.000-07:00

We are Birthy's, Women, Mothers, Sisters, Students, Midwives, Daughters...

As I move about my morning I worry. Worry about my women and my children and their children and their children's children. If you know me at all, you may describe me as one who speaks her mind... or you may just describe me as rammy... or clowny... or mothery... But at this amazing time in my life this is how I feel... Birthy - May I be grateful to have that feeling and may my I be given the skills I need in order to allow many to land in my hands... softly. As Birthy's, we are given to attend and honour women and their lovers as they attend to the birth of their own creations, The Baby

"You still pregnant? Still waiting? Haven't you had that baby yet? You must be so uncomfortable... Why is it taking so long? Can't they induce you? Why are you still here? Please bring that baby out so we can see what she/he looks like" Are not helpful ~ "You are amazing! You are beautiful! You are a gift! Can I get you anything? Do you feel like dancing? Let me run you a bath... You are a Goddess! Rest my darling! Let me clean the house :) I have made your favorite meal, would you like me to rub your feet while you eat?" More like it - When a woman is "due" we all want to help - to try to charm the little one out so we can all feel better. I have seen enough to know that sometimes we just need to wait and rest and care for each other. While we wait, we may take care of each other and our own and when we are truly needed, the call will come ~

A Soft Landing Birth Support Services

2010-07-08T20:57:00.000-07:00

Labour, birth and early infancy bring so many decisions. I am passionate about empowering women to make confident choices about their wishes and needs as well as the needs of their babies.

I provide the following birth support services (click on each for more details):

Birth & Postpartum Doula Services
Registered Massage Therapy
Lactation Counseling
Postpartum Depression Counseling

We are committed to supporting families from all walks of life. A sliding fee scale is available.

For more information, contact Diane @ 306-229-0934.

Why Choose a Doula?

2010-07-05T00:07:00.000-07:00

Studies have shown that benefits of using a doula include:

~ 50% reduction in cesarean rates

~ 25% shorter labour

~ 60% reduction in epidural requests

~ 40% reduction in oxytocin use

~ 30% reduction in analgesia use

~ 40% reduction in forceps delivery

Doulas can support families before, during and beyond birth in a variety of ways.

Before Birth: A satisfying birth experience is directly related to the control you feel over the birth experience itself. Part of achieving a sense of control comes from careful preparation and good communication with your caregivers.

A doula provides the client with information necessary to make informed choices about the birth of of her child. A doula encourages and facilitates communication between the client and her medical providers. A doula also assists the mother and her partner in preparing a birth plan.

During Labour & Birth: Familiar with the physiological and psychological processes of birth, a doula provides constant physical and emotional support during labor and childbirth. She recognizes the sacredness in birth and works to preserve it.

She assists the mother and her partner in preparing for the arrival of their new baby. A doula understands the important role a husband, partner or loved one has in assisting and caring for a woman in labour and does not replace these loved ones in any way.

Beyond Birth: We support the mother and partner for the full duration of labour and up to two hours after the baby is born. They will visit you in your home within the first week of the birth of your baby.

A Soft Landing birth support can also provide lactation consultations and postpartum depression counseling.

You will never regret seeking doula care and postpartum support. For more information, contact Diane - 306-229-0934.

Registered Massage Therapy

2010-07-01T20:55:00.000-07:00

The core practice offered by Tami Agnew is Swedish massage -- a gentle, rhythmic massage administered to relax soft body tissue and facilitate healing. It is a lighter touch than other forms of massage and includes long flowing strokes, kneading and friction techniques on more superficial layers of the muscles.

It can loosen stiff joints, reduce muscle tension and help clear congestion. Swedish massage contributes to overall well-being and is widely prescribed by physicians to enhance treatment for anxiety, insomnia and depression.

Tami Agnew specializes in Swedish massage, craniosacral therapy and hot stone massage. Click here to read Tami's full profile. To make an appointment, e-mail Tami or call 306-881-8112 or 306-653-0892.

As an RMT, Tami provides massage therapy that would be covered by most insurance providers.

Tami Agnew, RMT

2010-07-01T15:25:00.000-07:00

After a 20-year career in the salon industry, Tami graduated with high honours from Saskatoon's McKay Massage and Hydrotherapy Program in December 2004. She has pursued her practice in both spa and clinical settings in Saskatoon.

Along with Swedish massage, Tami uses craniosacral therapy, hot stones and essential oils in her treatments. Her healing philosophy incorporates the physical, emotional and mental aspects of the whole person. She believes there are often mental and emotional patterns that contribute to our body's aches and pains, so getting to know her clients is an important aspect of treatment.

"Positive touch is so important in our stress-filled lives," Tami said. "I design my treatments to help relax and calm the nervous system and the mind as well as to work out the kinks in your muscles."

Tami provides a safe and welcoming environment for her clients to relax and work on their healing journey. She is a welcome addition to A Soft Landing's support services team.

Contact Tami at 881-8112 or 653-0892 to make an appointment.

Join Our Re-Birth Celebration!

2010-06-23T14:02:00.000-07:00

Saturday, July 3, 2010

10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

A Soft Landing

new River Landing location

#112 - 120 Sonnenschein Way

(Avenue B and 19th Street)

Bring the kids and enjoy hand and belly painting, hand massages, sidewalk chalking, cupcakes and other refreshments. Local birthing professionals will also be available to discuss support options.

A nursing nook and baby weigh station will also be available.

For more information, please call Diane at 477-7638 or 229-0934 or Joanna at 280-6997.

Birth & Re-Birth

2010-03-09T10:11:00.001-08:00

I know it's still a few weeks away and that we may still receive a blast of snow and ice. But I'm cautiously optimistic that for today the temperature won't fall below 0 and I am choosing to enjoy it while it's here. And it feels like spring for today.

A Soft Landing is undergoing some big changes. You may have noticed that the retail location is keeping fewer hours (10-5 Fridays and Saturdays). This decision was made to allow for some space to re-think everything...

Our little shop will slowly become emptier and emptier as we wind down to the end of the lease at 1814 b Lorne Avenue. So, you may want to know where to get that wonderful soap that you love? What about your coffee? These products are available at other wonderful, local businesses and I will publish a list of those products that we won't be selling on the website.

But...

A new, more accessible location may be on the horizon... I'll keep you posted!

Our website www.asoftlanding.biz will continue to operate and grow as time permits to allow us to continue to offer Cloth Diapering products, Breastfeeding Supplies such as pillows and pumps, Baby Bedding and cradles as well as a few Premie Clothes, Safe Toys and other Baby Bits & Peices, Regular posts to the other blog spot will keep you up to date about the happenings with the webstore.

My attention and energy will shift to all things birthy. I am so happy to be able to make a gentle transition to more services and can't wait to start filling you in about our Doula Practice and other work. If you just can't wait and are looking for a Doula or Lactation support now, please call 477-soft (7638) or 229-0934 and we'll talk about your needs.

As I reflect on the nearly three years we have been open, I am grateful for the success we've had. The business has been self-sustaining and has given us very little pain. Our friendship has stood the test and we remain good friends despite all the warnings from well meaning family members and friends. As Bev has transitioned back to more days of Eye Doctoring and from working at to just visiting A Soft Landing, we have had some really warm moments together. She is one of the best friends a person like me could ask for, She is warm, gentle and honest. When I wonder what I've done to deserve something, she can usually point it out and isn't afraid to tell me when I need to stop spinning around and think... I've come to appreciate her ability to consider every side of an equation before making a decision. She has come to allow herself to step into something without always knowing what she is stepping into. Her spirit helps me focus and slow down but she has a knack for running alongside me when I won't stop running. We've made mistakes in business without falling to pieces. Really, I can't say enough about what a good friend you've been to me Bev :)

For the love of Spring and Birth!

Diane

Happy Birthday

2008-12-18T12:56:00.000-08:00

Dear Diane,

Rob and I would like to express our gratitude for all of the assistance you provided in preparation for and during Lillian’s birth. Your calming presence and clear knowledge were an essential part of our successful birthing process. As first time parents we were nervous and filled with uncertainty and doubt but your guidance assisted in calming our nerves and preparing us for a positive outcome.
I especially appreciated your ability to guide us through pain management. Your suggestions on methods to mange contractions helped to relax us through a very long night.
Being able to share this joyous day with someone so caring and thoughtful was very special. We would strongly encourage or recommend your services to any one that is about to enter the birthing process.

Sincerely,
Audra

It is so cool as a Doula to look into the face of babies that we have met upon arrival...
Happy Birthday Babies!

I began a new journey in September of 2008 and am enjoying so much. Midwifery Education - Midwives College of Utah is the program that I chose. It is an accredited degree program and the format really works well for me. It is incredibly challenging to keep up but the feeling that I am moving forward in this career path really helps me stay engaged. There is always something more to learn about birth. I love that!

Some changes in the Birth Community this year have many hopping and clinging to try to keep up. Midwifery Legislation was declared in Saskatchewan in April. This means that women in our province now have the choice of Midwifery care that will be covered by our health system. There is a great deal to talk about because as most new legislation would suggest, nothing is straight forward. For more info and the most up to date details of what this means for you, please call 655-5663.

As a Doula, I have opted to attend 1-2 Births each month so that I can offer the best support I possibly can and not be too busy to keep up. I am hoping to get some new photos up here soon...hoping it won't take me another year.

In the past year, there have been at least 10 new Doulas trained in Saskatoon and area, the Doula SK Network held it's first Birth! Film Festival in May, at which time, we celebrated the International Day of the Midwife. Plans are underway for another event in May, 2009... details to follow.

Spring Birth

2008-05-31T15:17:00.000-07:00

This is only the second post I've put on this blog. Perhaps I am not wise to have these separate. They are separate but together though. I want to be clear about the connection and the distinction between A Soft Landing the shop and A Soft Landing Birth Support.

I am a Doula. Have been a Doula a long time (about 10 years). I only took formal trainging back in 2005 and have only attended a few births since moving to Saskatchewan. Each one I view as a gift! Prior to moving here I attended births as a "helper" and not as a formally trained Doula. It was a side benefit to my job at the time that many of the women that I supported in my outreach position would ask me to attend their births since many of them didn't have the support of a partner or parent. I would quietly show up and not do anything very remarkable compared to what the woman giving birth would be doing. One of those special births sticks out for me since I was shocked that this woman would need anyone. She seemed so strong and self-sufficient. She wasn't afraid of anything and presented as so well-rounded and healthy. I found out in a card from her later that she was absolutely terrified for the most part and that the only time she felt calm was when we would talk.

The Amazing Shift

2007-12-16T20:22:00.001-08:00

The moments following the attendance of a birth can be quite mystical. I wonder at the charm of the new baby as they meet their parent/s for the first time "outside." I believe the baby hears your voice and that they know that you are "theirs" on first touch. But it never ceases to amaze and delight me to watch the bonding begin. I spend the first few minutes after the birth concerned with what needs to happen next. I need to keep this new Mommy as comfortable as possible as the shift to the final stages of birth occur. I always hope that the baby will find his/her new food source before I have to leave. It isn't difficult to keep my focus on the Mother because she becomes immediately focused on her newborn. At this point, she seems to begin to fall into a beautiful state of wonder herself. What a gift to be part of those hours leading up to and just following this amazing shift!

With Love and Wonder,
Diane
your doula