A birth doula and lactation counsellor in Port Alberni is hoping to offer breastfeeding support for expectant families.
Port Alberni’s Marnie Wynans is a birth doula, which means she provides support to families both before and after the birth of their child. During her work as a doula, she discovered a need for more education and support in breastfeeding. This led her to complete her lactation counsellor training at Douglas College last December.
“I saw there were a lot of women who struggled with breastfeeding, and some who just give up because they don’t have the support they need,” said Wynans. “Mother’s milk is—if possible—the best thing for a baby, and I want families to go in feeling empowered.”
She will be hosting her first Prenatal Breastfeeding Class on Thursday, April 4. The goal of the prenatal course, she said, is to give parents as much power and knowledge as possible before the birth happens.
“If there’s anything that goes wrong, it can be really difficult,” she said. “To learn how to breastfeed is a skill you don’t want to learn when you’re exhausted and in pain. There’s often intuition, but there are also a lot of questions.”
Emily Hawkins, who is 28 weeks pregnant, first heard about the class during a prenatal yoga exercise at Twisted Willow Studio. She was immediately interested in the concept, and decided to sign up for the class with her partner.
“Feeding is arguably the most important thing you’re doing with your infant,” said Hawkins. “The more that I know ahead of time, the more prepared I’ll be.”
Hawkins works as an early childhood educator (ECE) at Mini Miracles Family Centre, so she has plenty of experience when it comes to taking care of children. But this will be her first child of her own, and she wants to arm herself with as much knowledge as possible before she gives birth.
“[Nursing] is something I don’t want to drop the ball on,” said Hawkins.
“Infants aren’t born with a manual,” Wynans agreed with a laugh.
In the class, Wynans will be teaching expectant mothers about different latching positions, colostrum collection, building a good milk supply, dealing with pain and other issues, tips for returning to work or school and nutrition while nursing. Participants will also receive one complimentary postpartum breastfeeding support visit from Wynans.
Wynans says there is a “definite need” in Port Alberni for more prenatal lactation support.
“There is lots of postpartum support, but most of that involves picking up the baby and going to the baby groups,” she said. “Sometimes you don’t want to leave the house with your newborn.”
Wynans is hoping to hold the classes quarterly. The first one will take place on Thursday, April 4 from 7-9 p.m. at the Integrated Health Network (4711 Elizabeth Street). Refreshments will be provided. The cost is $40 per couple and Wynans is asking participants to register by Tuesday, April 2.
“I’m trying to keep it affordable for everyone, but I don’t want it to be a barrier,” said Wynans. Anyone with financial difficulties can reach out to Wynans to make other arrangements.
Wynans says partners are encouraged to attend the class, too.
“Because it will involve them, too,” she said. “There are lots of things that partners can do, even if it’s just understanding what’s going on with your body. They need to be just as much informed, even though you’re doing the hard work.”
To register for the class, or for any other inquiries, contact Wynans at 250-731-0567 or visit www.cultureoflife.co.