Wednesday, November 11, 2009
H1N1 information
Please be aware that this article does not replace the advice of your midwife or doctor, but may be useful in helping you make an informed choice
See H1N1 Vaccine- Weighing the risks
Monday, November 9, 2009
Meet Midwife Safire Naranjo R.M.
I was inspired to become a midwife during my travels in Hawaii when I came across the book “Spiritual Midwifery” by Ina May Gaskin. Midwifery seemed like the perfect combination of all of my passions: women’s health, social justice and wellness.My journey to becoming a midwife then began with an apprenticeship with a midwife in Ghana, West Africa in a remote village called Janga. I then went on to become a doula and started volunteering with teenagers in Toronto, and later supported many more expecting families as a doula through labour and birth. I also began teaching prenatal yoga, and yoga for childbirth classes to couples.
I completed my midwifery education at Ryerson University in 2009, after many wonderful placements in Toronto midwifery clinics and hospitals. I am thrilled to have joined Kensington Midwives for my New Registrant year! I was born and raised in Toronto (born at St. Joseph's Health Centre) and I speak English, Spanish and French. It feels really amazing to be working as a midwife in the community where I grew up.
I love to travel! I have travelled all over North, Central and some of South America, as well as West Africa and Europe. I love learning about birthing and midwifery practices from around the word, as I believe that midwifery is a timeless global profession. I have attended several international midwifery conferences and I spent a month learning and working with Mexican midwives in San Miguel de Allende.
I am registered with the College of Midwives of Ontario, and I am a member of the Association of Ontario Midwives. I am passionate about the philosophy of midwifery care and I am really excited to be a part of experiences and memories that last forever..
Meet Midwife Corinne Hare R.M.
Hello, my name is Corinne Hare. I graduated with honors from Ryerson University’s Midwifery Education Program in 2008 and joined Kensington Midwives as a registered midwife that same year.
I believe midwifery care plays an important role in the support of women and their families. By empowering women through informed choice, I hope we can enrich the experience of pregnancy and assist in supporting families in their early days of parenting.
My personal journey began in Sheffield, England. From there I immigrated to Vancouver, B.C. and completed a BFA in Theatre at the University of BC. After an exciting ten years of working as a professional stage actor, I moved to Toronto, where I met my partner and became a mother myself. As a new resident of Toronto I found that having a small infant can be very isolating. I become involved with a neighbourhood mothers’ group and it was through my experiences there that my interest and passion for becoming a midwife developed.
As a registered midwife, I hope to continue to learn and grow through my interactions with the women who come through our practice. Each woman’s experience of pregnancy and childbirth is unique and I hope that I can play some small part in making that experience a positive one.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Childbirth Education and Yoga classes in the east end of Toronto

Yoga Goddess offers a prenatal class to combine yoga and childbirth education – This class prepares women physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually for birth.
Each class of the Yoga Goddess Prenatal Childbirth Education + Yoga series includes:
- Prenatal yoga for physical preparation (40 minutes)
- Meditations and visualization for spiritual preparation (30 minutes)
- Practical childbirth education, labour preparation and class discussion (30 minutes)
Zahra Haji, Director and Principal teacher of Yoga Goddess is a certified Yoga Teacher with over 800 hours training, including pre and post natal yoga and women cycles. The Yoga Goddess Prenatal Yoga and Childbirth Education series is inspired by Zahra’s course work with Sylvia Segal, the former director of Humber College’s Childbirth Educators Program (and Zahra’s mentor), as well as Gurmukh, the world renown Prenatal Yoga Teacher in Los Angeles, CA and author of Bountiful, Beautiful, Blissful (the recommended reading for the Yoga Goddess prenatal class).
Upcoming Sessions
November 17 - December 8, 2009
January 12 – February 2, 2010
February 23 – March 16, 2010
March 23 – April 13, 2010
Day & Time: Tuesdays from 6:15pm - 7:55pm
Fee: $115 for 4 weeks or $300 for 12 weeks
To Register
Sign up on line at: www.yogagoddess.ca
Or call Zahra at 416-901-4032
Classes take place at The Yoga House on the ravine (Coxwell & Danforth)
Thank you so much Lindsay and I hope to see you very soon!
Love and delight,
Zahra.
zahra haji
director, yoga goddess
home studio: 416.901.4032
mobile: 416.707.6294
iam@yogagoddess.ca
www.yogagoddess.ca
Monday, November 2, 2009
Birth Preparation Classes we recommend!


BIRTH PREPARATION
with Sasha Padron & Geraldine Dempsey
This course will focus on:
understanding the physiology of labour and delivery
coping with the joys and challenges of labour effectively and positively
building a positive coping mindset
exploring massage and all comfort measures that ease the process of labour
exploring the partner’s/father’s role
recovery, healing & adjusting to the postpartum period
understanding newborn behaviour, newborn care and feeding
Experiential exercises will be used to explore fears, concerns, expectations and to tap into inner resources and wisdom, building awareness around how we are approaching birth and parenting.
These birth preparation classes are inspired by the many births we have attended as doulas, our training with Pam England (Birthing from Within), our many years practicing yoga and the constant learning that comes from working with expectant families.
Upcoming Sessions
Weekend Intensive
November 21/22 2009
Saturday 10 - 5 pm/Sunday 11 - 6 pm
and
Wednesdays 6:30 - 9 pm January 13 - February 17 2010
Fee: $220/couple plus gst
To register call Sasha at 416-588-5050 or email sasha.padron@sympatico.ca
Classes will be held at Sasha’s home (College & Bathurst)
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Midwifery in the news!
It shows a map of the percentage of babies delivered by a midwife, and the percentage of home births for all Toronto neighbourhoods in 2007.
http://thestar.blogs.com/maps/2009/10/maps-of-the-week-childbirth-week-4.html
AND
Published Aug 31, 2009 in the Toronto Star is an article about the latest Canadian research study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal to show that planned homebirths with a registered midwife is as safe as a planned hospital birth, with less interventions including cesarean sections.
link to Toronto Star article
link to CMAJ study
Thursday, November 6, 2008

Both our daughters are Kensington babies: Sophia (born in November 2006 at St. Joseph's Hospital) and Simone (born at home in September 2008). This photograph was taken 12 hours after Simone was born. And yes, Sophia is chewing on a condom wrapper as if to say "Hey, mom & dad, next time use one of these".Words cannot capture the gratitude and admiration that we feel towards these remarkable sages femmes. A special thank you to Pam (I will have to fly back to Canada if I get pregnant again because you and pregnancy go together in our family -- and maybe one day a birth, too *smile*) and Elaine (my voice when I could not speak, my strength when I could not stand), Lindsay and Babette, Houley, Raquel and the many students (especially Holly) whose paths we crossed.
Our home - wherever in the world it may be - will always be open to you.
Friday, March 14, 2008
I heart kensington midwives
grateful to the Kensington Midwives, so after a few weeks of thinking I
realized that I shared with them one of the most intimate moments of my
life. Besides conceiving a child, giving birth involves some sort of
intimacy and vulnerability. Being naked and exposed in front of these
women (meaning emotionally and physically), made me feel a bond with them.
Their patience and caring attitude made me feel safe and strong. Corrine
was always there answering to every call, didn’t matter if it was a false
alarm or simply to share a feeling. She had a loving voice and time to
listen. Andrea was always cheerful and made me feel we were doing the
right thing, always with open mind and respect to my feelings. Houley’s
kindness and big smile gave me a peace of mind. Pam is part of this
family’s history, she’s been here for us twice, and we really appreciate
her.
My pregnancy wasn’t easy, with a “dynamic” cervix, a threat of premature
labor, a previous gestational diabetes pregnancy, a tiring trip to Mexico,
a six long weeks of false labor and an induction at 41 weeks, but it ended
up with a beautiful fast birth.
There are not enough words to thank this group of women for their hard
work and dedication. It’s hard to say goodbye but our time here is over.
We sure are going to miss them very much, but we’ll have them in a special
place in our minds.
Mil gracias Corrine, Andrea, Houley and Pam.
Love
Nuria
Labour-Ball!
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Meet Midwife Pam MacInnis
Hi! My name is Pam MacInnis.
I was born and raised in the Town of Richmond Hill, Ontario, and I am the youngest child in a family of 4 girls. I always loved listening to the birth stories of my parents told by my grandmothers. Both my parents were born in Toronto at home. Apparently, my Dad was born on the kitchen table, and my mom born without the doctor there. I have two wonderful little girls age Alaina and Ava, who were born at home with midwives.
In 1985 I studied massage therapy. I have been practicing massage for the past 18 years. The last ten years of my practice, I focused on women’s health, pregnancy, labour, birth and the postpartum period for moms and babies. In 1994, I attended my first birth. I was honoured when my sister Kelly asked me to be with her and support her at the birth of her son Sam. It was the most amazing experience for me. I attended many labours and births after that as a massage therapist.
I began my training for Midwifery in 1998 in the Midwifery Education Program at Ryerson University. Throughout my training I enjoyed many clinical placements working with various healthcare providers in obstetrics and women’s health. The last year of my clinical education, 2003-2004 was with Kensington Midwives. This allowed me to develop a great relationship with our hospital St. Joseph’s Health Centre in Toronto, as well as familiarize myself with various resources for women and families in this area.
I am registered with the College of Midwives and practice within their standards and guidelines. I am also a member of the Association of Ontario Midwives. I maintain a current certification in CPR and Neonatal Resuscitation, as well as Emergency Skills.
I look forward to meeting and working with you!
Monday, January 28, 2008
New Motherhood and Midwives
Tribute to Kensington Midwives
I am French and left Paris for Toronto at the end
of my seventh month of pregnancy.
That's when Djoume, my partner, we got to know Lindsay
and Manavi, our midwives. Since the very beginning, we loved
them. Their sweetness,their smile, understanding, tolerance...
we felt that at once,during the first appointment with Lindsay,
and forever.
My pregnancy was very healthy. I was not more anxious than any
other pregnant woman,I guess, and not less. Of course,
moving to a new city and country during your first pregnancy
is a source of anxiety, but I was really feeling secure in my
midwives' hands !
Then labor came. Manavi was on call. She was really supportive,
and as usual,full of respect and understanding. I did not notice
(I was to busy with contractions)but Djoume underlined the fact
that Manavi did not try to interfere during labor, she wasn't
intrusive at all, on the contrary ! She even told us "you know
guys,it seems that contractions are stronger when I am not around,
you're doing very well together so I'll stay in this room and
leave you alone". I had never heard a care giver admit that it
was better without them! My labor was very long, and even though
we would have liked a home birth, we ended up at the hospital
for a c-section. Then again, Manavi was supportive and
understanding. She understood why I was crying, why I was so
disappointed but explained me with highly soothing words that
it was the best, and the only option.
Pregnancy, labor... everyone knows that midwives help you
through those deeply emotional times. But I am most grateful
to Manavi,Lindsay and Elaine for their help,support, understanding,
respect and knowledge for the post-partum part.
They gave us lots of advice, about breastfeeding and baby care.
All the advice and explanations were full of common sense and
meant at helping parents not to feel guilty, especially mummy.
Gosh, how guilty I felt. The first days of the baby are so painful,
I had never had such contradictory feelings. I felt trapped, I
felt that I my life was totally controlled by this new little human being,that I had lost my self and wasn't really feeling love for this baby,I was crying at least three or four times a day. I was feeling guilty,and inadequate, and a bad mother, not able to supply enough milk, and poorly latching the baby on and... well thinking that everything starting from my behavior to my feelings was WRONG. Even though I was prepared for the "baby blues" I couldn't imagine such strong negative emotions.
Manavi,Lindsay, Elaine took time to listen to me, and they kept
encouraging me, giving advice, telling me I was doing a great job. They never judged me and remained so supportive and understanding. I think I wouldn't have succeeded in breastfeeding without their advice. They managed to make me feel as confident as a newborn mother can feel.
Above all, Manavi always succeeded in putting Souleymane to sleep before she would leave us on the first days... that was of great help and support
My last appointment with Manavi is coming soon, within 2
days. I already said goodbye to Lindsay. I feel as if they were
friends to me, they helped me to go through such a major change
in my life. They actually became my best friends and best mothers during the post-partum period.
But I understand that I must grow up, that I can't remain a
newborn mother forever. The cord has to be cut !
Thanks. I will miss you and never forget you.
Elise
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Midwifery Students 2008
Hey all, my name is Susannah Merritt and I am thrilled to begin my first clinical placement at Kensington Midwives in January 2008. I live in the neighborhood of Kensington Market/Little Italy, so I feel very lucky to be working with a diverse group of midwives and clients in my own community. In 2003, I completed a degree from the University of Toronto, where I majored in History, Environmental studies and English. I have traveled extensively and lived in South America, where I had the opportunity to visit the Antarctic twice as a bartender onboard a Russian ship (!) While traveling, I became particularly interested in women’s reproductive health issues around the world. After returning to Canada and assessing my options, it became clear that midwifery is—for me-- a perfect fit.
I can’t wait to get started.
Susannah

My name is Claire Osepchook and I am very excited to begin my first clinical placement at Kensington Midwives. I am in my second year of the Midwifery Education Programme at Ryerson University. I decided to follow this path as I am fascinated by women’s health and the wonderful adventure of pregnancy and birth. I have an undergraduate degree in biochemistry as well as a Masters degree in exercise science. I completed part of my studies at the University of Auckland in New Zealand, where I was able to combine my interest in physiology, athletics and traveling. In 2006, I returned from New Zealand, where I lived for over four years working as a research technician, part of which in a placenta and pregnancy laboratory. I am happy to be back in Canada, especially at a time when so many of my loved ones are starting their own families. I enjoy exploring the outdoors, taking part in triathlons, and supporting women and their families as they welcome their new babies into the world.
Hello, Bonjour. My name is Amelie Seguin Bender and I am very excited to be doing my first clinical placement with the Kensington Midwives. I previously graduated from Queen's University with a B.A. in Psychology and Health but my heart has always been in Midwifery! Prior to becoming a student at Ryerson I have been working with at-risk youth and travelling. I had the opportunity to teach English overseas and travelled throughout parts of South East Asia and India. These experiences have made me eager to practice my midwifery skills both at home and abroad. I want to thank each of you for allowing me to learn through your birth experiences. I look forward to meeting you!
Breastfeeding Handbook
http://www.health.gov.nl.ca/health/publications/pdfiles/breastfeeding_handbook.pdf
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Meet Midwife Mary Hunking
My name is Mary Hunking.
I have been an Ontario midwife since 1989. I did my initial midwifery training in a small 3-yr. direct entry program in British Columbia. Throughout that program, I had the opportunity to do clinical placements with midwives in Vancouver, Edmonton, Jamaica (both Montego Bay and Kingston), and Holland. It was fantastic. Upon returning to Ontario, I began practicing in Peterborough Ontario and then qualified for the pre-legislation program at the Michener Institute in Toronto Ontario. I then moved to Kingston Ontario where I lived and worked for the next 9 years. Toronto was my next destination and I joined Kensington Midwives in 2003, when we were still Access Midwives. Prior to being a midwife I was a Registered Massage Therapist. I have 2 beautiful boys named, Oliver and Sacha.
Monday, September 24, 2007
Welcome Baby Ruby
Thank you so much for all your help.
We are saddened to think that soon we will not be seeing you regularly.
We are delighted with our new little human.
Here is a pic. at five days
Homebirth Story and Photos



Roman’s Birth
by Andrea
With a 42-week induction scheduled and looming, my partner and I were trying anything and everything to get labour going, but it seemed that our baby boy was very happy in utero. Or perhaps he works better with a deadline, like his parents do.
Either way, we put our best efforts into getting our boy out: spicy food, walks, intercourse (Dad’ll explain later why your allowance was so high, Roman), nipple stimulation, consuming a whole pineapple, foot massage, stretch and sweeps, intercourse, two rounds of acupuncture, chiropractic lumbar adjustments, talking to my belly, homeopathic remedies, intercourse, and finally when it came down to the day before my scheduled induction, castor oil.
At Manavi’s suggestion the castor oil was mixed with Orange Crush (we walked to a distant 7-11 the night before to get it) and I began pounding back these weird jelloshooter-like shots on September 12, at noon, one and two o’clock, checking in with Manavi throughout the day to let her know how things were progressing.
Or not progressing, it almost seemed. As a former Walkerton resident, who was part of the water tragedy in 2000, I thought maybe my ironclad intestines were going to prove impervious to the castor oil, but suddenly things began moving. And moving.
Another conversation with Manavi; she suggested one more dose of castor oil and intercourse and though I felt anything but sexy we gave that a try too. By evening, with lots of nipple stimulation I had actually begun to have some crampy early labour contractions!
At 10pm Mariam and Manavi came to our house to check on my progress. Manavi performed another stretch and sweep and I believe that’s when my labour really got going. I could feel the contractions start and taper off. I was so happy that my uterus was actually working!
At 2am Manavi suggested that we break my water. If the baby had passed meconium we would need to transport to St. Joe’s – a fact I was aware of and okay with despite our plans for a home birth. Our bags were packed and ready. We called our doula and she arrived shortly after.
Luckily, it appeared that Roman had not passed any meconium and we were able to continue our plans with the home delivery. I remember feeling really happy and thanking the baby for holding his bowels. And then labour started to become very intense.
I was in and out of the shower and trying different positions on the bed for a while. Manavi checked me after a few hours and found that my cervix had not dilated much beyond where it was when my water was broken. I remember feeling surprised and disappointed because I had been labouring for a while – I thought I would have been at 7 cm or more! Contractions were so strong and the sun was coming up and I didn’t know how much more I could handle.
Manavi decided we should do another stretch and sweep. I said okay, but that I needed my partner, Moris. He had been resting in the other room for a little while, at the suggestion of our doula and me.
With my amazing support team around me, I sat on the birthing stool and Manavi began to stretch my cervix through contractions. It was so intense, my legs were shaking uncontrollably and I began to find it hard to stay with my breathing. Finally, when she was finished I had another shower.
Contractions were coming along so strongly. Our doula, Geri, was a shoulder to lean on, literally. She stood by the edge of the tub getting soaked and helped me breath and moan through those last centimeters. I don’t know how long I was in there. Geri needed a break though and Moris was right there with his shoulder, encouraging me, helping me along. In between contractions Mariam monitored the baby’s heart rate with the doppler.
Finally, things had progressed enough in the shower that I was able to move into the bedroom and sit on the birthing stool as my cervix dilated the last little bit. Manavi helped push the last little bit of cervix over the baby’s head.
The sensations began to change and I actually felt my breath catch and a bit of an urge to push. Pushing was hard work, equally intense, but the change in sensation was wonderful for my brain. Something new to process. Our secondary midwife Houli showed up, and I pushed and pushed for what I’m told was an hour (time meant nothing at that point). Somewhere in that hour Manavi said that she thought I could get the baby out in ten pushes. I joked euphorically that we should try to do it in nine. I’m guessing it took more pushes than that. I was getting really tired at the end, and it was such hard work. Geri kept offering sips of water and Gatorade which helped a lot. Moris sat on the edge of the bed behind me and I held his hands, crunching his fingers with each contraction. Someone mentioned that my induction at St. Joe’s had been canceled.
When the baby’s head began to crown Manavi said I could reach down and touch it. I knew I was close, but I was just getting so tired. Houli and Manavi plucked my belly with their fingers to keep contractions coming strongly. Between contractions we saw the baby’s feet kicking from inside my belly. It was so incredible. He was trying to help too.
Everyone kept encouraging me, and telling me how strong I was. Manavi mentioned something about a racehorse getting to the end of a race and quitting – wouldn’t that be a shame? And I summoned every last bit of strength I had and pushed and pushed and pushed until the the baby’s head was actually out! Only a push or two more and the rest of his body was out!
“He’s huge!” I said. All of a sudden this big, slippery baby was pushed up on my chest. The midwives were wrapping my arms around him, making sure I held on tightly. He was still covered in vernix, which I thought surprising since I had been so far past my due date. I reached out and felt the umbilical cord; we really were attached. This was my big baby!
Then the cord was clamped and Moris got to cut through it.
I was up on the bed on my back and it was time to push out the placenta. Compared to pushing out such a big baby this was easy! The room was a flurry of activity and Moris stayed by my head. The baby was being monitored and tested and weighed (nine pounds, ten ounces, and 22 inches long!) and I was bleeding a little more than the midwives liked to see, so extra injections of oxytocin were given. Manavi also said that I should concentrate on not bleeding for a while, which I did; pretty soon the blood stopped flowing so much.
Then I got to nurse our baby; Houli popped him onto my nipple a few times and he latched on right away!
The energy in the room was so wonderful. I had just shared an amazing, life-changing experience with some very special people. I tried to tell them how much they all meant to me, how I couldn’t have done it without their expertise. I was so high on endorphins I don’t know if I made much sense, but I was really happy to have experienced the birth I had wanted and planned for, and proud for pushing out such a big baby.
Eventually the midwives had to go and they gave us a list of instructions and things to check for. Manavi said she had put the baby’s hat into our dog’s bed to familiarize our little pooch with the new pack member, which I felt was really thoughtful of her.
The room seemed very quiet when they left. Moris, Roman and I stayed in bed for hours and began bonding as a new family.
Thursday, September 6, 2007
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Meet Midwifery Student Cindy

Hello,
My name is Cindy Wye and I am in my fourth year of the Midwifery Education Program at Ryerson University. I will be completing my final clinical placement at Kensington Midwives from April 2007 to March 2008. I completed by Level I clinical placement at Womancare Midwives in London, Ontario and my Level II clinical placement at Midwife Alliance in Toronto, Ontario.
I have been practicing as an Occupational Therapist for 7 years – one year in psychiatry in a hospital setting and 6 years as a consultant in the private rehabilitation sector. I have found that Occupational Therapy and Midwifery have many shared philosophical values, most importantly, client-centred care and a holistic approach to practice.
I was drawn to Midwifery because I see pregnancy, childbirth and motherhood as very special experiences, ones wherein women can and should feel empowered. I believe strongly in the value of continuity of care and in a woman’s right to make informed choices. In my view, midwives are in a wonderful position to foster confidence and fulfillment for women throughout their birthing experiences, however or wherever they choose to give birth.
Wednesday, July 4, 2007
Friday, May 25, 2007
Kensington Midwives are on the front page!
Thursday, May 3, 2007
MAY 7th 2007- International Day of the Midwife



Please join us in celebrating International Day of the Midwife. We would love to hear your stories and testimonials about midwives or midwifery care. In honour of midwives and pregnant women around the globe, please try to spread the word about midwifery care. We encourage any pregnant woman to contact us by phone or email to learn more about our services. Kensington Midwives has openings for women due in all months except August, it is never too late to call.

Friday, April 20, 2007
Breastfeeding and Maternal and Infant Outcomes in Developed Countries
Monday, April 2, 2007
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Meet Midwife Elaine Ho
Elaine Ho, B.A., B.H.Sc., R.M.
Elaine Ho
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Birth Supply List- Home and Hospital
HOMEBIRTH
o Place of birth is normally a bed or a mattress on the floor, but not a waterbed.
o Under pad (blue or green pads) one package. Found at large drug stores or at medical supply stores (Starkman’s, 1243 Bathurst St.)
o Making the bed. When labour begins make the bed using 1 plastic drop sheet from hardware store-9’x12’ cut in two (old shower curtain will do). Cover mattress with ½ of plastic sheet, cover sheet with fitted cloth sheet: cover a 2nd time with plastic, and a 2nd time with fitted cloth sheet.
o Blankets and lots of pillows
o 2 large garbage bags-1 for laundry, 1 for garbage
o Plastic or newspapers to protect the floor on the path to the bathroom
o 1 space heater-the room must be warm for the birth
o 8-10 wash cloths or an old towel cut into pieces-for perineal support
o 1 package of paper towels and a box of tissue or toilet paper, unopened.
o 1 hot water bottle or heating pad
o 1 unopened bottle of oil, can be olive or coconut (no nut oils)
o 1 kitchen pot with lid
o 2 large cookie sheets
o 1 flashlight
o 1 package newborn diapers, cloth or disposable
o 1 box maternity pads or overnight type maxi pads (not Always brand)
o 1 or 2 cotton knit hats for baby
o 10-12 receiving blankets
o At 36 weeks you will be given a binder with your homebirth paperwork.
o Homebirth medications will be discussed and given at homebirth home visit.
o Food and drinks for you and your midwives. Caffeinated drinks for midwives (tea, coffee)
HOSPITAL
(all clients should prepare a hospital bag)
o Carseat for baby-please ensure prior to birth that you know the proper use and installation.
o Outfit for mom. You will not fit into regular clothes yet. Bring your pregnancy clothes to wear home.
o Outfit for baby: this includes baby undershirt, 1 pair of socks, 2 receiving blankets, 1 larger heavier blanket, hat and sweater.
o Slippers or socks
o Flip flops for the shower
o Small unopened bottle of olive oil
o Toiletry bag
o Snacks for you and your family/money for buying snacks, an assortment of drinks, ie. Juice, gatorade, honey water, gingerale
o Extra pillows
o Hospital card and insurance information
o Kensington Midwives binder
o Flexible drinking straws
Recommended supplies for all clients
Watch with second hand
Digital thermometer in celcius for baby at home
Frozen peas
Lip ointment
50 mg tablets of gravol
Optional supplies for all clients
Homeopathic Arnica 200 ch
Bach Flower Rescue Remedy
Herbal bath-comfrey, lavender, calendula-
Menstrual pads (10-12) soaked in Witch Hazel, wrapped in cellophane and put in freezer
Camera
Lavender massage oil
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Meet Midwife Lindsay MacDougall R.M.

Hello! My name is Lindsay MacDougall.
I joined Kensington Midwives in September 2006. I am thrilled to be a part of such a dynamic and diverse practice committed to providing exceptional midwifery care and working towards social justice in our downtown community. I graduated from the Midwifery Education Program at McMaster University in 2006. My previous academic training was a BScH in Environmental Biology from Queen's University. I am from Montreal, so I speak English and French, although I have now lived across Ontario for many years. I am fortunate to have travelled abroad and have lived in in many places across Canada. My work experience prior to midwifery was primarily in the woods of backcountry Canada on canoe trips with youth at-risk. It was there that I met my partner Harris, and we now have a little boy Sullivan, born at home Feb 19, 2009.
Through these experiences I have developed a deep trust and amazement for the personal and physical transformation throughout pregnancy, birth and parenting. I enjoy supporting women and their families, as they navigate this experience . I strive to promote the Ontario Midwifery philosophy of informed choice, continuity of care and choice of birthplace. I am registered with College of Midwives of Ontario, and therefore maintain my certifications in Newborn Resuscitation, CPR and Emergency Skills.
I look forward to working with you,
Lindsay MacDougall R.M.
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Meet Midwife Kay Guruswami R.M.

My name is Kanmani Guruswami, most people call me "Kay". I am one of the midwives here at Kensington Midwives. I have been here since April 2000, when we first opened our doors as Access Midwives of Toronto. I received my formal training as a midwife from McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario and was awarded a Bachelor of Health Sciences in Midwifery with honours. As a newly graduated midwife, in the fall of 1996, I moved to Toronto. I worked at the Midwives Collective of Toronto for four years. In the years before starting the Midwifery Education Program I worked as a doula and childbirth educator. I also attended homebirths with midwives in the Vancouver area. I spent time tree-planting, waitressing and travelling. In 1990, I completed a Bachelors of Biology at the University of Western Ontario in London, Ontario.
My heritage includes a father that was born in Tamilnadu, India who came to Canada in 1965 to complete his Masters in Civil Engineering. My mother came to Canada in 1966 from Switzerland where she was born, she studied at McGill University and achieved a Ph.D. in Mathematics. I was born in Calgary, Alberta in 1967, and have two siblings. We grew up in Montreal and Ottawa, and regularly travelled as a family to India and Europe. I now live in the Kensington Market area. I am the mother to Zakary who was born on December 3rd, 2000. Zakary is the love of my life and the best thing that has ever happened to me.
Kay Guruswami R.M.
Monday, February 26, 2007
Meet Midwife Houley Bah R.M.

Hello my name is Houleymatou Bah.
Houley Bah
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Register your baby
https://www.orgforms.gov.on.ca/IBR/start.do?lang=en





