I am continuously looking for ways to support and give back to the birthing community. A portion from every Birth photography session that is booked will be donated to either the Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA) or Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia (PANDA). Both organisations rely heavily on volunteers and donations to operate and both are organisations which I have contacted for help at some point during my pregnancy and breastfeeding journeys.
ABA
"The Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA) is Australia's peak breastfeeding information and support service. Breastfeeding is a practical, learned skill and ABA helps more than 80,000 mothers each year. ABA also provides up-to-date information and continuing education for thousands of health professionals working with mothers and babies".
PANDA
"PANDA operates Australia’s only National Helpline for individuals and their families that provides access to counselling and information to assist with perinatal anxiety and depression recovery".
"PANDA’s national perinatal mental health helpline is Australia’s only free, national helpline service for people affected by perinatal mental illness. The Helpline provides a safe and confidential space for any new or expecting parent struggling with the challenges of becoming a new parent".
I'm a firm believer that knowledge is power, this is true for most aspects of our lives. Pregnancy, birth and the postpartum periods are often such overwhelming times filled with so much new information. Many women leave their birth experience feeling traumatised, that their voices were not heard and their birth rights were taken away from them. In Australia 1 in 3 women suffer from birth trauma, birth trauma can be physical or psychological.
Some time ago I watched Birth Time the documentary, this is something I encourage almost everyone to watch. This documentary is educational, powerful, and inspiring. It shines light on the current flaws in our maternity systems. "We have incredibly high intervention rates in birth, yet research shows that this is not leading to better outcomes for mothers and babies. Globally, we are losing connection and trust in one of the most transformative, powerful, primal and pivotal rites of passage we will ever undertake in our lives".
I've partnered with Birth Time so you can watch their multi-award wining film, Birth Time; the documentary at 20% off. Just click the link below and use the coupon code: CICADA20 at checkout.
https://www.birthtime.world/a/2147503089/z5xWibK2
