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Some days were full of babies, labour and delivery nurse Christina Bergin says.
At St. Paul鈥檚 Hospital, the 麻豆社国产resident would deliver up to three babies a shift. It was busy. But no matter how many lives Bergin helps enter this world, one thing is constant 鈥� the experience never gets jaded.
鈥淣o birth is the same,鈥� Bergin said. 鈥淎nd it is amazing that they鈥檙e not.鈥�
Those differences are what conjures up so many questions, she said. It鈥檚 those differences that women will explore at the 麻豆社国产Pregnancy Retreat.听
鈥淲e want the women to leave with some tools,鈥� Bergin said. 鈥淲e are taking on a holistic approach.鈥�
Last year, 16 pregnant women from the Sunshine Coast to Gabriola Island participated in the inaugural retreat at Sunwolf Resort, near the Cheekye River. This summer鈥檚 event has a similar format. The retreat starts with Squamish鈥檚 Annie Martinello leading a prenatal yoga class. Squamish-based midwife Beth Ebers will then host a talk about pregnancy and birth, followed by acupuncture, massage, and doula support. Locavore chef Jason Nadeau will provide vegetarian food.听
Birthing at home is becoming more common in Squamish, birth and postpartum doula Kazuko Hiroe said. Experts in the field will explain the process and help the soon-to-be mothers meet other women taking the same course.听
鈥淚t鈥檚 about connecting to pregnancy, connecting to other women and growing a trust in the birthing process,鈥� Hiroe said.听
Something magical happens when women take time out of their busy lives to come together and explore the wonders of the childbearing journey, she noted. Women show such strength when it comes to trusting their bodies and the birthing process, Bergin said, a characteristic the retreat celebrates.听
Early bird tickets to the day-long event cost $135 if purchased on or before Tuesday (May 20). After that tickets will cost $160. Space is limited. To learn more about the retreat visit www.pregnancyretreat.wordpress.com or call (604) 567-7845.
