This is the only wish for my daughter and FASD I stated in 2016 that I'm no longer certain of, because of what I have learned and how I have grown. Is it realistic (no) or even appropriate (not sure). Why? Because is it dismissive of people with FASD? Certainly that wasn’t my intent. We are all unique and contribute. My intent was the struggles disappear. Not the people.
There are many reasons why a woman may consume alcohol while pregnant. But FASD is not just a woman or alcohol issue. It is a complex societal issue with many layers. Negative attitudes and perceptions impact women, individuals with FASD and their families. My Wish #8 for FASD is to stamp out stigma, shame and blame.
As all the posts were appearing today, I couldn’t help but reflect on FASD and the continuing stigma and misunderstanding that not only my daughter faces but women caregivers and birth moms. There were posts that said women deserve to be recognized every day. Yes they do. But I also think having different ways to … Continue reading International Women’s Day and FASD
On March 29 two significant events in the world of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder occurred in Ontario - but neither received any Provincial acknowledgement. It was the 15th anniversary of Sandy’s Law and the launch of a Provincial FASD website. These coming at the end of a trifecta of other non-FASD announcements. March 29 marked … Continue reading Time to address the Pink Elephant
I wish that would have been the headline recently as Health Canada unveiled an updated Food Guide. But there is reason to be optimistic. The risks of alcohol consumption were outlined. And although Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder was not mentioned, the mere fact that alcohol was, is reason enough to celebrate a small victory. Canada's … Continue reading Canada’s new Food Guide, Alcohol and FASD
As I was scrolling through the Our Sacred Breath Facebook feed, I came across an organization that reposted an article The Mighty published - which was based on a post from last year: 12 Wishes for My Daughter and FASD. In the four years I've been writing this blog, this has so far been the most … Continue reading 12 Wishes for FASD: A Year Later
A video clip came up on my Twitter feed this morning about results of a study Bristol University conducted looking at 70 years of studies to find evidence of outcomes for "light drinking" during pregnancy. While they agree on the evidence about the risks of heavy alcohol consumption during pregnancy, their objective was to "determine … Continue reading FASD: It’s time to Stop the Debate.
The information for Day 89 is used with the permission of CanFASD - I encourage you to visit their webpage to download a copy of the PDF which includes references for each of the components. 10 Fundamental components of FASD prevention from a women’s health determinants perspective The following ten fundamental components of FASD prevention emerged … Continue reading Day 89 of 99 Days to FASDay: 10 Fundamental Components of FASD Prevention
Day 87 of 99 Days to FASDay and we continue to look at a study of key Canadian FASD awareness campaigns - focusing on the images used to raise awareness. The information is from What We Have Learned: Key Canadian FASD Awareness Campaigns Best Start: Ontario's Maternal Newborn and Early Child Development Resource Centre (Wendy Burgoyne). How … Continue reading Day 87 of 99 Days to FASDay: Images of FASD
Do you know what your message is going to be? Since 2013, I have participated in the Red Shoes Rock campaign. From September 1-9, I wear red sneakers, and share a messages on my personal social media, as well as on social media connected to Our Sacred Breath. The red shoes are a great conversation starter. … Continue reading Day 86 of 99 Days to FASDay: FASD Messages
our sacred breath 
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