A Journey of Personal and Family Wellness
By Kayla Serrato
The nurturing of a new life begins even before pregnancy, as the overall health, living environment and relationships of both a woman and her partner influence the way a baby can develop. Many First Nations communities know this, and are strongly committed to supporting the wellness of women and their role and importance as life givers. When you or someone you love becomes pregnant, it is a major, life-changing event that can inspire positive action and personal growth.
The anticipation of bringing a new baby into the world can especially help adults and Elders who are facing difficult health challenges in life work towards healing, as their concern for a new baby’s health is a powerful motivator. One difficult challenge, for example, is a dependency on commercial tobacco, whether smoking cigarettes or chewing tobacco. Reducing or quitting commercial tobacco before or during a pregnancy and maintaining this lifestyle change afterwards can have very beneficial and long-term health and wellness impacts for the whole family.
Benefits for the new baby include:
• Decreased risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)