On November 13 and 14, 2009, CAPPA Canada will present its annual national conference in Mississauga, Ontario. Our theme this year is “Perinatal Challenges and Opportunities: Childbirth and Postpartum in Canada” and our focus is on the challenges that many women must struggle with on their journey to parenthood.
This conference is open to anyone who is interested in supporting birth and /or parenthood. Past conference attendees include; doulas, midwives, nurses, Family Physicians, Obstetricians, Public Health Care Providers, government officials, parents and grandparents. We welcome and encourage your attendance.
In Canada, approximately 13% of women identified themselves as disabled, a further 7% of women identified themselves as severely disabled. Disability covers a wide range of circumstances including: cerebral palsy, spina bifida, blindness, deafness and body part loss or injury. However this is not the only type of disability that presents a challenge to parenthood. Age, economic status, ethnicity, chronic disease, mental health, emotional history and access to appropriate care/support also have a significant effect on women. The risk for a women to encounter such a challenge to parenthood is greatly influenced by such a wide range of circumstances.
CAPPA Canada recognizes that many of our clients may be faced with one or more challenges to parenthood and has invited these speakers to illuminate and educate us. Discussions will be encouraged and resources provided that will help our clients’ access to support appropriate to their needs.
On Friday, November 13, 2009, CAPPA Canada will be hosting an educational evening and dinner. Our featured guest will be Barbara Harper, RN, author and founder of Waterbirth International. Using a combination of personal experiences and scientific research, Barbara will be discussing the use of water for labour and delivery and incorporating its use for mainstream birth. Barbara is a lively and engaging speaker whose talks provide her audience with inspiration and thought provoking information.
On Saturday, November 14, 2009, we have a full day of fantastic speakers whose expertise covers a wide range of topics associated with this years conference theme.
Judith Rogers, Occupational Therapist, Prenatal Educator, Researcher and Author of "The Disabled Women's Guide to Pregnancy and Birth" is our keynote speaker.
Judith will be sharing with us the experiences of some of the families that she has worked with as the Pregnancy & Birthing Specialist; Parenting Equipment Specialist for Through the Looking Glass, “The National Center for Parents with Disabilities and their Families", Berkeley California.
CAPPA Canada is honoured that Judith's first presentation in Canada is this conference.
Barbara Harper, RN, author and founder of Water Birth International.
Barbara will be discussing the benefit of water to reduce medical interventions for all women, and especially for those women whose pregnancies and/or deliveries may be more challenged.
Our other speakers include:
Jean Kouba, RN, Lactation Consultant and Clinic Manager, Newman Breastfeeding Clinic and Institute, Toronto, will be sharing her experiences supporting breastfeeding women who are physically, emotionally and/or mentally challenged.
Bonnie Tytel, ECE, Community Education Program Coordinator, June Callwood Centre for Women and Families. Bonnie's topic will focus on the challenges that young adults overcome to achieve healthy pregnancies and become positive and effective parents. Bonnie will be accompanied by one of the centre’s parents who will share her experiences with us.
Shari Margolese, Award-winning HIV activist and author. Shari is a much sought-after speaker both nationally and internationally who, through personal and professional experience has raised awareness of HIV and other infections, diseases and the challenge these present to parenthood.
Jodi Hall-Hinds, “A Safe Passage” founder, program coordinator, counsellor, workshop facilitator. Jodi’s work with survivors of abuse resulted in the creation of “A safe Passage”, an internationally recognized program offering individual support and training for support providers. She will be addressing the unique risk for abuse that the more challenged women face, at all stages of their reproductive life.
We are proud to present such an incredible group of speakers and look forward to seeing you in November. Seating is limited so I encourage you to register now at
www.cappacanada.ca
