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Family Planning P H OTO C O U RT ESY O F @ LY D I A I V Y P H OTO G R A P H Y
WITH
Sarah Nicole Landry Colostrum harvesting is something many new mothers don’t know about. Can you share your opinion and experience with that as a mother? I’ll be honest, I had to google what that meant before realizing — I did this! Near the end of my pregnancy, I was very ready to induce labour and it was recommended that a breast pump be used to assist in bringing on contractions. When doing this, I expressed colostrum, which I stored and froze. What’s amazing about this is that after birth, our daughter developed jaundice, and that colostrum combined with sunlight was a huge reason we avoided being admitted into hospital! So all in all, it was helpful. But I would caution to talk to your health care provider before trying colostrum harvesting, because pumping really did bring on labour for me.
After pregnancy, many women struggle with embracing their new body. Do you have any tips to help mothers regain their confidence? I think often times, and almost always, women will struggle with a postpartum body. It’s new, it’s foreign, and it’s uncomfortable. Not to mention, you’re bleeding, you’re stitched up, you’re not sleeping, and you’re probably beingpooped, puked, or peed on — not our finest moments. Confidence is often sought after as this feeling you reach and achieve. The reality is that it's
showing up. Yes, you look different. You are different. Don’t sideline yourself from living your own life and enjoying the best parts of it because you're now changed.
Despite the importance of the topic, postpartum recovery is often not discussed due to many women feeling ashamed or embarrassed. What can women expect when recovering from childbirth? I had forgotten what an event postpartum healing is, but what’s neat about it is that it gets better every day. Invest in some quality toilet paper, disposable postpartum undies, pads, a peri bottle (it’s like a water squirter), and some pad-cicles. It’s also really important to remember not to do too much. We set up stations for me to sit, nurse, and eat without much movement. You need to heal, and you can't rush that.
Your children range in age from infants to teenagers. How does your parenting style change with each of your children? It ranges from child to child. I always find it fascinating that we're somehow going into parenthood expecting that we're one style of parent and that this style will apply to them all. The reality is that they're all entirely different human beings who require different needs to be tended to. It’s about relationship building and confidence
building and, as I've learned the most, listening to their needs. For a teenager, that’s probably offloading about school, while for a baby it’s likely crying for food (because she has no words yet).
What's one piece of advice you’d like every first-time mother to know? That you get to define this. You want to go back to work? Amazing. Want to stay home? Amazing. Love or hate mom groups? That’s fine. Nursing not working out or not for you? Good news, there's formula. Need a night out? Go! Just want to stay in more? Yes! This is your journey. Others will project their own, but make sure you’re checking in with yourself to make sure you’re making the most of this experience for you, too. And for what it’s worth — your kids don’t see you for your rolls, cellulite, and stretch marks. They see you showing up. So when it gets tough, in a new body, remember that in all the eyes you fear are watching, there’s at least one set that is just watching you.
Follow Sarah on Instagram at @thebirdspapaya or tune into The Papaya Podcast weekly on Mondays.
Read more about Dr. Marjorie Dixon, the founder, CEO, and medical director of Anova Fertility and Reproductive Health PAGE 4
Anova Fertility and Reproductive Health, a leader in fertility treatment and IVF, opens new clinic located in the heart of downtown Toronto. 40 University Ave., Suite 420
Publisher: Santana Symeonides Business Development Manager: Julia Colavecchia Strategic Account Director: Jessica Golyatov Country Manager: Nina Theodorlis Content & Production Manager: Raymond Fan Designers: Giuliana Bandiera, Kylie Armishaw Content & Web Editor: Karthik Talwar All images are from Getty Images unless otherwise credited. This section was created by Mediaplanet and did not involve The Toronto Star or its editorial departments. Send all inquiries to ca.editorial@mediaplanet.com.
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Male Fertility Issues are Normal — Talking About Testing Should Be Too It takes two to make a baby. And, despite everything you were told in high school health class, it’s not always easy to do. D.F. McCourt
M Dr. Keith Jarvi Medical Director, FlowLabs
en, let’s talk about making babies. It’s not as easy as you think. In Canada, between 15 percent and 20 percent of couples have trouble conceiving. And, though fertility is often seen through a lens of women’s health, roughly half the time, there's a contributing factor on the male side. “It doesn't necessarily mean that it's a male factor alone,” says Dr. Keith Jarvi, Medical Director at FlowLabs. “About half the time, there's a male contribution to the couple being infertile, and about one third of the time, it’s distinctly or solely a male factor. It's much more common than people think. By and large, couples are initially assessed by gynecologists, who have dealt with female infertility for years. Gynecologists are actually the gatekeepers for infertility in Canada. So, quite often, the women have their investigation first, and men have their investigation later.”
Healthy sperm, healthy babies Incorporating male fertility testing earlier in the process allows couples to be better informed about their situation, and equips them to seek more effective, non-invasive solutions earlier. Male fertility testing is a well-established science, measuring not only sperm count and motility but also DNA quality. “Looking at DNA quality gives us more information about whether or not the couple will get pregnant,” says Dr. Jarvi. “It also tells us if they're at risk of losing the pregnancy. DNA quality is essential to a successful pregnancy. Basically, healthy sperm, healthy pregnancies. Healthy sperm, healthy births.”
like weight control, exercise, and smokGetting tested is easy, and some variety of male fertility testing is usually ing cessation can all have very positive effects on sperm count and fertility.” covered by provincial health systems. In Ontario, for example, OHIP covers For those actively seeking to basic semen analysis, and providers improve their fertility, there are more like FlowLabs in Toronto can conduct proactive solutions like supplements the tests. FlowLabs patients can collect and cooling devices, although it's their samples in the lab or drop off a important to make the distinction sample collected between folk solufrom the comfort tions and those of their own home, with a firm groundwith at-home kits ing in science. In Canada, between sent through the “There are a lot post. The hurdle of fertility myths 15 percent and i s n' t s o muc h that are almost 20 percent of access to testing as couples have trouble like family myths,” says Dr. Ja r v i. it is awareness and conceiving. “Like, my uncle acceptance. “Nobody talks did this, and my aunt got pregnant three times right about male fertility,” says Dr. Jarvi. “It’s not water cooler conversation. But afterwards. One thing that really does this is a common issue, and we need to work , though, is cooling the testes. normalize it. I think when men realize The testes have to be cooler than the rest of the body. If you increase the how common it is, they become much more open to working through it in a temperature of the testes even by one way that will allow them to have sucdegree, you damage fertility. There are really good studies where they put cessful outcomes.” tight underwear on men and, after a There's no blame, but there are few months, you can see their sperm solutions count go to zero. And, in the reverse, Dr. Jarvi emphasizes that men who are there are some very interesting studexperiencing fertility issues shouldn't ies that have shown improvements in blame themselves. At the same time, sperm quality with cooling devices.” there are absolutely lifestyle factors Between early testing, lifestyle that can improve reproductive health. changes, and interventions like supWith unhealthy behaviours and habits, plements and cooling underwear, sperm quality can decrease even before there's a lot that men can do to address other health complications are seen. their contribution to fertility. All that's “When it comes to health in general, needed is an open mind and an open sperm are like the canary in the coal conversation acknowledging that fermine,” says Dr. Jarvi. “A healthy lifetility is an everyone issue, not just a style makes for healthy sperm. Things women’s issue.
Be proactive about your fertility. Visit flowlabs. ca/patients to download your requisition form today. This article was sponsored by FlowLabs.
Planning a Family? Modern Techniques Make It Accessible for All Canada Cryobank provides safe, tested, and Health Canada-approved donor options for Canadians from coast to coast. Samantha Stewart
Simplifying the process Dedicated to parents-to-be, Canada Cryobank offers Canadians access to safe and tested donor options. With integrity and conscience in mind, Canada Cryobank works with high-quality international donor banks toward its goal of increasing ethnically-sourced donor options for Canadians. Distributing to clinics Canada-wide, what truly sets them apart is that Canada Cryobank successfully garnered Health Canada’s approval for at-home insemination earlier this year. “Our aim is to provide fair access
Connecting people. Building families. Parents-to-be can submit inquiries to info@canada cryobank.com, or see our available donors at canada cryobank.com.
At-home insemination A more affordable, straightforward option, donor sperm is shipped directly to your home for personal use. Professional staff have 30 years of experience in the fertility industry and understand the complexities of family planning, which is why Canada Cryobank has simplified the process. A leading-quality sperm and egg bank made by Canadians for Canadians. Canada Cryobank offers a diverse range of services to support future families and clinics, including personal (sperm and egg) banking, cord blood and cord tissue banking for newborns, as well as cryogenics transportation, logistics and equipment needs.
A leading quality sperm and egg bank made by Canadians for Canadians See our available donors on www.canadacryobank.com
Dono a r nd
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in
Julia Szeptycki Scientific Director, Canada Cryobank
to safe and tested donor samples to individuals who don’t have traditional fertility concerns,” says Julia Szeptycki, Scientific Director of Canada Cryobank. “We believe in the right to choose a family and a lifetime.”
Fi
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oday’s modern family structures are diverse, inclusive, and unique. But whether it’s with a chosen partner or individually, Canadians are having children later in life — on average, around the age of 30. As a result, one in six Canadians are struggling with fertility.*
Easy Steps 1. Select Your Donor View Canada-compliant donors from multiple banks in Canada Cryobank's online catalogue. Easily filter your donor choices by selecting the features that are most important to you.
2. Submit Your Order Submit your order online at canadacryobank.com. Place your order at least one month in advance of your planned procedure.
3. Secure Your Vials Your order request will be confirmed by email, based on donor availability, verification of details, and completion of required forms prior to scheduling shipment.
Become a Donor. Change a Life.TM
* Public. 2013. “Fertility - Canada.ca.” Canada.ca. 2013. https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/fertility/fertility.html.
This article was made possible with support from Canada Cryobank.
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A Natural Pain Solution for an Easier Natural Childbirth For women looking to give birth naturally, the TensCare Perfect MamaTENS Machine offers non-invasive pain relief solutions during labour and post-partum. Anne Papmehl
F
or expectant mothers looking forward to experiencing a natural childbirth, the Perfect MamaTENS Machine can help manage pain by triggering the release of natural painkillers, called endorphins, and by blocking pain signals to the brain. Perfect MamaTENS is safe for mom and baby, which makes it an ideal device. The Perfect MamaTENS Machine is manufactured by TensCare, a renowned British medical device company with over 27 years’ experience in cutting-edge products designed to help users feel better naturally. The Perfect MamaTENS Machine is the only Health Canada approved natural, non-invasive pain relief device for women during labour. Reliable and user-friendly, the Perfect MamaTENS Machine lets the mom-to-be have complete control and has been clinically proven to be a safe and drug-free pain relief solution for labour pain. The Perfect MamaTENS is easy to use — simply place two of the four pads on either side of your spine on your bra line and two on your lower back. Start using the device as early in your labour as you'd like, to help you labour at home longer. The Perfect MamaTENS Machine can be used in conjunction with other forms of pain relief during labour, such as an epidural. It can also be used to ease post-operative pain following a caesarean section, perineal tear, or episiotomy.* The Perfect MamaTENS Machine has three pre-set, clinically-researched programs for each of the three stages of labour. The BOOST button gives additional pain relief to the user by adding extra stimulation during a contraction, allowing the mom to be in control. The Perfect MamaTENS Machine is available in Canada through Mothers Choice Products, a national distributor of pre-natal, post-natal, breastfeeding, and other health products.
Get Peace of Mind About the Health of Your Baby Early in Pregnancy Melissa Vekil
D You can purchase a Perfect MamaTENS Machine by visiting amazon.ca or well.ca. This article was sponsored by TensCare Ltd. and Mothers Choice Products Ltd.
*Disclaimer: Should not be used prior to 37 weeks gestation.
id you know that as early as nine weeks into your pregnancy, there are a number of genetic factors you can find out about your baby? For many mothers-to-be, learning more about their pregnancy can provide reassurance and peace of mind. The human body is made up of millions of cells, and in the middle of each cell is a nucleus that contains all of our genetic information. That genetic information gets packed into structures called chromosomes. Chromosomes are important because they contain instructions for the human body to work properly, but sometimes in the fertilization process, the egg or sperm can be missing a chromosome, or can have an extra chromosome. These extra or missing chromosomes (called aneuploidy) can result in certain conditions that cause a wide range of physical and mental developmental delays in children. Luckily, conditions can be screened as early as nine weeks of pregnancy. Panorama™, offered by LifeLabs , screens for common genetic conditions. The basic blood panel detects the likelihood of having a baby with Down syndrome with an accuracy of 99 percent, as well as Edwards syndrome (Trisomy 18) or Patau syndrome (Trisomy 13). Unlike invasive procedures like CVS and amniocentesis, Panorama™ carries no risk of miscarriage. The test can also tell you the sex of your baby (if you want). And if you’re having twins, it can tell you if your twins are identical or fraternal. The best part is that you can get results in just 7 to 10 days from when you do the test, and LifeLabs' genetic counsellors are available to help you with any questions or concerns.
To learn more or buy a test, visit LifeLabs Genetics.com/ Panorama This article was sponsored by LifeLabs Genetics.
daLAIT Nursing Pads: Innovative Design Meets Responsible Manufacturing Using a combination of the Spanish word “da” which means “to give” and the French word “lait” which means milk, Hallan created the brand name daLAIT. daLAIT
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fter the birth of her first child, Hallan Hanson — a mother of three and founder of daLAIT, a Brooklyn-based brand of inclusive nursing and pumping products — set out on her journey to nurse her newborn baby, and like millions of other new parents, was confronted with the challenge of leaking through her clothes. While seemingly a small inconvenience, leaking only exacerbated the challenges of breastfeeding, contributing to one of the reasons why 60 percent of mothers don't breastfeed for as long as they intend to.*
Hallan Hanson Founder & CEO, daLAIT
Innovative design meets responsible manufacturing Hallan decided to address this need by creating daLAIT (pronounced da-lay), a contoured nursing pad that's washable, doesn't bunch or shift during activity, is made with safe and eco-friendly materials from manufacturers in Canada and the U.S., and, for the first time, offers parents from historically marginalized communities an opportunity to see themselves reflected in a nursing product’s design and marketing. While the business was officially formed a little over three years ago, the patent-pending nursing pad was in development for over five years before its official launch earlier in 2021. Beyond developing a patent application and being named as the inventor, Hallen spent countless hours sourcing materials from trusted manufacturers that she knows on a first-name basis and who, if needed, “I could get in my car and visit unannounced,” she says. Today, daLAIT is about more than just nursing pads. It's also a space for inclusion, acceptance, and diversity. Hallan is excited to launch additional products in the near future that support 2SLGBTQ+ individuals with their own journeys to giving milk.
*https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/data/facts.html#disparities
La Leche League Canada: Providing Support for Lactation La Leche League Canada offers support and guidance about breastfeeding, including for those with unique circumstances. Cecily Heslett
To purchase daLAIT nursing pads, visit dalaitpads.com. This article was sponsored by daLAIT.
I
t’s not easy to prepare for something you’ve never done before. La Leche League Canada, a not-for-profit, peer-support organization, has been providing evidence-based breastfeeding information and support for 60 years. Every month across Canada, La Leche League Leader volunteers host more than 80 meetings allowing parents to share experiences, information, challenges, and successes. During pregnancy, it can be very helpful to learn the basics like how your body makes milk, how to achieve a comfortable latch, how to encourage plenty of milk, how to know whether your baby is getting enough, and how to avoid common difficulties. It's also important to establish your support network before your baby arrives. This ensures you have someone experienced in breastfeeding to check in with during those early days and weeks, like a lactation consultant, public health nurse, or La Leche League Leader. If you have a unique circumstance, whether you're looking for support with breastfeeding, adoptive nursing, or feeding a child with special needs, La Leche League is here to support you on your journey. Most mothers can also begin expressing early milk, called colostrum, in the last few weeks of pregnancy. This gives you a chance to practise hand expression and perhaps save some small amounts of colostrum to offer your baby in the first days, if needed. La Leche League Leaders and groups are here to help. You can find your local group and Leader contact information on La Leche League's website. Planning ahead can help you to establish an enjoyable, successful breastfeeding relationship with your baby.
You can find your local group and leader contact information at lllc.ca. This article was made possible with support from La Leche
League Canada.
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Next- Generation Fertility Care in the Heart of Downtown Toronto Anova Fertility and Reproductive Health, a leader in fertility treatment and IVF, has opened a new University Avenue location in Toronto.
Know Your Fertility Facts
Abigail Cukier
C Dr. Marjorie Dixon Founder, CEO, & Medical Director, Anova Fertility & Reproductive Health
anada is considered a “late” childbearing country. In 2020, the average age of mothers at the time of delivery was 31.3 years old. And the COVID-19 pandemic is further affecting families’ fertility plans. In a Statistics Canada survey, 14 percent of respondents said they wanted to have a child later than they had originally planned because of the pandemic. In 2020, Canada’s fertility rate, which has been steadily declining since 2008, decreased from 1.47 children per woman in 2019 to a record low of 1.40 children. Meanwhile, about one in six Canadian couples experience infertility.
In a Statistics Canada Survey, 14 percent of respondents said they wanted to have a child later than they had originally planned because of the pandemic. Anova recently opened its fourth clinic, which is located in the heart of downtown Toronto at 40 University Avenue, Suite 420, to improve access to high-quality fertility care to serve Torontonians and international patients looking to grow their families. The new location will offer services such as early fertility assessment, in vitro fertilization (IVF), intracytoplasmic sperm injection, intrauterine insemination, and fertility preservation, such as sperm or egg freezing. Dr. Marjorie Dixon is the founder, CEO, and medical director of Anova Fertility and Reproductive Health, a full-service fertility and IVF centre that's home to the first next-generation embryology laboratory in Canada and is a leader in innovation and education for high-quality, humanized fertility and reproductive care. Dr. Dixon says that while the need for assisted reproductive technologies has never been greater, there is much reason for hope. With advances in the field, women no longer have to choose between their career and their family. Canadians have many options and don't have to be at the mercy of their biological clock.
Why did you choose to specialize in reproductive health? I wanted to ma ke a difference. Reproduc t ive hea lt h is a privileged opportunity to help patients achieve their dream of having a family regardless of their marital status, religion, ethnicity, or sexual orientation.
What do you want people to know about fertility treatment?
Book an appointment at Anova’s new downtown clinic.
Patients accessing modern fertility come from all genders, family statuses, and sexual orientations. Some patients may not be in a relationship. Thus, everyone's fertility journey will look different. Family building is a fundamental human right, and fortunately, more options are available to suit diverse needs. Individuals can use
donor sperm, donor eggs, or surrogates to conceive. For couples who both have uteruses, reciprocal IVF is a fantastic way for both partners to feel connected to a pregnancy.
What recent advancements in fertility treatment are you excited about? Genomic advancements have added tremendous tools for IVF clinicians. Pre-implantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A), for example, is a genetic screening tool that makes IVF more efficient and specific. After removing a small number of cells from the outside of an embryo, PGT-A technology ensures an embryo has a normal number of chromosomes and is considered healthy. We can even screen for single gene disorders (PGT-SR). As the implantation of an embryo with abnormal chromosomes often results in miscarriage, this has dramatically increased success rates and live birth outcomes from IVF. It also decreases the time from the first visit to when you take home a baby, as it's the most specific option for ensuring success in select scenarios.
What is unique about Anova's approach — in medical treatment and in the way you care for patients? At Anova, we're devoted to delivering holistic, patient-centered, interdisciplinary care. Our fertility physicians work alongside endocrinologists and registered psychotherapists to ensure we treat the patient as a whole. We individualize our treatment plans based on each patient's goals and needs and empower our patients with up-to-date scientific knowledge to ensure they play an active role in making treatment decisions. Anova is leading the way in terms of reproductive health education. We advocate for early intervention to make fertility care more accessible and improve fertility treatment outcomes. Early fertility assessments can empower patients to be more proactive about family planning.
1 in 6 couples will struggle with infertility
Infertility is a disease of the reproductive system It's defined by the inability to conceive naturally after:
12 months in women <35 or 6 months in women >35
Maternal age at childbirth is on the rise The average age of first pregnancy is 31.3 years old.
Fertility declines with age and in women earlier than men
What would you say to provide hope to an individual or couple starting this journey? Most importantly, you're not alone. One of the best ways to instill hope throughout your fertility journey is by seeking support from fellow travellers. Those who struggle with infertility describe it as an isolating journey, especially for individuals with family and peers who are unaware of the challenges of infertility. Sharing your experiences with others going through fertility difficulties can help break down feelings of isolation by creating a community. Support groups, either in person or through a virtual platform, are a great place to find emotional support and get advice from others with similar experiences. “When I opened our first location, I wanted to create a fertility centre that I would have wanted when I was an IVF patient,” Dr. Dixon says. “I championed a centre that would be home to Canada's most technologically advanced embryology laboratory and at the same time, could have a warm, trusting, and inclusive atmosphere, with kind providers seeing each patient for the whole person that she, he, or they are."
Infertility affects men and women equally
Egg freezing empowers women to take control of their family planning For the best chances of live birth, eggs should be frozen before the age of 37.
This article was sponsored by Anova Fertility & Reproductive Health.