September 9th is Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Awareness Day

Pregnancy and Alcohol

“A woman is closest to the Creator when she is pregnant. It is when her medicine is most powerful. She sustains and nurtures life completely within her own body.”

-Traditional Mohawk Teaching

It is best not to drink any alcohol at any time during your pregnancy. We all want what’s best for our children. Deciding not to drink when you’re pregnant is best for you and your baby.

Remember, no amount of alcohol is safe during pregnancy and there is no safe time to drink. Binge drinking and heavy drinking are especially harmful to the unborn baby.

•WHY IS IT IMPORTANT FOR A WOMAN NOT TO DRINK WHEN SHE’S PREGNANT?

Drinking alcohol when you are pregnant can cause permanent birth defects and brain injury to your unborn child. Your child will not outgrow the disability caused by drinking.

In traditional teachings, the partner is also pregnant and should not drink alcohol. The partner and family play an important role by asking how they can help and by supporting the pregnant woman to make healthy choices. If a partner drinks alcohol it may harm the baby in ways that are not fully known, but will not cause Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.

•FASD-FETAL ALCOHOL SPECTRUM DISORDER

This term used to describe the types of harm to the unborn baby caused by alcohol used in pregnancy. These disabilities will not disappear as the child grows. They may include:

•Difficulty learning and remembering

•Difficulty thinking things through

•Difficulty focusing on a task

•Difficulty getting along with other people, including family members

•difficulty with hearing and with seeing

•Difficulty Problems with bone, arm, leg and finger growth

•Slow growth overall

•Damage to the heart, kidney and liver

•I WANT TO STOP BUT…

For many women, the support of partners, family and friends is all they need to not drink while pregnant.

Sometimes though, it is difficult for a woman to stop. Even though she wants what’s best for her unborn baby, it can be a struggle to avoid alcohol.

Remember: you are not alone and there are places to go for help and support.

(Resource taken from Best Start by Health Nexus)

Contact the MCA Community Health Program and talk to Janet Tatro, Community Health Nurse at (613) 575-2341 ext 3231 for more information.