Resources in Eastern Ontario

Recently, I was invited to attend and give a presentation at PPPESO's (Perinatal Partnership Program of Eastern and Southern Ontario) annual conference. This group is celebrating its 30th year, and its mandate is to: "... work together with hospitals, health departments, community agencies, academic institutions, private practitioners, and consumers to effectively link perinatal care, education, and research." Hmmm! Amazing – a group that has a formal organizational structure, funding and has existed for 30 years, whose focus is amazingly similar to ours here at From Belly to Baby! I was delighted to attend, and thrilled that they had somehow stumbled across our publication. I was sobered to realize however, that this group has been working at this mandate for 30 years, literally in our neighbourhood, and I had not yet ever heard of them! Here was a group, primarily of obstetrical nurses, but also of lactation consultants, childbirth educators, a few obstetricians, and even fewer midwives, who recognized the importance of collaboration for effective, safe, healthy pregnancies, mothers and babies.

As I prepared for my talk (I was asked to present on "alternative medicine in perinatal care"), I made my way through their website, and asked my colleagues what, if anything, they knew about the group. None of the midwives, massage therapists, or naturopaths I spoke with had any knowledge about PPPESO (so I wasn't alone).

Turns out, their website is great! (www.pppeso.on.ca). They provide research updates, as well as continuing education events for health care professionals, and are truly working to act as a bridge, bringing together any practitioners or services that are working with pregnant women and their families.

The reason I'm sharing this story is this – we didn't know about each other – and so it is important that you – the women who read From Belly to Baby – remember to talk with each of your care providers about who you are working with, how you are feeling, and what choices you have made for the health of you and your family. Now we are a larger group – working together to optimize the health of our patients and clients and community, and through you we will strengthen our network, and truly learn to work collaboratively with your best interests in mind.