There's an organization making it easier for mothers across the Lakeland.
Ashley Ference is the Bonnyville/Cold Lake Mama Coach, helping mothers navigate through their motherhood journey.
“We offer prenatal education, newborn and postpartum support, sleep education programs, as well as allergy navigation," explained Ference.
Mama Coach is a program offered across Canada by registered nurses. The local chapter was started over the summer by Ference, who saw a need for moms in the area.
“They need extra supports, sometimes right away during the postpartum period or breastfeeding, sometimes it’s a few months down the road,” she detailed. “I’m just really passionate about it. Until I became a mom myself, I didn’t realize what a hard job it really can be."
In order to help lessen the burden mothers across Canada face, especially during the holidays, Mama Coach is running Christmas Giveback, with the help of Mamas for Mamas.
“The whole point of our Christmas Giveback, is because we know motherhood is hard enough as it is. Nobody should have to struggle at Christmastime, on top of the daily stress of everyday life,” noted Ference. “It’s a campaign that allows people to nominate moms that are in need. Any mom you feel is need of a little extra boost at Christmas, who could really use some extra help."
Nominations started on Friday, Oct. 19, and are open to any mother within the 24 Mama Coach communities.
According to Ference, “We go through all of the nominations and choose a mom from each community across Canada who we feel is most deserving, and they will receive support from us in the form of a gift certificate for our services, as well as gifts to support their family."
In order to raise money for the program, Mama Coach sells products such as sweaters, shirts, and bracelets. All of the proceeds are used to support Christmas Giveback and the families in need.
Ference said Christmas Giveback is a great opportunity to spread a little joy over the holidays.
“I think it’s important because I don’t think there’s enough kindness in this world. Kindness is something that’s contagious; it’s good for everyone. You feel good when you’re kind to someone else, and that person is feeling that kindness in turn and feels good,” she expressed.
A nomination form is available online, Ference said, adding all nominators remain anonymous, but she suggests telling someone why you thought they were deserving.
“It just goes hand-in-hand with the whole kindness theme in terms of thinking of others and being more aware of what’s going on in the world,” she continued.
For more information, or to submit your nomination, visit themamacoach.ca.
Ference said, “I think, even just the nomination process itself, even if the mom you nominate isn’t the one chosen, it’s something that would really spark a person. As you’re thinking about this person and you’re writing about why they’re deserving, it’s just such a feel-good scenario... Let them know why you nominated them, why you think they’re important, and why you think they need that extra boost."
