This resource was developed to guide facilitators in planning and presenting a workshop about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) prevention and skills for change for First Nations women.
The workshop includes information about: • Alcohol use during pregnancy and FASD. • Self-care. • Ways to improve health. • Supports for health changes.
Prenatal alcohol exposure is the leading preventable cause of brain damage and developmental disability. Alcohol use during pregnancy may result from lack of awareness of the risks, unplanned pregnancies, social norms around alcohol use, addiction, inter-generational trauma, sexual abuse, as well as other interacting factors such as mental health concerns, substance use, poverty, and lack of resources.
Awareness is growing in Canada about First Nations health issues such as high levels of poverty, stress, chronic disease, disability, sexual abuse, suicide, homelessness, family violence, etc. Loss of traditional values, language, and family/community kinship due to colonization, residential schools, and other historical events have seriously affected the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health of First Nations in Canada. There are ongoing impacts on reproductive health and parenting, for example FASD.
Pregnancy and motherhood can be times of renewed hope and strength to make important health changes for women and for the future generations.
Reblogged this on Edmonton and area Fetal Alcohol Network Society and commented:
Take a peak at this new FASD prevention resource!