By Saskatchewan Prevention Institute - Prince Albert Early Childhood Council

FAST Awareness Month

Supporting Healthy Pregnancy During COVID19

Sep 8, 2020 | 9:11 AM

Many people across Saskatchewan are sporting striking new face-wear this September to help challenge the stigma about alcohol use in pregnancy and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).

September is FASD Awareness Month and September 9 is FASD Awareness Day.

FASD is a lifelong disability that affects the brain and body of people who were exposed to alcohol in the womb.

Each person with FASD has both strengths and challenges and will need special supports to help them succeed with many different parts of their daily lives (Canada FASD Research Network 2018).

“Shaming and blaming someone for drinking while pregnant does nothing to address the reasons why that person is using while pregnant.Addressing and acting on the reasons for alcohol use makes the difference”, says Noreen Agrey, Interim Executive Director of the Saskatchewan Prevention Institute.

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Marlene Dray, FASD Prevention Program Coordinator,adds, “Alcohol is used in pregnancy for reasons such as coping with violence and stress, mental health challenges, or not knowing of the pregnancy. Because of the stigma around alcohol use in pregnancy, a woman may be afraid to talk about her use or ask for help. That hurts her and her baby”.

People who are not pregnant, not planning to have a baby, or are male may wonder what this has to do with them.

If you use alcohol, are having sex, and are not ready to have children, use effective contraception. People may wonder why the conversation needs to change. When the discussion around alcohol and pregnancy becomes‘How can I help?’ or ‘I can stop or reduce my drinking to support her’, it is easier for someone to ask for support.

In this time of COVID-19,alcohol use is increasing.

It is hoped these masks will help protect us and others from COVID-19 and remind us to create safe, supportive environments for moms-to-be and their babies.

We are all responsible for healthy pregnancies and children in our communities.

Learn more at https://skprevention.ca/alcohol/fasd-lets-change-the-conversation/.The Saskatchewan Prevention Institute is a non-profit organization, founded in 1980.

Our focus is to reduce the occurrence of disabling conditions in children. We raise awareness by providing training, information, and resources based on current best evidence.

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or more information, please contact Donna Anderson at the Saskatchewan Prevention Institute.Phone: 306-651-4300