Monday, Sept. 10 at 9:09 a.m. North Battleford Mayor Ryan Bater will join the Battlefords FASD Committee for a moment of silence in front of City Hall to recognize those affected with FASD.
Following the moment of silence we will walk four city blocks to promote awareness of and information on the prevention of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.
Many Saskatchewan communities are inviting people to barbecues, walks or to enjoy mocktails (non-alcoholic drinks) to raise awareness about FASD.
One way to prevent FASD is to spread the word that a healthy pregnancy doesn’t include alcohol. A healthy pregnancy includes regular visits with a health care provider, healthy eating, taking prenatal vitamins, exercising and avoiding stress.
There is a lot of confusing information about pregnancy and alcohol and people aren’t sure what to do. The Saskatchewan Prevention Institute believes that providing education about FASD prevention will eliminate the confusion. Research shows:
• alcohol is a dangerous drug and is harmful to developing babies;
• any type of alcohol (wine, beer, cooler, hard liquor) can harm the baby;
• there is no known safe amount to drink;
• alcohol crosses the placenta and reaches the developing baby;
• when the mother drinks, she and her unborn baby have the same blood alcohol content;
• because the unborn baby’s liver is still growing, it takes a long time to get rid of alcohol, giving it more time to damage the baby’s developing cells;
• the damage to the cells can cause a physical and brain-based disability that cannot be cured.
Half of pregnancies are not planned, which means many women are drinking before they know they are pregnant. Most women stop drinking as soon as they find out. If they have been drinking, they may worry that alcohol has caused harm.
No one can say, for certain, if damage has been done. Every baby develops differently and can be affected differently. Stopping alcohol and talking with a health care provider can help.
Each day without alcohol is good for the developing baby.
Only 10 per cent of children born with an FASD have visible signs. Often the mental, physical, learning and behaviour problems are not obvious until the child is older. Because of this, many children (and adults) do not receive the help they need to be successful.
Early recognition and diagnosis can help children living with an FASD reach their potential.
With the right supports, children may avoid some of the later problems that can develop, such as trouble in school.
Support, not judgment, makes a difference. It is not just a woman’s responsibility to prevent FASD.
Partners, family and friends can support a pregnant woman’s decision not to drink by taking part in activities without alcohol, stopping or reducing their own drinking, learning mocktail recipes and being supportive.
Health care workers can ask about a woman’s drinking, and talk supportively about not drinking alcohol when pregnant, trying to get pregnant or if they think they are pregnant.
Everyone can learn about addictions services near them and supports for women and families.
Everyone can learn more about FASD.
On Sept. 10, come and join us. Think about pregnancy and alcohol and how you can make a difference.
