In March 2024, we met Madeline, a mother from Rankin Inlet, Nunavut, whose journey through pregnancy offers insight, encouragement, and lessons in self-care. As a mother of three daughters, Madeline shared her experiences navigating pregnancy in a remote community, highlighting the importance of personalized care and safe medications. Her story is a reminder of how unique each pregnancy can be and why taking care of yourself is one of the greatest gifts you can give your baby.
The Power of Consistent Care
When Madeline first learned she was pregnant, she experienced what many of us do – a whirlwind of emotions mixing joy with natural uncertainty.
“It’s very scary when you find out you’re pregnant. A lot of things come through your mind, and it’s normal.”
Having experienced three pregnancies, Madeline knows firsthand how vital consistent healthcare can be during this journey. Her story highlights the difference that reliable, ongoing care makes. With her first and third pregnancies, she had the support of a dedicated midwife who truly knew her story. “I didn’t have to repeat my situation every visit. It was a relief,” she recalls.
But her second pregnancy told a different story. With rotating healthcare providers flying in from the South, Madeline found herself starting over with each visit.
“I had to explain my situation, my pregnancy, my health over and over again,” she says. “It was exhausting to start from scratch every time.”
Her experience reminds us that consistent, personalized care isn’t just about convenience – it’s about feeling heard, understood, and supported throughout your pregnancy journey. When healthcare providers know your story, they can better support your unique needs and concerns.
Managing the Ups and Downs of Pregnancy
For Madeline, taking prenatal vitamins became an essential part of self-care.
“When you’re pregnant, you’re sharing everything with your baby—your nutrients, your energy,” she explains. “Taking prenatal vitamins really helped me stay energized.”
However, like many expecting mothers, Madeline also faced many challenges during her pregnancies including morning sickness and anemia.
The nausea and vomiting were especially severe during her second pregnancy. “Everything I ate, everything I drank came right back up,” she recalls. Working with her healthcare provider, she found relief through Diclectin®, a pregnancy-safe medication. “That made such a difference,” she says.
Even with vitamins and Diclectin® her energy was not up to her usual level. She suffered from low iron levels, a common condition known as anemia. “Even with iron pills, my levels were so low during my last two pregnancies that I needed weekly iron infusions in the final weeks,” she explained. While the treatment process took time, the results were worth it: “The infusions really helped. I had more energy and could get things done for my family,” Madeline added.
These challenges remind us of how vital it is to recognize and treat common conditions like nausea and anemia during pregnancy. They also highlight the importance of seeking help and using safe, effective treatments when needed.
“If you’re low on energy, it’s hard to have a good day. Vitamins and prescribed pills help you take care of yourself, and that helps you take care of your baby”.
Your Pregnancy, Your Journey
Madeline’s message to other expecting mothers is clear and encouraging:
“Whatever decision you make; it’s the right decision for you and your baby. When you’re healthy and strong, your baby will be too.”
Your pregnancy journey is unique, and it’s okay to seek help when you need it. Whether it’s managing morning sickness, maintaining iron levels, or dealing with other pregnancy symptoms, safe medications and treatments are available. As Madeline wisely puts it:
“Your baby is part of you. When you take care of yourself, you’re taking care of them too.”