September is Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Awareness Month and Today (Wed, September 9th) is FASD Awareness day.
Marlene Dray, FASD Prevention Program Coordinator says FASD is misunderstood in many ways and often includes a lot of shame and blame, with the disorder being caused by pre-natal alcohol exposure.
Dray says the day focuses on bringing awareness to the reasons why alcohol is not recommended during pregnancy, and how to have a healthier pregnancy.
She adds people who live with FASD, are also often misunderstood because of neurological or body injuries caused by pre-natal alcohol exposure. Dray explains in Canada 1 in 25 people are affected and FASD is more common than people think.
The two slogans for FASD month include the message of changing the conversation and challenging the stigma.
Dray says a healthy community can come up with alternatives to support a alcohol free pregnancy by doing things like not drinking themselves, or finding other things to do at events other than using alcohol.
The Saskatchewan Prevention institute says there are ways that you can help someone you know who is pregnant to stay away from alcohol.
Here are some ideas:
-Ask how she is doing or how you can help.
-Find things to do that don t involve alcohol,such as connecting with nature or culture.
-Make sure there are always tasty alcohol-free drinks available
-Stop drinking with her.It may be easier for her to stop if others aren’t drinking with her.
-Make her feel safe talking about alcohol use.”
-Tell her it is never too late to stop drinking alcohol or to cut back on using alcohol.
-Encourage her.
If you are currently using alcohol or drugs while pregnant, there is help. There is free, confidential support at your health centre. You can also talk to someone you trust, a family member, or Elder and ask for their help. You can talk to someone at Healthline 811. There is also the Hope for Wellness Help Line at 1-855-242-3310.
For more visit here.
