Health Topics/Services

September 9th is International FASD Day

Sep 8, 2014

September 9th is International FASD Day, a day designated to raise awareness about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and the importance of abstaining from alcohol use during pregnancy.

FASD is a term that is used to describe a range of disabilities that result from exposure to alcohol during pregnancy. These can include brain damage, vision and hearing problems, slowed growth, and other birth defects. People with FASD are also at high risk of other disabilities such as mental health issues, disrupted schooling, and alcohol and drug problems. There is no safe amount or time to drink alcohol during pregnancy.

If you did drink before knowing you were pregnant, know that you are not alone. Quitting now and looking after your own health are the best ways to reduce the risk of harm to your baby. Talk with your doctor and other healthcare providers to ensure you get the best care for you and your baby.

Partners, families and friends can provide support to women during pregnancy in different ways:

oÂ Be a good host. When entertaining or having a night out, offer non-alcoholic â€˜mocktailâ€™ beverages and avoid pressuring women to drink (pregnant or not).

oÂ Minimize harms. Most of us donâ€™t drink on our own - our drinking habits are shaped by those around us. Support a â€˜culture of moderationâ€™ by looking at your own drinking and working to minimize any harmful effects that your drinking might have on yourself or others. Canadaâ€™s Low Risk Drinking Guidelines are a good place to start (www.ccsa.ca).

oÂ Help change negative perceptions. When talking about FASD and alcohol use during pregnancy, avoid being critical of women who do drink during pregnancy. Do not blame women for not caring about their babies or for being ignorant. This type of judgment creates a climate of fear and shame where women may avoid seeking help.

oÂ Support pregnant women no matter what. Pregnancy can be a time of enormous pressure and scrutiny. Women receive advice and information from health care providers, websites, friends, family, and even random strangers. Respect the choices that women make. These choices are their personal attempt to keep themselves and their babies as healthy as they possibly can. Itâ€™s never too late for a woman to stop drinking during pregnancy or to make other healthy changes in her life.

If you need support, please your local contact Mental Health & Addictions Office:

Port aux BasquesÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 695-6250
BurgeoÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 886-2185
StephenvilleÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 643-8740
Corner Brook (Adult)Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 634-4506
Corner Brook (Children & Youth)Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 634-4171
Deer LakeÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 635-7830
Norris PointÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 458-2381
Port SaundersÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 861-9125

Or call:
Mental Health Crisis LineÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 1-888-737-4668
Kids Help PhoneÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 1-800-668-6868
NL Health LineÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 1-888-709-2929

-30-
Â
Media Contact:
Heidi Staeben-Simmons
Director of Communications
709-637-5252
heidistaebensimmons@westernhealth.nl.ca