MOOSE JAW — Businesswoman Kate Bookout had just had her first child when she realized there were few postpartum resources for new moms, so she made her own materials that others could also use.
Bookout, owner of Orange Door Collective Wellness (ODCW), created postpartum wellness boxes two years ago to educate women about the resources available to them in the community. On a quarterly basis, she offers 12 small batches of free materials that women can apply for and use.
Some items include post-childbirth exercises from ODCW and donations — handmade lotions, bath balms, heat packs and hygiene products — and discounted or free services — massages, breastfeeding consultations, postpartum doulas and aesthetics — from community businesses.
Last year, Bookout distributed 48 boxes to women, while so far this year, 24 moms have received the materials.
“It’s really great. It says a lot about the lack of resources in our community for having provided (72) women in our community with postpartum resources … ,” she said.
Bookout describes Orange Door Collective Wellness as a “wellness inclusive community” for women in all stages of motherhood and womanhood.
Using her bachelor of kinesiology and certification as a pregnancy and postpartum exercise specialist, she offers in-person one-on-one classes, group sessions, and general health sessions to help moms deal with issues like recovering from C-sections.
Moreover, in partnership with The Light Yoga and Wholeness Studio, she offers the only mom-and-baby exercise classes in Moose Jaw, with two evening sessions weekly.
Bookout noted that women regularly have babies, so she is always pleased to see new and returning moms and their tots attend her classes annually. Moreover, she is thrilled to offer services to help grow this community.
The businesswoman has two kids, but it was after the birth of her first child that she realized there were few postpartum resources for women after the hospital discharged them. Moreover, the health region only provides information about supporting the baby but nothing to help the woman recover. So, she developed materials and then made them available.
“Second to that, myself being the only certified pregnancy and postpartum corrective exercise specialist in Moose Jaw, often it is very difficult for moms to get to an exercise space where they’re welcome to bring their new babies,” said Bookout.
“So this is something we’re very proud to offer: a safe space for moms to come and bring their little one with them because it can be a very difficult time to manage schedules and return to exercise after having a baby,” she continued.
Bookout also noted that the mainstream wellness community typically pushes women to lose weight after giving birth and promotes the “bounce-back concept,” whereas the ODCW community promotes the idea of meeting women where they are physically and encouraging them to move their bodies for better mental health.
Women interested in applying for the postpartum wellness boxes can do so at www.orangedoorcollective.ca or through Orange Door Collective Wellness’ social media pages. Businesses or residents interested in sponsoring the boxes can call 306-630-5264.
Cancer fundraiser
Bookout turned 34 in September, and for the third time in the past five years, she held a fundraiser to support the Allan Blair Cancer Clinic in Regina. The event — which featured the sale of T-shirts with specially designed logos and a collection of donations — netted $1,550, bringing the total amount acquired to roughly $7,500.
She explained that she started fundraising to support her dad, who was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer a half-decade ago. He is now doing well, while the family is grateful that his health is better and that he can spend time with the grandchildren.
Bookout added that she was pleased with how much she raised this year, while she virtually donated the money to the cancer clinic.
