…and still have a journey ahead of us.The news from the first “gender norm" index created by the United Nations may be surprising. Despite the many gains women have made with respect to basic areas of development such as voting, education, and in the workplace, the “enhanced” areas at the top where power is concentrated, such as business or political leadership, show in fact a widening gap. There … [Read more...]
What Mae has taught us
Since we first formulated Mae - a process that took 2 years - we have learned so much more about our product including how health professionals are recommending its usage and how women are using it. We’re passing on some of the top 3 tips that we have learned from our collaborators and customers. Tip #1 Many pelvic health professionals have told us that they recommend a “bolus” of Mae usage … [Read more...]
Something About Mary
I will always remember the moment I first breastfed my daughter. It didn’t feel like anything was happening except for these small tugs at my breast. The nurse came by to take a look and she said that she saw colostrum - the first milk after birth - but it seemed like a pitiful drop or two to me. Within 24 hours, my milk fully came in but I was anxious the entire time before it did. I wondered if … [Read more...]
Our Bodies, Wellness & Aging: A Chat with Chia Chia Sun
Chia Chia Sun, Founder & CEO of Damiva Inc., a brand of women’s wellness products aimed at breaking the taboos around talking about menopause, spoke at our What Mama Didn’t Tell Us event in Toronto last November. Recently, we caught up with Chia Chia to learn more about what happens as our bodies age, and the innovative Canadian company she founded. PF: I’m going to come right … [Read more...]
International Women’s Day
At Damiva our products are inspired by our heroines and on International Women’s Day, I thought I would share some history about women we think about every day. Mae by Damiva is our vaginal suppository that was inspired by Mae West, who was a Hollywood icon, sex symbol and comedic writer. I love Mae West for so many reasons. One of her famous quotes is, “Is that a gun in your pocket or are … [Read more...]
Why Kegels Could be Bad for Some
Originally posted on enoughbeatingaroundthebush on February 17, 2015 Michelle Fraser, PT, BA, BScPT, FCAMPT, CYT, MEd and Chia Chia Sun, BSc, MSc, MBA For decades doctors, trainers, therapists, you name it, have been hammering away at women that if they want a strong pelvic floor, they MUST do their kegels. However, there is a much healthier and safer way to develop the pelvic … [Read more...]
I just Slept 8 Hours and I’m Still Tired
Explanations for fatigue and energy levels in perimenopause and menopause. You used to be an awesome sleeper, the type of woman that could sleep through just about anything and have felt well rested in the day.. But now, in your transitioning years, things have become different. You find that on days when you sleep less, it’s really hard to make up for the lost hours. And on top you got … [Read more...]
Why Preservatives are Bad for the Vagina
Chemical preservatives have been shown to disrupt hormone function in animals. However, recently, there has been a study confirming the same disruptions involving human tissues. Should we care about this study? Well it depends - but if your health is important to you or if you are concerned about your health issues that can result from chemical preservatives - The answer is yes: The Cedars … [Read more...]
Three Things to Know about Vaginal Dryness
Vaginal dryness affects 85% of women. While it can occur at any age, it is much common with women going through menopause and perimenopause. Normally, the vaginal walls are hydrated by a thin layer of clear, odorless fluid. Estrogen influences the pH of the vagina and vaginal secretions. Without enough moisture, vaginal tissue becomes fragile and has the propensity to tear. These fragile … [Read more...]
I Thought pH was for Science Class, Not My Vagina…
The intricate mysteries of how to take care of your vagina and external genitalia You probably first learned about pH in middle school, when you used pH strips on different common household substances, such as baking soda, orange juice and soapy water. In your later years, chances are you haven’t thought about pH very much. But what if you learned that having the right pH in our … [Read more...]