art from mum.org, aka the menstrual museum

this one by meribel cruz

Scrambled!

First Event

"We are body literate when we can read and comprehend the signs, events and outcomes related to our menstrual cycle and are able to use this knowledge as a foundation for lifelong sexual and reproductive health choices", Laura Wershler (Writer, former Executive Director of Sexual Health Access Alberta)


I've started off this blog with a photo of myself, Lana Marie Leitch with my daughter in front of a tank of sea creatures that look oh so much like the fimbria of our fallopian tubes. I thought it was fitting.

Also the above quote is courtesy of my former colleague and mentor Laura who I worked alongside in the pro-choice sexual health community in my hometown of Calgary, AB. Her gift for writing and speaking continues to inspire me.

Thanks to everyone who attended tonights screening of Giovanna Cheslers "Period: The End of Menstruation?". Here is a link to the website that you can help circulate if you liked the film,

Tonight has been my first formal activity as Body Literacy Advocate since moving to Vancouver over 18 months ago. I look forward to events, dates yet to be decided, for the films All in One Basket by Lauren Berliner and The Pill: The untold story of the drug that changed the world by National Film Board of Canada. Google those if your are interested.

I have Menstrual Cycle Journals (6 months of charts for $5) available all the time. These are compatible with the Justisse Method of charting, and everything you need to use them confidently is available on the justisse.ca website. Use the ONLINE USERS GUIDE e immediately, and if you need support at the onset of your charting practice don't hesitate to contact anyone on the PRACTITIONER DIRECTORY. Call or email me for any support in this area, I am here to help.

For anyone that chose to take home a Body Literacy Kit, you got the Menstrual Cycle Journal, colored pencils for the charting method, a BBT Thermometer, a mirror for looking at your vulva, a flashlight and speculum for looking at your cervix, a copy of CBC Radio One program "Seeing Red", the Myths and Facts About Menstruation pamphlet by Justisse Healthworks, and a copy of Jelly Muffin by the now defunct Calgary collective F.A.R.O.U.T.

Here are links to accompany the Kit.

CeMCOR, the Center for Menstrual Cycle and Ovulation Research. Has incredible information on their site, answering many questions I've encountered about complicated cycles.

THE BEAUTIFUL CERVIX PROJECT, a photo journal that many women created to document changes in the cervix.

Glorialemay.com, a blog by a birth attendant fighting the institutionalization of midwifery.