"The âmA Gardens" by Kaoutar SAYDY GOUASMI
Through this “column”, we wish to give every ACT-ON GROUP employee the opportunity to share a personal commitment or a humanitarian and supportive contribution - aimed at helping the most vulnerable, protecting the planet or championing any other cause close to their heart.
This month, Kaoutar SAYDY GOUASMI, a consultant at ACT-ON STRATEGY, introduces us to “Les Jardins d’âmA,” an association that advocates physiological care pathways and supports expectant and new parents. Here’s her story…
"When I found out I was expecting my second child, I immediately knew I wanted this pregnancy to be different from my first. I wanted to feel more connected to my own needs and my inner self and I didn’t want an epidural. I started researching the possibilities and discovered the concept of physiological care pathways.
These pathways allow expecting parents to receive less medicalized, much more natural care. There aren’t many such options in France and availability is limited with specific selection criteria. You have to apply, must not present any major health risks and must have a single pregnancy (no twins).
I sent my application to the “Anaé” pathway at Simone Veil Hospital in Eaubonne and was fortunate to be accepted. I don’t regret it at all; it was a very fulfilling experience. Despite limited staff and a modest budget, I received exemplary care.
The medical team offered various alternative therapies - acupuncture, reflexology - to alleviate common pregnancy discomfort and avoid suffering during birth. I also really appreciated the discussions with other expectant parents, actively encouraged within the program.
It was during these conversations (which included the medical team) that the idea for the “Les Jardins d’âmA” association was born. We wanted to support “Anaé” and other physiological care pathways, which suffer greatly from cost-cutting and lack of visibility.
Plus, we wanted to make future parents - especially women - aware that they have freedom of choice: regarding the type of support they want, medical decisions (for themselves and their unborn child)… Because becoming a parent is a choice, not a mere inevitability.
Our initiative was warmly received by the early-childhood services and Sannois town hall, who helped us find a space - at the André-Cancelier media library - to host our visitors.
We began by offering access to holistic therapies. Many practitioners now run free workshops in sophrology, shiatsu, etc., on a volunteer basis. Soon, thanks to real-world feedback, we expanded our offerings: we set up discussion groups covering all kinds of topics like the “baby clash,” the role of co-parents, as well as children’s shows. Naturally, our mission evolved into a broader parental-support approach.
We also reach out to healthcare professionals, organizing numerous events: round tables, open-house days focusing on early childhood and meetings between teams from Simone Veil Hospital and PMI (French Mother and Child Protection services)…
In just a year, we managed not only to establish an audience but also to collect several grants and build numerous partnerships. Above all, we’ve remained true to the “village spirit” we cherished when founding “Les Jardins d’âmA.”
I’m very proud to be part of this wonderful initiative and to help create a safe, reassuring environment for our beneficiaries. Already a board member, I was recently appointed deputy treasurer and I also lead our “Ethical Charter and Values” committee. Whenever I can, I help out with other tasks, too.
“Les Jardins d’âmA” has allowed me to link the small contributions I made in my personal life with my desire to be involved in broader societal projects. We live in a fast-changing world, confronted by a constant flow of information - making it hard to separate fact from fiction when you don’t always have the right tools.
So for me, it’s not just about sharing my own experience but also about learning. Together at “Les Jardins d’âmA,” we’re shaping a model of parenthood that I see as the foundation of a balanced society - one that will welcome our children."
To learn more :
https://www.instagram.com/lesjardinsdama/?igsh=MXNkdG5uMTY1ejh3Mg%3D%3D
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