A birth doula or birthworker is a trained professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to their client before, during, and shortly after childbirth. We’re highly knowledgeable about all aspects of pregnancy, birth, and early postpartum, as well as the emotional and cultural implications about giving birth in our current society. A birth doula’s goal is to help you achieve the healthiest, most satisfying experience possible, whatever that looks like for you. Countless scientific trials examining doula care demonstrate remarkably improved physical and psychological outcomes for both pregnant, birthing, and postpartum women and their baby. In fact, doulas have a positive impact on the well-being of the entire family.

A birth doula’s role is to provide continuous labour support, no matter what decisions the client makes or how they give birth. A doula’s primary responsibility is to the birthing family–not to the hospital, nurse, midwife, or doctor, or even to their own preferences. They are purely there to support you in your own experience.

This might look like:

–providing hands-on support during labour like massage, counterpressure, or water therapy
–helping you to advocate for your needs and wants so that you always feel heard and respected
–holding space for whatever questions, thoughts, and emotions arise for you or your family during your labour
–offering information about procedures and helping you to make informed decisions that feel right for you

Doulas do not offer medical advice or provide clinical treatments, make decisions for you, or pressure you to make a particular choice for your care. We don't take over the role of your partner, if present, or perform clinical tasks like monitoring blood pressure. However, because of my past experience as a medical provider, you’ll have my sharp observation skills and medical knowledge to help you understand what’s happening, what your options are, and how to advocate for yourself throughout your birth. (I like to call myself a medical jargon translator)

Postpartum doulas are skilled and knowledgeable about the physiological care and development of newborns as well as a mother's physical and emotional recovery and adjustment to motherhood. We provide non-judgmental guidance on physiological newborn care and feeding, assist parents with their recovery, care for baby so parents can care for themselves, help older siblings make a healthy adjustment, maintain family routines and rhythms, and provide practical household assistance. We can care for your children while you shower, nap, or have a moment to yourself. Your doula can also help prepare family meals, fold your laundry, play with your older children, and provide light housework. My role as a postpartum doula is grounded in one statement: Mother the Mothers and the family will thrive. 

Postpartum doulas don't do things like provide medical care, administer medication, or advise parents on any medical or clinical topics. Instead, postpartum doulas provide the information, resources, and support that parents need to make the best decisions for their family. Postpartum doulas also don't take over parenting for you. Instead, we'll help you find the tools, techniques, and mindsets that you need to feel successful and positive in your parenting journey.

To put it really simply, matrescence is the process of becoming a mother. Matrescence involves physical, psychological, emotional, neurological, and sociological changes, which is why holistic care is so important. Just like adolescence is a developmental period, so is matrescence, and understanding motherhood in this way is key to effectively supporting mothers. All of my care is grounded in a deep understanding of Matrescence and the many ways it can present itself.

My unique blend of skills, knowledge, and experience has led me to create a coaching methodology that infuses support and education into the transformative process of becoming a mother, and all of the challenges and beauty that come with it. 

I take a body-based approach that centers your nervous system as the ultimate wise guide in the process. My coaching blends practical tools, emotional transformation, and embodiment practices to help you find holistic ways to be present for, enjoy, and thrive in motherhood. It's a beautiful blend of mind and body coaching.

While typical coaching works with the conscious and cognitive aspects of the mind, somatic coaching goes deeper to incorporate the innate wisdom of your body to move towards self-awareness, nervous system regulation, and personal evolution. As a culture, we are so disconnected from our bodies. But the truth is that our bodies are a powerful resource for personal development and self-love. By increasing your awareness of your body, how it experiences your thoughts, feelings, and actions, and its inherent connection to your mind, somatic coaching helps you to heal unwanted patterns, process life events, and connect deeply with your true self. For mothers and birthworkers alike, somatic coaching is an invaluable tool for self-care and self-development.