While certifications might be proudly displayed on social media and talked about like a golden achievement in being a doula, I've come to realize they aren't the ultimate validation of being a good doula. See, being a doula isn't about acing an exam or writing a good paper; it's about being there for people when they need it most. No piece of paper can prove that.

The truth is, if you're not prepared to be a strong advocate, perhaps being a doula or occupying any space in birthwork isn't your calling. I say this unapologetically, doula work is unequivocally advocacy work and anything less is a disservice to those we support.

Being a Doula Mentor is not just a profession; it's a calling, a dedication to providing hands-on guidance and support. My purpose is to empower doulas, helping them evolve into the best versions of themselves while offering holistic support to their clients. The essence of my mentorship program lies in spending 180 hours together, blending in-person learning with hands-on experience.

As a doula, my journey into the world of surrogacy was not just about supporting a surrogate through pregnancy and birth; it was about weaving a tapestry of love, connection, and the creation of two families. This incredible experience allowed me to witness the beauty of selflessness, the strength of familial bonds, and the transformative power of bringing life into the world. Embarking on the incredible journey of supporting a surrogate through pregnancy and birth, I found myself not only witnessing the creation of life but also the blossoming of a unique and beautiful connection between two families. This journey was a testament to the power of empathy, collaboration, and the capacity of the human heart to expand beyond conventional boundaries.

As a birth doula, I've had the privilege of witnessing the raw, breathtaking beauty of birth unfold time and again. In the last month, I have been blessed with witnessing the wondrous spectacle of birth with three mothers - an intimate, sacred dance unfurling with all the grace and power of nature’s most profound creations. I was honoured to stand by the sides of these incredible mothers as they welcomed their baby girls into the world. Each birth story, unique and beautiful in its own right, has left an everlasting mark on my heart, reminding me of the profound strength and resilience inherent in the birthing process.

To nurture a culture of community over competition in the doula/birth world, we must:

Foster open communication and a non-judgmental environment for sharing experiences and insights.

Collaborate on projects, workshops, and training sessions to build a collective knowledge base.

Support and mentor each other, especially those who are new to the profession, ensuring they feel welcomed and valued.

Advocate for policies that prioritize the well-being and autonomy of birthing persons, especially those from marginalized communities.

Celebrate each other's successes, milestones, and contributions to the birth community.

A doulas dedication to supporting families through life's most profound challenges is a testament to the enduring power of compassion and empathy in the intricate tapestry of human existence.

Being a doula is not just a profession; it's a calling, a calling to be there for people during one of the most vulnerable and important experiences of their lives. It's a commitment to providing emotional, physical, and informational support, to holding space for joy and grief, for advocating, and to celebrating the beautiful journey of birth. Your work and dedication is a testament to your empathy, strength, and love for humanity.

he New Parent Trail - Wellness Walks in the Wild. This offering will blend the healing power of nature with somatic exercises, grounding practices, fresh air, and the physical healing of walking and at times possibly some simple outdoor yoga to create a holistic support system for pregnant individuals and new parents.

As we step into September, a month dedicated to raising awareness about suicide prevention, I find myself wearing many hats: a mother, sister, auntie, doula, yoga teacher, and advocate. Yet, I carry within me the enduring memory of losing my own mother to suicide. Today, I want to share my journey and the profound impact it's had on me and the work I choose to do, especially in supporting those with strained relationships or those who've lost their mothers.

Birth trauma is a topic that often centers on the birthing person, and rightfully so, given the intense physical and emotional journey they undertake. However, it's crucial to acknowledge that birth trauma can profoundly affect the birthing person's partner as well. In this blog post, we'll delve into the concept of birth trauma from the perspective of the partner, highlighting the uniqueness of each individual's experience. To illustrate this, I'll share a personal story of how my husband and I embarked on a journey toward our dream home birth, only to face unforeseen challenges and the lasting impact of birth trauma.

Childbirth is a profound rite of passage, and the birthing space sets the stage for this transformative experience. As a trauma-informed doula, I am committed to holding space for the birthing person's emotions, choices, and preferences. I believe in the power of empathy, compassion, and unconditional support, ensuring that each birthing person feels seen, heard, and respected.

As a trauma-informed pregnancy, birth, and postpartum doula, my ultimate goal is to provide comprehensive support and care to all my clients, ensuring their journey to parenthood is as smooth and empowering as possible. One essential aspect that I believe everyone should benefit from is 1:1 prenatal education, which I have thoughtfully built into my doula service package.

As an Indigenous trauma-informed doula, trauma, grief, and loss support educator, and yoga teacher, my journey through the Traumatic Stress Studies Certificate Program promises to be transformative. By deepening my understanding of trauma's impact on the brain and body and incorporating evidence-based clinical treatment methods, I hope to empower and support individuals on their healing journeys through major life transitions and prevent trauma when possible.

Birth preferences, sometimes referred to as a birth plan, are a powerful tool that help parents communicate their desires, concerns, and expectations to their birth team. This document outlines the choices they wish to make regarding labour, delivery, and postpartum care. While it is essential to acknowledge that birth preferences cannot guarantee an entirely predictable birthing experience, they serve as a foundation for open dialogue and informed decision-making during childbirth.

My primary goal as a Doula & Advocate is to support and empower my clients throughout their journey. I believe that it is essential to advocate for their well-being and choices, as well as to educate and encourage their support system to do the same.

One of the most crucial aspects of our partnership is fostering a safe and trusting environment where you never need to hesitate before reaching out to me with your concerns, questions, or decisions. Ever.

A trauma-informed doula is a trained professional who offers comprehensive emotional, physical, and informational support to individuals and families throughout the perinatal journey. What sets a trauma-informed doula apart is their deep understanding of trauma's impact on mental and emotional well-being.