My Doula Journey
Since I was a young child, I was always interested in everything to do with human health. As I delved into healthcare, I was most connected to and fascinated by childbearing and mothering. When I became older, I supported pregnant women around me in any capacity I could. Then I had my daughter (26 years ago!) at home with midwives. The experience of bringing her into the world was a positive and powerful one. It motivated me to stay part of the process and help new families have the best possible birthing experience and transition into parenthood.
A few years later, I completed my Doula training and, in January of 2002, attended my first birth as a Doula. At that moment, I understood that helping women through the incredible life journey of childbirth is what I would like to do for the rest of my life. Following 8 years of doula practice, in 2010, I began my Midwifery journey at Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University).
Over the years, I have helped hundreds of families on their journey to parenthood in different capacities. Supporting them as a Doula, a childbirth educator, lactation consultant and student midwife. In each of these roles, my primary goal was always to give families opportunities for informed decision-making about their experiences and care; and to provide families with toolkits that helped and empowered them to advocate for themselves, so these decisions are honoured.
Since the beginning of my career in 2002, I have attended close to 700 births, some as a Doula and others as a student midwife; each one has been special in its own way.
What I bring to the table
My love and passion for pregnancy, birthing and mothering.
2 years of Nursing training (done overseas before coming to Canada).
Doula training completed through DONA (Doulas of North America).
6 years of Ontario midwifery training.
Specialized education in Human Lactation (through INFACT, Humber College, and through part of Midwifery training).
3 years of experience working as a part of Hospital-Based Doula Program (Trillium Hospital – Mississauga)
Experience gained while attending close to 700 births
Extensive knowledge and experience helping mothers successfully latch and breastfeed their babies.
Cultural sensitivity, respect for different identities, life choices and beliefs.
Knowledge acquired in 6 years of midwifery training.
My Birth Philosophy
I believe that birth is a powerful and transformational experience, both as a unique journey for the mother and as a shared experience for her family. Birth holds enormous potential to empower women, but it also has the potential to create emotional trauma. During birth, the emotional environment will determine how each woman is affected by her birth experience.
I believe that my role as a Doula is to help both mother and her loved ones be emotionally comfortable during the birth.
I hold that when mother feels in control of her surroundings and feels unconditionally supported, respected and loved during this important time of her life, she will walk out of this journey as a stronger person and a better mother.
QUESTIONS? LET’S CHAT.
HAVE QUESTIONS OR JUST WANT TO CHAT? BOOK A FREE CONSULTATION WITH ME.