My journey to Birth Work

It was the birth of my second child that inspired me to become a doula; the genuine emotional support my midwife provided, and the extraordinary empowering experience of birthing in a peaceful environment, without medical intervention. It wasn’t the same way the first time around, so what made the difference? Having a support person who believed in me and the process, every step of the way.
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It is only now, after watching the miracle of life unfold countless times that I marvel at how every one of my life experiences have prepared me to be a doula. My university studies in the sciences gave me a foundation in anatomy and physiology, my professional experience as a high school teacher honed my skills as an educator, and my yoga teacher training helped me cultivate mindfulness and trust. There are also my numerous world travels which gave me an appreciation for human culture and connection, and my athletic endeavours like running and rock climbing which taught me strength and discipline. My journey to becoming a doula certainly hasn’t been a straight one, but now that I have arrived at my destination, I can’t imagine myself anywhere but here.

 

My Birth Philosophy

I believe that birth happens best when the birthing person feels safe, secure, and supported. This is what I aim to bring to all the births I have the privilege of attending. A sense of security in birth comes from developing a connection with me in our prenatal meetings, and developing trust in your body. By discussing any fears you (and your partner) may have, and empowering you with evidence based information, you will feel more confident and secure with me by your side, allowing your body to birth exactly as you were meant to. As each expectant parent is unique, I enjoy forming authentic connections with every client, while providing personalized and grounded support for your body, mind, and spirit. During birth I see myself as your (and your partner’s) guide; supporting and encouraging you to turn inwards and to connect with your body’s inherent wisdom. Oxytocin (the “love” hormone) is key before, during, and after birth, so I like to create opportunities for you to feel love and joy throughout your pregnancy, birth, and during the blissful postpartum period!

“While a baby is gestating, so is motherhood.
​When a baby is born so are its mother and father “born”.”    

Pam England, Birthing from Within

 

My journey to Yoga

Yoga is one of the only activities I know that allows you to relax and unwind, while building muscular strength and releasing tension in the joints all at the same time! When practiced regularly and with intention yoga has the ability to transform your life on a physical, emotional and even spiritual level. Over ten years of personal practice and five years of teaching I have personally experienced this transformation and have witnessed it in a number of my students. Yoga has the power to heal. 

Whether you are a long time yogi or if you have no experience at all, I can guide you through your yoga practice. My warm and authentic approach creates a balance between yang (energizing) and yin (relaxing), and my clear instructions make my classes accessible to all. I like to combine pranayama (breathing techniques), asana (postures), and visualizations so that you will feel balanced and grounded, and like you’re floating away on a cloud...
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I started practising yoga in 2007, the same year I began my first full-time job as a high school science teacher. I had suffered from anxiety for many years and with my new responsibilities I was barely able to cope anymore. I talked to friends, a therapist, my parents, but nothing and no one could help. I was stuck.

At first, yoga was my form of weekly “exercise”, but quickly it became so much more. My migraines began to subside,
(a health issue I had consulted numerous health care specialists about, none of which were able to help) and my constricted chest began to feel much more open and light. Breathing became easier, and over time, I learned to gain control of my anxiety. Yoga was the most effective “medicine” I had found for both my body and my mind.

In 2013 my yoga teacher training (YTT) with Melanie Richards and Albert Bissada gave me another first hand experience of the healing power of yoga. Although less anxious I was still very much a “worrier” and not genuinely happy with my life. My background in neuroscience also made me very resistant to the more spiritual elements of yoga. I chose Faith as my “yoga name” and mantra throughout my training as this was something I wanted to bring more of into my life. And what a profound impact this practice had. By the end of the training I felt happier and more confident with myself and in my relationships. Again, yoga had transformed my life!

An eager student, I have taken many different yoga trainings since my 200hr YTT. I studied in Rishikesh, India for 3 months in 2013 as I was curious to learn the roots of yoga. In 2014 I did a yin yoga training again with Melanie Richards, in 2017 I completed my prenatal yoga teacher training with Amanda Degrace from Little Lotus Yoga and I also studied postnatal yoga with Jayme Hernandez. All of my teachers have been my mentors and have contributed to the unique yoga teacher I am today.

Check out my yoga page to learn more about my unique approach as well as the particular benefits of pre, postnatal, and fertility yoga. 

 

Trainings and Certifications

I completed both my birth doula training and fertility specialist certification with Bebo Mia, a school based in Toronto which trains doulas worldwide. It was a comprehensive birth and postpartum training which included a local breastfeeding workshop and a child and infant CPR course. I have also completed a Labor and Birth with Spinning Babies workshop and I use the Spinning Babies techniques in all the births I attend. In addition to my doula certifications I have a 200 hour yoga teacher training, prenatal and postnatal yoga trainings, and I love to bring my experience as a pre and postnatal yoga teacher into my work as a doula. I enjoy supporting diverse families in Montreal in both English and French.

Academic Education
2003- Bachelor of Science (B. Sc.) - major in Biology- McGill University
2006- Master’s of Science (M. Sc.) in Neuroscience- University of British Columbia
2007- Bachelor of Education (B. Ed) Simon Fraser University

Doula training
2017- Maternal Support Practitioner (MSP) - Bebo Mia
​2018- Fertility Specialist Certification - Bebo Mia
2018 - Supporting the Breastfeeding Newborn - lactation education with Kimberly Mackenzie

Yoga training
2013- 200hr YTT with Melanie Richards and Albert Bissada at HappyTree Yoga- Montreal, QC
2013- Level 1- Agama Yoga - Rishikesh, India
2014- Yin yoga teacher training with Melanie Richards at HappyTree Yoga- Montreal, QC
2017- prenatal yoga teacher training with Amanda Degrace- Little Lotus Yoga- Ottawa, ON
2018- mom and baby teacher training with Jayme Hernandez- Nurture Yoga Therapy- Montreal, QC