Doula School Canada

Category: Uncategorised

  • Doula Canada’s TRC Action Plan Draft

    Doula Canada’s TRC Action Plan Draft

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    Aaniin! Boozhoo!

    As most of you know, the 30th of September each year is National Day of Truth and Reconciliation or Orange Shirt Day. The day is used every year to commemorate survivors of residential schools, as well as push for change in the form of allyship and reconciliation between settlers and Indigenous Peoples. But- reconciliation doesn’t begin and end on September 30th. It is something that is a continuous process, every day, for people inhabiting Turtle Island.

    This month, Doula Canada is releasing our Truth and Reconciliation Action Plan Draft for students and alumni to check out! Based on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s 94 Calls to Action, our reconciliation plan for 2023 reflects the goals outlined in the recommendations by the commission. You can see the action plan here below.

    What does this mean? It means that these four recommendations are what we are working toward in 2023. As we continue our journeys as a vocational school, we will continue to evaluate how we can incorporate more of these goals into our curriculum, programming, and overall community at Doula Canada.

    It doesn’t end here. We want to hear from you! An anonymous feedback form for both Indigenous and Non-Indigenous members is available using This Link. (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSczDwoD1ZmkYI501_8Xv8JaeOkhkEEsQq_rM4K_AywfuUu8Jg/viewform?usp=sf_link)

    There will also be a two-hour Indigenous-specific focus group in November led by Inclusion and Engagement Lead for Indigenous Peoples, Kayt Ward. Honorariums will be provided to participants. Please stay tuned for dates and times or email Kayt at kayt@stefanie-techops.wisdmlabs.net if you’re interested in participating.

     

    September 30th- How are you reflecting? Staff at Doula Canada will be participating in various learning experiences throughout the day, and we recommend students do the same. Don’t know where to start? Follow our social media to register for events we will be promoting by external organizations, come to one of the following events, or try a journal prompt.

    • Indigenous members pop up Bannock and Tea circle. Topic: Peer Support and Grief. September 30th, from 6-7 pm EST on Zoom.
    • “We Were Children” Film Night and Settler Learning Circle. September 30th from 7-8 pm EST on Zoom.

    Journal Prompts:

    What can we do as educators and birth workers to decolonize and deconstruct power systems in Canada? How can we dismantle oppression, and create a safe and equitable space for all?

    What is my relationship with the land I reside on. Whose land am I standing on?

    How can I participate in decolonization and the Landback movement?

    How does settler-colonialism impact my life?

    Chi Miigwetch,
    Kayt Ward, Inclusion and Engagement Lead for Indigenous Peoples[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”461820″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”461821″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”461822″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”461823″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

  • New Year’s 2021!

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  • Happy Holiday & Looking Forward to 2021!

    [vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”301343″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_single_image image=”301342″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_btn title=”PDF Version” style=”classic” shape=”square” color=”mulled-wine” align=”center” link=”url:%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F12%2F2020-holiday-message-from-shaunacy.pdf||target:%20_blank|”][vc_btn title=”Save $100 until December 31st, 2020!” style=”classic” shape=”square” color=”mulled-wine” align=”center” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fstefanie-techops.wisdmlabs.net%2Fshop%2F||target:%20_blank|”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

  • Doula Canada: Anti-Racism Pledge (2021)

    Doula Canada: Anti-Racism Pledge (2021)

    [vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1613744072438{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]February 18th, 2021

    Our 2021 Anti-Racism Pledge at Doula Training Canada Inc.
    (updated from the 2020 pledge, first posted June 25/2020)

    We will recruit and amplify Indigenous, Black and other racialized (IBR) persons as contributors, members and employees. 

    We will work with more IBR writers, expert sources, illustrators, and photographers, to create and enhance our content—not just on isolated topics of race, but across our full organization’s representation on all topics.   

    By the end of 2021 our current and new materials will be culturally relevant and appropriate and created in consultation with the appropriate communities. 

    We will make intentional efforts to not engage in cultural appropriation.  

    We will commit to greater representation of  Indigenous, Black and other racialized people in our visual assets.

    This includes our original assets such as illustrations, photography, and videos, as well as those sourced by stock photography resources.

    By the end of 2021, we pledge that a minimum of 25% of our materials will contain visual assets inclusive of IBR people.  We will continue to update our existing materials regularly to ensure they are representative, culturally appropriate, and inclusive.  

    We commit to including anti-racism education across our curriculum. 

    At Doula Canada, we will promote knowledge, values and skills that help members to identify, critically analyze and intervene against the insidious and lethal effects of racism. We believe in the power of self-reflection and ongoing discussion about how issues of systemic racism influence birth work practice.

    By the end of 2020, anti-racism education was incorporated into our core programs and we will continue to update, add, and adjust curriculum to continue ARO work. 

    We will prioritize the diversity of our in-house team and commit to continued anti-racism education.

    By the end of 2021, our entire team will have participated in and actively engage with anti-racist and anti-oppression training. 

    We will rigorously examine the recruitment processes we have in place and work to improve representation amongst our staff.  We will look to external consultants to assist in this endeavour and to provide feedback to our organization on its processes and staffing.

    We will not feature products, brands, writers, experts, influencers, or other sources with a known history of racist or other oppressive practices.  

    If we have unknowingly done so, we’ll work to immediately correct our mistakes.

    We approach this pledge as our commitment to an ongoing process built on a foundation of empathy. We promise to listen to, learn from, and support our IBR members in ways that are important to them. 

    In order to best do so, our team is dedicated to educating ourselves on anti-racism and anti-oppression, and recognizing how racial inequalities impact our profession and the core content we have created. We will work hard to understand how these injustices impact our members, our communities, and the birth and postpartum environments we work within.

    We will acknowledge that we have done and work to unlearn thoughts, habits, or beliefs that do not support others.

    We invite you to hold us accountable and trust we are doing the same within our team. Please share feedback about how we can continue to improve and grow. We want to hear how you feel you are, or are not, represented in what you see across Doula Canada . You can reach us at info@stefanie-techops.wisdmlabs.net 

     

    Shaunacy King
    Director
    Doula Canada

    Sondra Marcon
    Education Director
    Doula Canada

    Doula Canada Staff

    Jessica Palmquist – Fertility Program Coordinator 

    Carissa Marks Thomson – Instructor (all programs)

    Anna Penner, Inclusion and Engagement Lead – LGBTQ2S+ Community

    Milly Friedman – Instructor, Western Canada (all programs)

    Sara Beckel – Instructor, Western Canada (all programs)

    Monika Goodluck, Inclusion and Engagement Lead – Racialized Communities

    Jillian Hand – Lead Instructor, Atlantic Canada

    Samantha Whitman – Communications and internal resources

    Shandelle Ferguson – Student and Alumni Relations Coordinator[/vc_column_text][mk_padding_divider][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_btn title=”PDF COPY AVAILABLE HERE” style=”classic” shape=”square” color=”mulled-wine” align=”left” link=”url:%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F06%2Fdtc-anti-racism-pledge-2020.pdf||target:%20_blank|”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

  • En français; Why DTC is moving towards French translation

    En français; Why DTC is moving towards French translation

    [vc_row][vc_column][mk_padding_divider][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1559584822088{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]Doula Training Canada (DTC) est une organisation qui grandie à chaque jour et nos membres viennent de chaque coin du Canada. Plus nous grandissons, plus nous devenons diverse. Nous célébrons nos membres et nous fesont de notre mieux pour préparer nos ressources dans les deux langues officielles du Canada.

    Depuis le printemps, nous travaillons à traduire nos documents en français. Ce n’est pas une tâche rapide ou simple, mais nous comprenons que c’est important et nécessaire pour le futur de l’organisation. Ne semble-t-il pas un bon but que tous nos membres aient le choix d’étudier dans leur langue maternelle? Nous pensons que oui! C’est dommage que ce ne soit pas possible dans toutes les langues mais nous avons décidé de commencer avec le français.

    Lorsqu’on traduit les documents pour nos doulas, il devient plus facile pour nos membres de supporter des familles en français. Nous commençons avec les programmes pour les doulas de Travail et Naissance (Labour and Birth), et Post-partum (Postpartum). Dans le futur, nous souhaitons traduire toute documentation et ressources pour nos doulas.

    En plus de créer des ressources en français, DTC a maintenant au moins trois membres d’équipe d’on le français est la langue maternelle. Si vous désirez prendre davantage de notre mentorat, n’hésiter pas à nous contacter pour le support en français d’on vous avez besoin.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator color=”mulled_wine”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1559569238233{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]Doula Training Canada (DTC) is a growing organization and our members come from every corner of Canada. The more we grow, the more diverse we become. We celebrate our members and are working to prepare our resources in both of Canada’s official languages.

    Since the spring, we have been working on translating our documents into French. This is not a quick or easy task, but we understand that it is important and necessary for the future of the organization. Our goal is that all our members have the choice to study in their mother tongue! It’s a is not possible at this time to do it in all languages ​​but we felt it important to start with French.

    When translating documents for our doulas, it becomes easier for our members to support families in French. We start with programs for the doulas of Labor and Birth (Labor and Birth), and Postpartum (Postpartum). In the future, we want to translate all documentation and resources for our students.

    In addition to creating resources in French, DTC now has at least three members of the French language team. If you would like to take more of our mentoring, do not hesitate to contact us for the French support you need.

    

    [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][mk_padding_divider][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1559584539835{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]Bridget Graham is our Provincial Liaison – Quebec, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia
    

    Currently a member of the Nova Scotia Doula Association, as well as a Board Member for the Midwifery Coalition of Nova Scotia, Abortion Support Services Atlantic and the Halifax Women’s History Society.  Bridget is a Sparks leader for Girl Guides, and a member of the Students on Ice Alumni Council, as well as a member of Global Shapers Halifax Hub, and an advisor for the Alpha Eta chapter of Alpha Gamma Delta.
    

    

    

    Bridget vis présentement à Halifax, aussi connu come Kjipuktuk, en Nouvelle-Écosse avec sa partenaire Aaron, et leur chatte Alice. Elle adore lire, cuisiner, faires des conserves et faire du tricot. Elle apprend présentement comment faire du contrepointe.
    

    Email: bridget@stefanie-techops.wisdmlabs.net
    

    

    

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    Four Key Nutrients for a Pregnant Woman’s Diet
    
			
    Four Key Nutrients for a Pregnant Woman’s Diet
    
			
    [vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1553439377685{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]Four Key Nutrients for a Pregnant Woman’s Diet  Erin Gravel, founder of Terra Firma Wellness. 2019 
    

    When it comes to nutrition and pregnancy, most pregnant women are well aware of the foods they should avoid and the reasons why. Alcohol, unpasteurized cheeses, raw eggs, undercooked meat to name a few. However, shifting the focus to foods pregnant women should be increasing in their diet is equally (or perhaps even more) important. This is what I focus on in my practice – educating women on what nutrients they need to nourish their own bodies and that of their growing baby throughout their pregnancy and breastfeeding journey. Understanding why certain foods are so beneficial is the starting point, then we move on to how to actually incorporate them into their diet in a way that suits their individual dietary preferences and their lifestyle.
    

    Growing a baby is no small task. It is extremely demanding on the body, and requires additional nutrients to ensure the baby gets what it needs to thrive without leaving the mother depleted. Below is a list of a few key nutrients a pregnant woman should increase in her diet, along with some simple ways to incorporate the nutrients into her diet and lifestyle.
    

    From a holistic perspective, the quality of the foods you eat is SO important. Craving a burger? Imagine the difference in nutrition between a fast food burger or one you made yourself from some grass fed beef. For all the foods listed below, buying the best quality you can is a great place to start.
    

    Protein
    

    Known as the “body’s building blocks”, protein is essential for growing a baby. On top of replenishing her own protein needs, it is imperative a woman increase her protein intake during pregnancy. Besides being used for growth and repair of body tissue, protein is used to make enzymes, neurotransmitters and hormones.
    

    Additional protein doesn’t have to mean more meat. You can easily add more protein by eating quinoa, brown rice, eggs (fully cooked), lentils, or beans. Consider taking hummus and veggies to work for an afternoon snack, or swapping out your potatoes at dinner for some quinoa or brown rice. You can even make a batch of rice or beans on the weekend so that you can easily grab them when you have a meal lacking in protein.
    

    Fat
    

    Eating additional fat can be a scary thing for some women; for years we have been led believe that fat makes you fat. However, understanding that fat is absolutely essential for the growth of your baby helps to put it in perspective. A baby’s brain, nervous system and heart are made up of a lot of fat. Every cell in our body has a fatty cellular membrane and fat is required for the absorption of vitamins A, D, E, and K.
    

    It’s the type and quality of fat you eat that is important for whether or not it is helping your baby grow and thrive. Healthy fats found in foods such as nuts, seeds, avocado, coconut, fresh water fish and eggs are excellent for nourishing your baby. Having some hard boiled eggs in your fridge can make for a quick snack, or having some nut or seed butter (almond, cashew, sunflower etc.) with a piece of fruit is a great way to incorporate some healthy fats. Slicing up some avocado on some toast or mashing it up to make guacamole is also an easy way to obtain a good dose of healthy fat. You can also whip up a mix of seeds in your coffee grinder and sprinkle them on just about anything! Check out the recipe on my blog post about my favourite pregnancy recommendation.
    

    Fiber
    

    Fiber doesn’t necessarily contribute any specific nutrients to our diet but it helps our digestive system work efficiently. Fiber helps to slow down nutrient absorption, which helps to balance blood sugar, and it also helps to prevent constipation and putrefaction of foods. Considering constipation is a common problem amongst pregnant women, adding some good quality fiber to your diet can be extremely beneficial.
    

    Most people think of bran when they think of fiber; however, all vegetables, grains, nuts, beans, and lentils contain fiber. Ground flaxseeds are an excellent source of fiber. You can add them to your diet by putting a few tablespoons in a smoothie, thick soups, chili or in pancake/waffle or muffin mixture.
    

    A few things to note about increasing fiber: be sure to increase the amount slowly into your diet so your digestive system can get used to it; adding too much too quickly can cause digestive discomfort. You also want to make sure you are well hydrated and drink plenty of water everyday.
    

    Calcium
    

    This mineral is most commonly associated with dairy products, but there are so many other (often more healthy) foods you can eat to get calcium into your diet. Broccoli, bok choy, almonds, tofu, prunes, and pumpkin seeds are just a few! Dark leafy greens (spinach, kale, Swiss chard, beet greens etc.) also have some calcium. If you do choose to eat dairy products, try to choose organic and/or grass fed options.
    

    Calcium is so important for the growth and development of your baby’s teeth, bones and cardiovascular system. It is also essential for the mother’s teeth, skin, bones and for helping to relieve aching muscles (an all too common issue during pregnancy). If a mother’s diet is lacking in calcium during her pregnancy, the baby will actually take calcium from the mother’s bones, leaving the mother depleted. This can have long-term detrimental effects.
    

    Getting the nutrients you and your baby need shouldn’t (and isn’t!) complicated. The suggestions above are some good places to start, but you can also just begin with choosing a variety of whole foods (things without labels or ingredient lists) and focus on the quality of the foods you are choosing. Every time you reach for a snack or a meal, you have the opportunity to make a healthy choice for you and your baby.
    

    Erin Gravel, founder of Terra Firma Wellness. 2019 
    

    Erin is a Registered Holistic Nutritional Consultant (R.H.N.) based in Halifax, Nova Scotia. She works with women all across Canada to help them optimize their nutrition throughout their pregnancy and breastfeeding journey. As a mom to a very active 2.5 year old, and currently expecting her second baby in June 2019, Erin has a unique understanding of the needs of pregnant and breastfeeding women. Her focus is primarily on education and providing her clients with realistic suggestions that fit their lifestyle and dietary preferences. When she isn’t working with clients, Erin enjoys baking and spending time outside with her family.
    

    www.terrafirmawellness.ca
    

     
    

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    Supporting Doula Diversity & Access to Care
    
			
    Supporting Doula Diversity & Access to Care
    
			
    It is a well known fact that doula training has largely been marketed toward white, middle-class, persons in the past.  The history of Doula Canada is no different, and this something our Doula Canada team has been mindful about shifting over the tenure of our current administration.
    

    In 2019 our organization moved towards recognizing and augmenting our official Equity and Inclusion Policy, as well as created a number of new positions for team members who will help us to focus and execute projects aimed at creating further diversity and support in the doula and childbirth educator professions.
    

    We are pleased to have added male doulas and educators to our roster of members this past year, and look forward to seeing how they buttress their passion for supporting their communities.  There is no doubt in our minds that these men are nothing but incredible people who will make fantastic doulas as they move through certification.
    

    We are also moving beyond Canada to raise awareness and create greater access to doula care.  Doula Canada, in partnership with Wombs of the World, will be working with primary care providers and hospital staff in Tanzania to develop a doula training.   One of our goals of this training is to create job-sustainability and a doula economy that the residents of the Karatu district can have access to.   We have also started a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for a much needed ultrasound machine at the DD Hospital.  This machine will change lives!  For more or to donate visit here.
    

    Of course we recognize there are still a number of communities and persons in Canada who we can do better to support, and our team is devoted to working with our members to create opportunities and reach goals here at home.  Miranda Kelly (Indigenous Doula Consultant) and Renee Curry (Fundraising Coordinator), as well as our administrative team and dedicated Provincial Liaisons will be hosting meetings, seeking funding, and preparing project plans.  If you have ideas we would love to connect!
    

    We want to recognize the important work being done to increase access and inclusion by such organizations as BirthMark, the Association of Ontario Doulas, BC Doulas, the BCAAFC, the Doula Fund, and many others who work daily to create equity in our profession and inclusion and access for all persons.
    

    Equity for doulas, but more important equity for the clients we serve should be a leading thought amongst all doula training organizations, associations, agencies, collectives AND independent doula enterprises.  By embracing an equity and inclusion policy and collaborating with our professional colleagues we can begin to change the space of doula support.  Our space can grow, and it can include access and fair involvement for all.
    

    Do you have an equity and inclusion policy in place?  Has it opened doors to collaboration?
    
Leave a comment below:
    

    
			
    
		
    
		
	
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    Bilingual Support:  Meet Bridget Graham
    
			
    Bilingual Support:  Meet Bridget Graham
    
			
    In 2019 Doula Canada has set a goal of supporting our diverse population of doulas and childbirth educators.
    

    One of the main initiatives in this goal has been to hire more bilingual staff… and Bridget Graham is exactly that!
    

    This Nova Scotia residing doula has recently accepted the position of Provincial Liaison for Quebec, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.
    

    Along with our recent partnership with Collège communautaire du Nouveau-Brunswick, we hope to not only be teaching our programs in both French and English by year’s end, but also be supporting our students in the language of their choice coast-to-coast-to-coast.
    

    Thank you Bridget for joining our team!  We are excited for what is to come.
    

    Learn more about Bridget:
    

    What brought you to work with Doula Canada?
    
Dès le début de mes études avec Doula Canada en juillet 2017, j’ai toujours trouvé
    
que l’organisation est superbe. A chaque jour les employées et les étudiants
    
m’étonnent. Je me compte chanceuse de travailler avec Doula Canada comme
    
Liaison Provinciale pour la Nouvelle-Ecosse, le Nouveau-Brunswick et le Québec.
    

     
    

    Describe some interesting facts about yourself!
    
I currently reside in Halifax, traditionally known as Kjipuktuk in Nova Scotia with
    
my partner Aaron and our cat, Alice. My hobbies include reading, baking, cooking,
    
making preserves and knitting. I am currently learning to quilt.
    


    
Describe your current job/profession or professional/personal
    
experience:
    
I am the current Engagement Retention Coordinator with the College of
    
Sustainability at Dalhousie University. In the past I have also served as the
    
Academic Advisor and Program Manager for the College of Sustainability.
    
I began my journey as a Doula in 2017, and since then I have attended two births
    
for my certification. Above all, I get the greatest joy from helping and supporting
    
others so my work as a doula allows me to do just that.
    

     
    

    Describe any achievements, publications or presentation you have completed to
    
date.
    

    In May 2015 I received my Bachelor of Arts Combined Honours degree in
    
Environment, Sustainability and Society, as well as Canadian Studies. In 2017, I
    
received my Master of Arts degree in Canadian History. Both of my degrees are
    
from Dalhousie University.
    

    I have presented at the EECOM conference in October
    
2018 on student engagement via social media.
    
Describe any personal or professional memberships, certificates or awards you
    
have received.
    

    I am currently a member of the Nova Scotia Doula Association, as well as a Board
    
Member for the Midwifery Coalition of Nova Scotia, Abortion Support Services
    
Atlantic and the Halifax Women’s History Society. I am a Sparks leader for Girl
    
Guides, I am a member of the Students on Ice Alumni Council, as well as a member
    
of Global Shapers Halifax Hub, and an advisor for the Alpha Eta chapter of Alpha Gamma Delta.
    

    I am so excited for this opportunity and I cannot wait to see what it brings.
    

     
    

    To reach Bridget please email: bridget@stefanie-techops.wisdmlabs.net
    

    
			
    
		
    
		
	
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    Renée Curry: Grant and Fundraising Coordinator
    
			
    Renée Curry: Grant and Fundraising Coordinator
    
			
    Doula Canada is pleased to have Renée Curry joining our administrative team as our Grant and Fundraising Coordinator.
    

    Renée will be working with Doula Canada to create further opportunities to grow the doula and childbirth educator professional across communities in Canada.  She will be actively seeking fundraising and grant opportunities for both Doula Canada projects, but also for partnerships and our members needs.
    

    Learn a bit more about Renée:
    

    

    Tell us about why you are excited to be joining the Doula Canada team Renée.
    

    I am honoured to join the Doula Canada Team as the Grant Coordinator. It is evident that Doula Canada is an organization dedicated to the success of its students. Its spirit of collaboration and mentorship is refreshing and its truly Canadian beginning is an added bonus!
    

    

    

    What are some things about yourself that our readers may be interested in knowing?
    

    

    I am married and mother to a small brood of six (6) children. I run on hugs, sticky fingers and coffee. I like to collect half read books on my nightstand and to keep my hands busy with crafting (mostly knitting these days but drawing was once my go-to).
    

    

    

    What have you done in your past experiences that have led you to this new role with Doula Canada?
    

    

    My professional experience includes governmental agencies, unions and not-for-profit sector. I have a background in International Development and Women’s Studies which has a allowed me to research autonomy, agency and traditional birthing practices. I have been practicing as a doula for over 10 years and believe that respect is the key to a satisfying birth experience. I have been lucky to learn from some pretty incredible people including Dr. Jack Newman, Phyllis Klaus, Ina May Gaskin, Gail Tully, and Penny Simkin, not to mention the families I have been privileged to serve.
    

    

    What work have you done that is related to doula or childbirth education as developing professions in Canada?
    

    Registered Massage Therapist (MTANS), La Leche League Leader, Co-Chair of the Nova Scotia Doula Association, Certified Child Restraint Technician (CPSAC) and member of the International Association of Infant Massage (IAIM). I was the recipient of the Lifelong Learner Award from the Canadian College of Massage and Hydrotherapy (Halifax) in 2017. Other certificates include: Spinning Babies and Rebozo Connection: The Gena Kirby Method.
    

    

    

    Bienvenue Renée!  We are so pleased to have you joining our team.
    

    


    

    

    
			
    
		
    
		
	
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    Indigenous Doula Consultant: Miranda Kelly
    
			
    Indigenous Doula Consultant: Miranda Kelly
    
			
    Doula Canada is honoured to have Miranda Kelly joining our administrative team as our Indigenous Doula Consultant.
    

    Miranda will be working with Doula Canada to create opportunities and partnerships with our First Nations communities, seek fundraising for collaborative initiatives, and ensure our Doula Canada curriculum speaks to the relationships and experiences of all persons.
    

    Learn a bit more about Miranda:
    

    Why are you excited to be joining the Doula Canada team?
    

    I am so excited to join Doula Canada as the Indigenous Doula Consultant. I love the vibrant Doula Canada community and look forward to the opportunity to contribute to Doula Canada’s excellence in training.
    

    Tell us a bit about yourself!
    

    I am of Stό:lō (People of the River) and mixed settler ancestry. I was raised in my home community, Soowahlie First Nation (near Chilliwack, BC).  I carry the ancestral name of Tilyen, and I strive to bring honour to this name and my ancestors by working in service to First Nations and other Indigenous peoples.  I have enjoyed living on the beautiful unceded, ancestral lands of Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Peoples since 2009. I am a wife and mother to two young children.
    

    What has been your experience in the doula world?
    

    I am a birth and postpartum doula serving Indigenous and non-Indigenous families in Vancouver, BC. Prior to starting my doula practice, I worked for ten years in Indigenous Peoples’ health planning, policy, education, and research. I hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and Psychology, and a Master of Public Health Degree.
    

    What are other relevant experiences you feel are important to your new role with Doula Canada?
    

    From 2011-2016, I contributed to the ongoing transformation of First Nations health governance in BC that saw the creation of a first-of-its-kind First Nations Health Authority and the transfer of federal programs and services to the control of First Nations. I have provided guest lectures and conference panel and keynote presentations to wide audiences, including health sciences students, faculty, researchers, frontline health care professionals, and government partners. 
    

    I have previously volunteered with the Chilliwack General Hospital, Vancouver Island Health Authority, Urban Native Youth Association, Vancouver Aboriginal Transformative Justice Services Society, Mavis McMullen Housing Society, Canadian Public Health Association, and the Pacific Post Partum Support Society.
    

    What are you currently involved in?
    

    I currently practice as a member of the ekw’í7tl Indigenous Doula Collective. I am also a member of the BC Doula Services Association. I am proudly certified as a birth and postpartum doula through Doula Canada.
    

     
    

    You can reach Miranda directly by emailing miranda@stefanie-techops.wisdmlabs.net
    

    Welcome to our team!