All entrepreneurs should to be celebrated, but the week of March 22 is a very special time. It's a time to shine a light on an unmatched group, doulas. If you aren't familiar with doulas, they see families through the most intense journey of their lifetime: the lead up, birth and aftercare of a new life.
A doula is a "trained professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to a mother before, during and shortly after childbirth to help her achieve the healthiest, most satisfying experience possible," according to DONA International. In short, doulas are miracle workers.
We're honoured to spotlight a few very special doulas from across Canada. Please read on to meet Mira, Casey, Sabrina and Lauren. Four extraordinary women entrepreneurs.
Lauren Matheson / @lsmatheson
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Why did you become a doula?
Years ago, I supported a friend during their first pregnancy, labour and post partum. Through this first birth support, I learned that birth could be a doorway to empowerment and advocacy of the family. It could also be the opposite. Being able to help provide the conditions for the above became the reason for doula-ing.
What is the most rewarding part of being a doula?
The connections that you make and the use of evidence, theory and experience in working with families. I see the relationships we build as quickly changing, working relationships rooted in moments of connection and need. The process of birth support is multifaceted, it is physical, emotional, psychological and critical theory in action. Each phase of birth requires a separate part of the parent to come to the forefront, and in turn a different path for support from their doula. So, truly the birth support relationship is responsive to the people we work with. This is what is most rewarding.
Casey Dutfield / @caseydoula / caseydutfield.com
Toronto, Ontario
Why did you become a doula?
I became a doula because I truly wanted to make a difference for women and birthing people in this transformative time of life. I was lucky enough to have two beautiful birth experiences that I felt supported and in my power but so many of my friends confided in me experiences that were far from my own. They expressed fear and doubt and lack of support and information, and honestly trauma, in their births.
It broke me to hear these stories were so much more common then my experience and I knew I needed to get involved to support women and birthing people and their families during this time. I felt so called to helping them to not only heal that pain but stop that pain from happening.
It is in the role as a doula I learned I can do the most good and that I could offer that level of care that our culture lacks in supporting birthing people and their families during pregnancy birth and the very important often forgotten about postpartum time. It was supporting the birth experience that brought me to this work and it is the support and care that our culture so deeply lacks and is so needed for birthing people in the very transformative postpartum time that inspires me to keep going in my work as a doula.
Is there anything else you'd like the world to know about doulas?
I would love for the whole world to know that a doula is a not a modern invention but is one of the most ancient roles within humanity. That we are not meant to experience this time alone and we do not have to. That experiencing pregnancy birth and postpartum in the presence of a doula you are being offered their experience and wisdom and unwavering unbiased support. That having a doula with you on your journey into parenthood you are being given a strong foundation allowing you to find your confidence to trust yourself within the process. That everyone deserves to feel supported and empowered throughout their entire birthing experience.
Sabrina Flack / @moonsproutdoula / www.moonsprout.ca
Yellowknife, Northwest Territories
Why did you become a doula?
I have always been really fascinated with the body and what it can do. Having struggled with a variety of issues in reproductive health, I took to food for healing and studied holistic nutrition. While in that program, I was really drawn to all things fertility and pregnancy. A conversation with a pregnant friend in class introduced me to what a doula was. I knew immediately that was what I wanted to move towards in my career. I loved the idea of building relationships with families and being there solely to support them with continuous and compassionate care. After my first birth, I was completely changed. The energy felt in a room when a new life arrives earth side, after witnessing a persons strength in labour, is like nothing else I've ever experienced and it continues to be profoundly magical!
What is the most challenging part of your job?
Making doula services accessible. I believe that the type of support we provide to families is essential. Whether its from a friend, family, or doula, access to a person who is informed and knowledgeable about the birthing process and who doesn't leave your side is a human right. Because we aren't covered, not all families have access to this care. I provide a sliding scale for my services so that everyone has the opportunity to have access - but as a small business owner that isn't always easy. A huge reason why I co-founded a new project here in the NWT called the Northern Birthwork Collective is to start to bridge this gap and create a program where families can receive cost-supported doula care.
Mira Kevic / @doulasonbikes / www.doulasonbikes.com
Toronto, Ontario
Why did you become a doula?
To bring power, calm, and peace back to birthing people.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
When someone says they are calmer after visiting and speaking with me!
Anything else you'd like people to know about being a doula?
We’re all very different! If someone wants a doula, then there is the perfect doula out there for them. Also, birthwork is activism.
Feel inspired to start, run or grow your doula business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.
