As a self care advocate and doula I see my role as primarily providing important emotional, physical and spiritual preparation for and after a monumental change. I am also a resource to couples I work with by helping navigate medical terminology, protocols and systems, while encouraging empowerment in a woman’s ability to birth.
In 2004, I completed my prenatal yoga teacher training with Janice Clarfield and continued to expand my studies and knowledge though my own experience of pregnancy in 2010. As an yoga instructor, I have exceed over 8000 teaching hours since 2003 and specialize in safe anatomical movement. I believe that teaching from the bones of the body provides authentic balance, safety and sustainability in everyones practice. Yoga's clarity through simplicity, the inner and outer strength it brings and the mindfulness it builds continues to inspire me. My path as a support provider began while pregnant with my first child. It was then I met my mentor, Sasha Padron, while taking a prenatal class at Yoga Space in Toronto. I had the intention of becoming a Doula as soon as I completed my prenatal yoga training in 2004 but after finishing a CAPPA training to 2005 I was left with a yearning for more knowledge and understanding how I could really be essential to supporting a new mother in a pre and post natal role. Once I experienced labour and birth myself, it became clear to me that assisting a woman through her pregnancy and birth was not something I could learn from by reading books or roleplaying. Quite similar to my experience and growth through becoming a yoga instructor, the best way I could learn was though apprenticeship. I worked closely with my mentor for 4 years - she is a guiding light and constant source of inspiration. Pregnancy and birth is a sacred time to be cherished and protected. It is always an honour to give support to a woman/couple as they enter this new chapter of life. |