The Doula Collective

Meet The Doulas

Nicola Syed CLA, CPD, CBE

I have been married for 16 years to a wonderful man named Joe and we have three beautiful children aged 16, 14 and 3. I moved to Ontario in 2001 from England and before that I worked as a daycare provider and private nanny.

I had fabulous support after the birth of my first two babies from my mother in law and my good friend and neighbor Mary that I wanted to be able to provide this level of care for other women that often find themselves separated from family during their transition into motherhood. My second labour and delivery was almost pain free and this started me on my quest for information. My third labour and birth was made so much easier by my labour doula despite a persistent posterior presentation. This lit a flame inside of me to want to be involved in the whole process of labour, birth and postpartum care for other women.

I have trained and certified with CAPPA (Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Association) as a postpartum doula.  I have also trained and certified with ALACE (Association of Labour Assistants and Childbirth Educators) as a professional labour assistant. I can offer compassionate and educated support to you and your family during your pregnancy and birth.

I am also a trained childbirth educator (ALACE) and offer classes to provide education in breastfeeding, comfort measures during labour, baby wearing and childbirth preparation. 

I am dedicated to helping new moms realize the emotionally rewarding experience of breastfeeding their babies. I have breastfed all of my children and I am still nursing my three year old son. I am a member of La Leche League and provide peer support through local breastfeeding organizations and resource centers. I try to continually improve my knowledge and skills through regular workshops and  completed  seminars on breastfeeding, homeopathy and advanced comfort measures for labour. I am trained in first aid, CPR and completed a neonatal resuscitation program through my local hospital.  I recently certified as a Reiki practitioner.

My experiences in labour and childbirth include the following: hospital birth, home birth, water birth, planned cesarean, emergency cesarean, multiples, VBAC, hypnobirthing techniques, unmedicated birth, epidural use, teen pregnancy and delivery, adoption and neonatal loss. I have attended over 80 births to date and offer a placenta encapsulation service to new moms upon request.

I now reside in Midland, and continue to practice there as well as work as a birth attendant with Nottawasaga Midwives(www.midwivesnottawasaga.org) and hold privilages at Collingwood General and Marine hospital You can view my other website at www.childbirthchoices.biz. Feel free to e mail me at nicolasyed@rogers.com.
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Kimberly Hasson CLA,CBE

In 2002, while pregnant with my first child, I completed the ALACE doula training workshop. I went on to be one of the first certified ALACE labour assistants in Essex County. I have attended 33+ births with 8 of those births being VBACS. I have a passion for VBAC births.

I started my Childbirth Education training with ALACE in 2007. With a focus on private home classes, and specialty classes. I am an active member of the Canadian La Leche League since 2002. I have an extensive reading list and lending library available to all my clients and their family. I am a worshipping Christian mother of two children. Devoted wife to David, my husband.

I believe that with every life experience, there is a learning process. With every birth, I am in awe at the differences, and the new knowledge offered with each new bundle of joy brought into this world in Gods' hands. I am constantly updating my knowledge of childbirth, breastfeeding and holistic practices through local courses .

Email me at toomums@sympatico.ca or thedoulacollective@sympatico.ca.

Jennifer Cox RPN, LA, PPD

Is a mother who has experienced both a hospital birth and a home waterbirth. In 1996, she began studying nursing in hopes that this would bring the satisfaction derived from helping others. Two and a half years into the training she realized she may have been mistaken. At this point, she took a break from western medicine and dove into studies as a holistic health care practitioner, incorporating many healing modalities, some of which include aromatherapy, therapeutic touch, applied resonance (the use of tuning forks on the body), colon hydrotherapy, herbology, reflexology, acupressure massage, holistic nutrition including herbs, holistic wound care management and most recently, a total love and respect for homeopathy. In 2001, she received her certificate in Practical Nursing. She now runs her own eclectic gift shop/ music academy called Earthen Herbals Beacon Music Academy. It is here in which Jennifer makes herbal and aromatherapy products for moms and babies. Her business is located at 9733 Tecumseh Rd E in Windsor. You can visit her website at www.earthenherbals.ca or email her personally earthenherbals@gmail.com She is the second attendant with the Midwifery Collective of Essex County, attending planned homebirths monthly with Andrea Cassidy, RM. While in school for nursing, she spent many independent hours working in the Pre-natal Assessment Clinic and Maternal Newborn Clinic. She did clinical rotations at the old Grace Hospital and Windsor Regional in Obstetrics as well as Labour and Delivery. She is currently a Registered Practical Nurse, CAPPA trained postpartum doula, self-trained labour assistant and is certified in Advanced Cardiac Life Support, First Aid, CPR and Neo-natal Resuscitation. Jennifer is currently working towards her BScN in hopes of one day becomming a nurse practitioner. She has attended over 50 births to date.

Kristi Benjamin, L.D.

I reside in the southern most town of Kingsville, Ontario . I live in my home with my husband Bryan, and my beautiful daughter Jaden.  I am a stay at home mom. I have completed the CAPPA labour assistant program and am currently providing doula care that is so desperately needed in Essex County. After a traumatizing c-section with my daughter, I realized that the birth “scene” was something to be desired in our community. As a birth doula I look forward to learning, educating and sharing my experiences with expectant couples .I will be apprenticing under supportive certified doulas, and continuing my education through available programs.you can email me at k_bradt@bell.net Check out my personal site at http://www.doulaneedme.weebly.com/

“Birth is the sudden opening of a window, through which you look out upon a stupendous prospect. For what has happened? A miracle. You have exchanged nothing for the possibility of everything.”  ~ William MacNeile Dixon

Laurel Hicks,C.L.D., E-RYT

Laurel began her journey to being a Doula by first teaching prenatal and mom & baby yoga. She enjoys bringing an hour of calmness and peace to her students through the practice of yoga and feels that this is such an important part of well-being during pregnancy and beyond. She is known for her warm, gentle and compassionate approach to helping her yoga students and doula clients enjoy being in their bodies.

After hearing stories from her yoga students about their birth experience, she began to understand the importance of relaxation and focus during labour. Many of her students expressed that of all the things they did to prepare for birth, yoga was by far the most valuable (you can read some testimonials here). This naturally led to Laurel to explore first hand how yoga can assist in childbirth. Becoming a Doula just made sense at this point. Laurel has been a certified labour doula since October 2010. She is excited to continue integrating her skills as a prenatal yoga and meditation teacher with supporting women through their labour and delivery and beyond.

In addition to her yoga and Doula practice, Laurel is very involved in non-profit work. In 2009, she travelled to Cambodia with Seane Corn, Suzanne Sterling and twenty other beautiful yoginis to volunteer with the Cambodian Children’s Fund in helping rescue children from working and living in a garbage dump. Check out the Outreach page on her website for more information. Laurel is now teaching yoga to at-risk youth in Windsor, Ontario and believes that bringing the tools of yoga to this population will give them the much needed tools to help improve their lives.

More information can be found at www.laurelhicks.com or you may email her with any questions laurelhicksyoga@gmail.com.

Angela Yakonich

Rhea Eady, C.L.D, CAPPA

Having spent her childhood growing up on an organic farm in Eastern Ontario, Rhea was introduced to birth at a very young age.  Part of this was watching and assisting animal’s birth, which was fascinating as each one was always guaranteed to be different.  The foundation of this inspired her passion for human birth, women’s health, and the body’s natural ability to heal itself.      

At around the age of 16 Rhea started reading about birth, both modern medical techniques and traditional midwifery.  Something in her findings moved her towards a more natural approach to birth similar to what she had witnessed growing up.  “I love the whole process from start to finish. Women are amazingly powerful creatures, I truly believe a woman's body has the ability to birth a baby, it is often the mind that needs coaching. The whole process is a beautiful thing.” After birthing a daughter of her own at home while under the care of Midwifes and a Doula, her passion was solidified even further.  Rhea encourages women and their families to explore their feelings and beliefs surrounding birth and devise a plan that is right for them.  Knowing whether it is a home, hospital or VBAC, each woman will have different needs and desires.

Professionally Rhea has worked in the field of holistic health since 2002, including consumer education.  She has worked as a  Doula & Prenatal Educator since 2009.   Rhea is a member of CAPPA Canada and Doula C.A.R.E and hopes to one day study midwifery.  Currently Rhea incorporates many modalities in her practice including reiki, yoga, aromatherapy, massage, acupressure and vocal toning.  She is a well-travelled and spirited woman who is passionate about birth.   At the moment Rhea is living in Windsor Ontario with her daughter, loving husband Stephan, and their dog Lucy.

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Rhea Eady

Heather Bain

I live in the beautiful town of Tecumseh with my husband Jason, son Jacob and my daughter Julia. I experienced a hospital birth with an ob/gyn and an epidural for my son and a natural home birth for my daughter. I am grateful for both experiences. Having personally experienced both sides of the birth spectrum allows me to connect on many different levels and wishes with clients.

After the birth of my son, feeling very isolated and lost I slowly began the decent into postpartum depression. Having to walk that path made me realize that there were a lot of new moms that had the same feelings as I did. I felt a great need to find some way that I could help support them. So began my journey as a birth doula.

My certification through DONA (Doulas of North America) allows me to support my client not only after the birth of their child, but during pregnancy and birth as well.

Jessica Mendez

I have been in the fitness industry for over 5 years as a certified personal trainer thru Canfitpro. I specialize in pre and post natal fitness and enjoy helping woman get stronger to prepare for birth. It has been remarkable to be able to help woman throughout their pregnancy and also assist in the delivery of there baby.

I experienced my first birth with the delivery of my nephew Jacob, five years ago. It was an experience that was incredible and moving. In 2009, my sister and I decided to take the DONA International course together. We have since then, supported several woman separately and togther in this journey. I've enjoyed going to workshops and conferences to learn more education about breastfedding, labour, supporting and comfort measures. I am expecting my first child this December 2010. My husband and I are looking forward to meeting our little girl.

Tara Varga

Yvonne Brusse

For much of my adult life I have been interested in cultural anthropology--in particular as it pertains to pregnancy and birth--child-raising and community.
My family and I have both travelled to, and lived in, a variety of communities.  Some of these include the Fijian Islands in which we spent close to a year living with Fijian people in two rural villages; and a one month visit to "The Farm" in Summertown Tennessee-- an intentional community (in the early 1980's) of 300 people. 
This community has been the home of Ina-Mae Gaskin--- well-known midwife and author of numerous books on midwifery.
During the mid-nineties, we as a family lived for 4 years in another 'Kibbutz style" community, as well.

So...as a result of these ‘village'-type living experiences—I’ve formed some opinions on both the need for, and the importance of--community support of the family.  In particular, the young and/or 'expectant' family.
It is as a doula that I hope to bring an aspect of 'community' support to the 'expectant' mom, spouse and family. All cultures share the tradition of women supporting other women throughout the pregnancy and birthing process.

And in all traditions since ancient times; pregnancy and birth have been regarded as times of celebration--- both of new life and of the strength and power of the women who form its very heart. As a doula, I have a strong respect for-- and a trust in-- a woman's ability to give birth. It is a natural process.  It is also a rite of passage.   A very significant and celebratory time in a woman's life. 

I speak from both first-hand, and second hand personal experience!   I have 3 daughters; the youngest age 7---my oldest at this point a young mother herself, and my middle daughter a blossoming teenager.   I’m also grandmother to one grand-daughter; 6 years of age, as well as twin grand-sons who were born in the autumn of 2010.

My oldest daughter was born in a hospital with a doctor; my two youngest at home with a midwife in attendance.  My oldest daughter herself has experienced one hospital birth with a midwife in attendance, as well as a C-section with the birth of her twins.

Educational Background 

* In addition to being CAPPA trained as a doula, I am also a graduate of an accredited college of massage (4 semester program)  ‘Pregnancy massage’     being one of the specific areas of training.

* I am currently scheduled for OSCE exams later this summer in order to become fully registered as a massage therapist.

* I am also EMCA registered--(Emergency medical care assistant) and a graduate of Humber College's Ambulance and Emergency Care program.

Where I Come In As Your Doula

As your doula, I will provide resources of information which are helpful in order for you to more fully understand what is involved in the modern birthing process.  Through this information, you will become more informed, and therefore more able to make  informed choices as to what you would like your 'birth plan' to include (or to not include). 
And if you have any more questions--well-- I will help you to find out the answers!
I will provide you ‘links’ to videos/information-- which show/explain the various ways in which women choose to give birth--both in hospital, and at home attended by a midwife.
I will explain to you the stages of labour and what to expect with each stage.  I will also explain and demonstrate what are some of the various techniques I can use to help you during your labour in order to help you feel more comfortable.

As a CAPPA trained doula, I will be with you throughout your labour in order to actively support you in your choices for your birth plan.  This support will take whatever form that you are most comfortable with in that moment; breath coaching, massage and touch support, emotional encouragement, changes of position to help with labour progression--  these are all things which will be discussed well in advance in order to determine what works best for you and your partner.

Looking forward to meeting/chatting with you!  My email is: yvonne1970@live.ca
 

Stephanie Rodgers

I am the single mother of a precocious and energetic little boy, named Ethan.  I have lived in Windsor much of my life.  I studied at the University of Windsor and achieved an undergraduate degree in psychology as well as a minor in women`s studies at the.  I currently work at a homeless shelter for women called the Well-Come Centre for Human Potential.  Through my position at the centre I have gained experience advocating, educating and supporting women from many diverse backgrounds. 

When I had my son in 2004 I was fairly uneducated in the area of labour and delivery, and as such I was not prepared for the journey upon which I had embarked.  After coming to terms with my disappointing labour and delivery I decided I would like to draw from my experience and offer my services to women seeking support and the opportunity to make informed decisions regarding their labour and delivery.   I would like to employ the skills that I have developed and applied in my current career to work with a different demographic of women in a very different setting and situation.  I received my Labour Doula training through CAPPA Canada, and I look forward to using my knowledge to improve families’ birthing experiences. 

Whitney O'Neill

Gillian Slate

My passion for childbirth began when I became pregnant with my son.  I began researching my options for prenatal care, labour, and delivery and was shocked at all of the misinformation and unnecessary interventions there are.  My husband and I made the decision to deliver our son at home under the care of midwives and we couldn’t have been happier with our choice.
I am a huge supporter of informed choice and will support families in whatever birthing environment they choose.  My goal is to help make your birth experience everything you want it to be.  Birth does not have to be viewed as a scary or painful event; it is a beautiful, natural, and empowering experience.
I have recently completed my Labour Doula through CAPPA and am working towards my certification.  For more information please visit www.gillianslate.weebly.com or contact me at gillian.slate@gmail.com.

Santina Rivest

I am happily married to my husband Kevin of four years and we have one child Benjamin. I have completed my Doula training through CAPPA.
 
I had a hospital birth for Ben, and it was pretty good as far as a "normal" hospital delivery goes. Was enduced, and eventually had the epidural. I actually wanted to have a Doula and
because of various reason chose not to. Had there been a Doula there, with my husband, mom, and I, it definatly would have been the delivery I wanted and hoped for.
 
I decided to become a Doula because that was what I missed in my labour and delivery and it was something that I desperatly needed. I want to encourage women to be educated and make
desicions that way. So they can have the birth experience that they deserve. As a Doula I look forward to continuing my education, learning something from each birth I attend and making every couple
have the confidence they deserve to have an amazing birth experience.

Kyrsten Burns

I always knew I wanted to experience the joy of pregnancy to become a mother. In August of 2010 my husband Mike and I welcomed our son Emerson into our lives. When we became pregnant we had a desire to learn more. We attended a prenatal course and I continued to be active with prenatal yoga and aqua fit while devouring every baby book I could get my hands on. We became empowered with the help of a Doula and excited for labour as well as prepared for the birth process.

After having the skills and support of a certified Doula at our own birth, I knew I wanted to help women and their partners feel as confident and supported for labour as Mike and I were. With this in mind I became a trained CAPPA Canada (Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Association) Labour Doula in May of 2011. I am continuing my education with several courses and certifications including lactation educator (September 2011).

Pregnancy is an exciting yet sometimes overwhelming time. Having the added assistance of professional labour support gives comfort and control to the labouring mother, her partner and supporting family members.  I am excited to instill this confidence of informed choice and witness your strength as you go through your pregnancy and labour to have a successful delivery. All couples can achieve their best birth by gathering knowledge from many sources. As your Doula I will be a resource of information and comfort measures during your entire birthing experience.

For more information on how I can help during this exciting time please contact me through my website www.thehappydoula.ca or directly at kburns@thehappydoula.ca