My name is Iliana (she/her). I feel that having started my doula journey as a younger person is an advantage because it allows me to bring my enthusiasm, skills, and energy to clients without any pre-conditioned biases about "shoulds" in parenting. 
I am a nurturer by nature, having grown up in a large, close family. I LOVE to cook, clean (yes, I would go so far as to say that cleaning is a passion), and above all, love working with families.
I have spent many years working in an athletic therapy clinic, having a very hands on roll for the clients. I assist with treatments, provide support for those in pain and in need of guidance or even just connection. I am the clinic's resident babysitter when parents come in for treatment.
Working with a variety of people in the healing profession, I have come to realize I have the qualities that contribute to the calming, nurturing, and supportive care that makes people feel better. I have tutored kids struggling with academic subjects and have found that I know how to tailor my approach to help them build their self confidence about their unique gifts. I believe that when we are warm and nurturing with people as they learn, they have greater trust in themselves.
We can figure out YOUR values and work together to create strategies that support YOUR unique needs. I have come to see that all parents choose different paths with their babies, and honour what works best for you.

A doula since 2010 and a mother of an awesome son, I have a background in psychology.  With my deep belief that birth matters, my mission is to guide new families through this very special time in their lives by helping them to clarify their preferences, making sure they know what their options are, and always supporting them in their informed choices about pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period. My own personal experience with giving birth showed me how incredibly powerful a woman can be, and at the same time, incredibly vulnerable.  Working with so many families has taught me to be very flexible in my approach, figuring out what my clients’ individual needs are, how I can help them achieve what they are looking for, honouring their uniqueness. Birth is a transformative journey, and I am privileged to undertake it with the families I serve. When I'm not running off to a birth, I enjoy reading, spending time with family and friends, exploring the nooks and crannies of our fabulous city (and others, when I can find the time to travel!), and I plan to take up knitting. Water is incredibly restorative for me and I love to be in it or near it--which explains my son's water birth twelve years ago!

As a doula and a mother, I can tell you I've been there! Though my children are school age now, I remember my postpartum periods very well. It is so easy to get caught up in thinking that we need to please everyone else before taking care of ourselves. The nights are sleepless, the baby wants to feed constantly, and the long days are interspersed with joy, smiles, and tears.
I have always known I wanted to be a mother. Before having children, I had the opportunity to study, to teach and perform in the Montreal Theatre Community, to travel, run a day camp, become certified in perinatal massage therapy, and organize fundraising events. The skills I have accumulated along my path have made me the doula I am today. I have brought my experiences with families, community events, and nurturing touch into one beautiful career! I am so honoured to be welcomed into the homes of new and growing families to offer a listening ear and an extra pair of arms to ensure families get the best start on this crazy adventure called Life.
I am someone who has a lifetime of experience in existing within large, people-filled event spaces. One having a bride with a toddler and a baby in tow myself, however, I still felt like I had too many things to take care of such as people to greet and make small talk with, little bums to change, infant fussiness to tend to, never mind my clothing to manage while breastfeeding! I knew I couldn't be the only one struggling and preoccupied throughout a major event that was supposed to be celebratory.
My doula speciality is that I attend events as an extension of new and often overwhelmed parents. I take on the diaper changes so the fancy clothes aren't in danger, my sober eye is always on the baby, no matter who has them in their arms, I manage the germ control and baby handling many parents feel shy about requesting, I dry the tears of parental overwhelm, create a safe, quiet space in which you and process any family dynamics drama, and anticipate needs you won't even know you'll have.
Being an "Event Doula" is a joy for me to bring to the MotherWit table of doula offerings, reducing the stress levels and increasing the fun for families with babies! I couldn't be more honoured to have been the one to test these waters...or dance on them, as the case may be!

When my first baby was born, I quickly learned how under-supported parents are in our society. Who could I turn to when my baby would not latch or sleep, and how could I get over the feeling that it was somehow my fault?
My path to becoming a postpartum doula began with this all-too-common experience of loneliness, exhaustion, and anxiety. Now, I am here to support parents during their difficult – and immensely rewarding – journeys. 
As a mom of two and a pre- and post-natal yoga teacher, becoming a postpartum doula was a logical progression in my mission to help parents.
I am a 500-hour +++ certified yoga teacher, specializing in gentle movement for pregnant and recently pregnant bodies. I'm obsessed with the Pelvic Floor!! As a science nerd, I focus on nervous system down-regulation through pranayama (breath-work) and asana (yoga poses), as well as meditation and mindfulness. My yoga classes focus on health, not weight loss. I am also a certified elimination communication and potty training coach, offering group workshops and individual consultations aimed at helping you and your child transition away from diapers. 
I firmly believe that new parents – especially birth-givers – need to commune with each other during this adjustment period. Babies are hard work, requiring dedication and presence.

We can meet this challenge with grace TOGETHER.

My name is Iliana (she/her). I feel that having started my doula journey as a younger person is an advantage because it allows me to bring my enthusiasm, skills, and energy to clients without any pre-conditioned biases about "shoulds" in parenting. 
I am a nurturer by nature, having grown up in a large, close family. I LOVE to cook, clean (yes, I would go so far as to say that cleaning is a passion), and above all, love working with families.
I have spent many years working in an athletic therapy clinic, having a very hands on roll for the clients. I assist with treatments, provide support for those in pain and in need of guidance or even just connection. I am the clinic's resident babysitter when parents come in for treatment.
Working with a variety of people in the healing profession, I have come to realize I have the qualities that contribute to the calming, nurturing, and supportive care that makes people feel better. I have tutored kids struggling with academic subjects and have found that I know how to tailor my approach to help them build their self confidence about their unique gifts. I believe that when we are warm and nurturing with people as they learn, they have greater trust in themselves.
We can figure out YOUR values and work together to create strategies that support YOUR unique needs. I have come to see that all parents choose different paths with their babies, and honour what works best for you.