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!

 

 

I’ve been fascinated with pregnancy and childbirth for as long as I can remember. Having closely followed the pregnancies of dear friends and family, I was witness to the incredible changes that occur during this remarkably powerful, yet vulnerable time; I simply knew that bringing support, comfort, and peace during these precious moments was where I needed to be. I draw upon my 12+ years working with families in a childcare setting to guide me as I provide individualized, nurturing, and attentive care to my clients. I do this by listening to and appreciating your preferences, nourishing you deeply and wholly, and by equipping you with accurate, evidence-based information so that you may navigate these new waters more confidently. I’ll encourage you to breath out tension and fear, and to listen to your intuition, as there is so much deeply-rooted knowledge in the body. And I’ll still be here to help as you come into your own as parents, encouraging you in all your magnificence (and feeding you banana bread!). When I’m not at a birth or reading up on all things birth-related, I’m probably rock climbing, adventuring (either in the city, or to far-off places), getting lost in nature, or perfecting my morning latte. I also love cooking, and am happiest when I’m sharing a heartwarming meal with the people I love.

 

 

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.

 

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!

 

 

I’ve been fascinated with pregnancy and childbirth for as long as I can remember. Having closely followed the pregnancies of dear friends and family, I was witness to the incredible changes that occur during this remarkably powerful, yet vulnerable time; I simply knew that bringing support, comfort, and peace during these precious moments was where I needed to be. I draw upon my 12+ years working with families in a childcare setting to guide me as I provide individualized, nurturing, and attentive care to my clients. I do this by listening to and appreciating your preferences, nourishing you deeply and wholly, and by equipping you with accurate, evidence-based information so that you may navigate these new waters more confidently. I’ll encourage you to breath out tension and fear, and to listen to your intuition, as there is so much deeply-rooted knowledge in the body. And I’ll still be here to help as you come into your own as parents, encouraging you in all your magnificence (and feeding you banana bread!). When I’m not at a birth or reading up on all things birth-related, I’m probably rock climbing, adventuring (either in the city, or to far-off places), getting lost in nature, or perfecting my morning latte. I also love cooking, and am happiest when I’m sharing a heartwarming meal with the people I love.

 

 

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.