Hey mamas đ¤ I'm Bri, a Holistic Birth, Postpartum & Bereavement Doula based in Ontario, Canada! I wanted to share a bit about myself and where I started âĽď¸
My journey to becoming a doula started with my own story, but it didnât end there. When I was pregnant with my daughter, Nova-Rain đ, I knew something wasnât right, but my concerns were brushed off. I was told that everything I felt was ânormal pregnancy symptomsââeven though I knew deep down that it wasnât.
When my OB returned at 37 weeks, she noticed that Nova had stopped growing, and I was told I needed to be induced. That news turned into a whirlwind birth experience where I felt completely out of control. I was pressured into an epidural, told to labor on my back, and faced the possibility of a C-section. It was terrifying, but I pushed through with everything I had, and Nova arrived at just 4 pounds.
Her first weeks were spent in the NICU, struggling with breathing, feeding, and gaining weight. She dropped to 3.5 pounds at one point, and those days felt like an eternity. I didnât have the support I needed, so I did what I couldâI researched, I advocated, and I spoke up for Novaâs care. Eventually, we got the help we needed, and a few days later, she came home. It was such a relief, but I couldnât stop thinking about how different things could've been.
Seeing my friends and family go through their own challenges in the medical systemâfeeling ignored, pressured, and brushed offâmade me realize that my story wasnât unique. It made me so angry to watch people I care about struggle to be heard during such vulnerable moments. No one should have to fight to be listened to, especially during pregnancy, birth, and those early days of motherhood. So I became their advocate.
I created online support groups where moms could connect, share experiences, and find encouragement. Witnessing the strength of these communities fueled my desire to provide even more hands-on support, which led me to embrace my role as a doula. I wanted to be the support I wished Iâd hadâfor all the moms and families out there who deserve to be heard, understood, and respected.
Iâm now sharing my story so that every parent knowsâtheyâre not alone, and they donât have to settle for less than the care they deserve. Whether youâre a first-time mom, young mom, or have been through this before, I'm here to ensure you feel seen, heard, and empowered. Join me in building a supportive villageâyou donât have to navigate this journey alone. đđ¤đż