Birth and postpartum Doula
Childbirth Education
Professional photography
Placenta Art + Encapsulation

Serving the Sea to Sky region
Squamish | Whistler | Pemberton | Vancouver

“In giving birth to our babies, we may find that we give birth to new possibilities within ourselves."

~ Myla and Jon Kabat-Zinn

 

I have been attending births since 2013. My first foray into birth work was through my love of photography. I’ve since received awards and accolades for the priceless moments I’ve captured. I have been published in various newspapers and online journals.

However, it wasn’t until I began intuitively stepping in as a doula that I discovered my true calling — Supporting folks through the process of labor, birth, postpartum, and everything that comes next. My drive to demystify the birth process is why I became formally certified as a doula. My education in this field is always evolving. I’ve been referred to as a “serial course-taker” in an attempt to satiate my hunger for knowledge.

I happily practice in the Sea to Sky region, serving Squamish, Whistler, Pemberton, and Vancouver.

Testimonials

“We recently moved to Squamish, and had no idea what a wonderful community we were stepping into. Katia connected us with all of the resources we needed to have a happy, safe pregnancy and delivery. I had some complications with my sciatic nerve and she was able to recommend a caring, attentive chiropractor in addition to all she did for us during the birth. She was a joy to have at the birth of our son!”

— A. N.

“All I have to say is that pregnancy and birth are no joke! Having Katia by our side was the best choice we ever made. The assistance she gave us sifting through all of the online information, and stories from friends and family was so valuable. She made us feel confident and at ease. The food she made us afterwards was the best meal I’ve ever had in my life! I was so hungry and she knew just what I needed!”

— F. S.

“The best investment we ever made was to hire a doula. The birth had some complications due to being premature, and having her there as someone experienced in navigating the hospital really helped my wife. After our baby was born she made sure to get us all settled in for the night, so we could rest and enjoy the little bundle that had arrived early, much to our surprise.

— B. H.

DOULA SERVICES

EDUCATION | SUPPORT | CONFIDENCE

 
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Hi there, my name is Katia, and I am a total birth nerd.

I strive to make you feel heard, supported, and safe during your birth experience.

I have been attending births since 2012, in both Squamish and Vancouver BC, Canada. I attend home births and hospital births, and I would be honored to join your support team.

Pregnancy is a trip! You may feel a range of emotions - joy, relief, excitement - perhaps even fear, sadness, and uncertainty. You may have a lot of symptoms and sensations happening in your body that you’re not familiar with. You may have lots of questions or concerns. Pregnancy also comes with advice and stories from friends, family, books, the internet. Some of this advice and information is welcome, some maybe not so much. I recognize that these can be turbulent waters to navigate. Having an experienced doula along your journey is a priceless investment.

I see you, I hear you, and I’m here for you!

When I join your birth team, we will work together to ensure you are educated and informed about the normal, physiological process of birth, as well as surgical birth options. Together, we will go through the benefits and risks that accompany all of the options that may be presented to you during your pregnancy and birth. I aim to demystify this experience for you. I want you (and your supporters) to feel confident, comfortable, and prepared. I can assist you in creating a birth plan that will empower you to make your own decisions based on a thorough benefits vs risk analysis. I have vast networks of resources, and access to evidence-based information. I will support and encourage you through the weeks leading up to the big day! I will be there with you through labor and birth, and I will settle you into postpartum while your family sinks into your new normal.

BIRTH DOULA PACKAGE - $1650

• Complimentary consultation, via Zoom
• Ongoing support via phone call, text message, or email from the date of hire
• 2 prenatal visits
• Assistance in creating your birth preferences, if desired
• In-person support during the labor and birth of your baby
• Complimentary access to my extensive lending library of books

• Immediate feeding support following birth (breastfeeding, bottle/formula feeding, combination feeding)
• After the birth of your baby, I will get you nourished, hydrated, and all snuggled up for much-needed rest
• 2 postpartum visits

OPTIONAL ADD-ON SERVICES:

• Professional Birth Photography $450+ | more info
• Professional Photography - Family, Maternity, Newborn, Lifestyle $295+ | more info
• Private Childbirth Education Classes $350+ | more info
• Postpartum Doula Support $38 hourly day/$48 hourly overnight (travel extra if outside of Squamish) | more info <- under construction
• TENS machine rental for labor $90+ (deposit required) | more info
• Birth pool rental $200+ | more info
• Placenta encapsulation, print, or umbilical cord keepsake $350+
• Breast milk keepsake jewellery*

*this service is referred out to a trusted jeweller that I love to work with!

THE Finer DETAILS

During our consultation, you can ask questions about my philosophies surrounding birth, my experience, or anything else you’d like to know. The consult is casual - I would like to get to know each other, so we can determine if we are the right fit.

Once I join your birth team, we will get down to business! During your pregnancy, please reach out for anything you need. I will be available to you or your family via phone, text, or email. We will start your prenatal visits in the late 2nd or early 3rd trimester. Each visit typically lasts 2 hours. Our primary goals are building your confidence to have your desired birth experience. We will go through the stages of what a physiological birth may look and feel like, as well as what surgical/cesarean birth may look like. Through this, we will cover any questions or concerns you may have. I will also guide you through the creation of your birth preferences, if desired. I can provide evidence-based resources on any aspect of your birth plan.

As you near the end of your pregnancy, I am on-call for you and your family. This starts when you are 37 weeks. What this means, is I will be available to attend your birth any time, day OR night! Do not hesitate to reach out to me during this time frame. I am here for you!

When the big day finally comes, I will guide you through early labor, and join you when things get going. I will be there with you until your baby is born. Labor and birth support looks different for each birthing person. Often, just having somebody there who is well-versed in what birth truly looks like is enough to ease any worries or fears. I am there to support the birthing person, as well as the partner. Where applicable, I will show your partner how to comfort and encourage you, as this hormonal exchange during the birth process is beneficial. It assists with bonding as a new family unit. Other types of support typically include verbal coaching, acupressure, pain relief techniques, massage, physical support (you can literally lean on me during your birth sensations!) nourishment and hydration, feeding other children if applicable, taking your dog out for a pee, you get the idea. These are all things that your primary care provider is NOT responsible for. I am there to fill in all of the physical and emotional gaps. I want to make your birth process as comfortable and worry-free as possible, for you and your partner.

Once your baby is born, you will be left to soak in all of the delicious hormones, but not before I take down the birth pool (if at home), do some light tidying, and ensure everyone is happy, healthy, hydrated, and nourished! I want to set you up for a blissful post-baby rest.

I will check in on you guys within 24 hours of birth. You will also receive a postpartum visit, which may consist of debriefing your birth experience, light housekeeping, meal preparation, breastfeeding assistance, and anything else you need.

2023 AVAILABILITY

Babies are rarely born on their due dates, so this can change quickly! Please reach out to check current availability

Book a Consultation

Let’s schedule a video chat! I would love to know more about you, and your goals for your prenatal, birth, and postpartum period! Consultations typically last 30-45 minutes