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I was born for birth work, although it wasn’t until about 5 years ago that I uncovered the deep calling that connected me to this path.

After pursuing an education first in Social Work, and then Women’s Studies – I finally became clear on my true career direction when I recognized the transformative power birth has on us as individuals, as families, and as communities. Birth is our shared experience as human beings. Our entrance to the world shapes the people we become.

I believe empowerment and intention are our two greatest tools for a successful and healthy birth. As a doula trained by both Wise Woman Way of Birth locally, and internationally through The Matrona, I support diverse families of all backgrounds mentally, physically and emotionally. I do this by providing information and education throughout the pregnancy, with hands on comfort measures during labour and delivery, showing up and supporting in the postpartum period, and by holding space and creating an energetic container for the birthing family to feel safely held during their entire birth experience.

To me, empowerment comes from being educated and aware of all options and choices available to you, as well as recognizing your ability to say an enthusiastic yes, or an equally firm no, about any of them. Pregnancy can be such a magical time filled with new sensations, experiences, and awareness – and at the same time can feel overwhelming with the many changes taking place physically and emotionally. My role is to offer education, support, and my unwavering belief in your ability to grow, nourish, love and birth your baby, and to advocate for you to do it in whatever way feels most aligned and true to you. With the right education, you are empowered to set an intention for your birth experience, and can trust you have the support to make it a reality.

I am gratefully serving families living in the Vancouver, Burnaby, Coquitlam & New Westminster areas.

Honour the space between no longer, and not yet.

 

She was a voice that reminded me how powerful, capable and beautiful my body was.

— Arianna W.

In a delivery where almost nothing went the way we imagined in our birth plan, Carissa was a calming presence that provided an anchor for us.

— Michelle Y.

 

Carissa's approach to being a doula comes from a place of genuine passion to help and stand up for women of all backgrounds, and an eagerness to educate herself and others while also motivating women to realize their personal strengths and capabilities.

— Amanda G.

We all adapted to some challenging and unexpected circumstances and Carissa was an integral part of helping me keep the core elements of my birth plan/desires despite those circumstances.

— Maria L.

 Training & Education

Breastfeeding for Doulas - 2017

Wise Woman Way of Birth Doula Training - 2018

Safe Beginnings Supporting Neonatal Resuscitation - 2020

Safe Beginnings First Aid for the Infant Toddler Years CPR-C/AED Certification - 2020

MotherWit Postpartum Doula Training - 2020

The Matrona Holistic Doula Training - 2020

Molly Dutton-Kenny Full Spectrum Pregnancy Loss - 2021

The Matrona Birthkeepers Cohort - 2021

Chat with me

Connect with me for a totally free, no obligation interview to discern whether I am the right doula for you!