An experienced guide, an empowered birth
Hi I’m Janet, the Birth Sherpa! I’m a Certified Doula, supporting women and their partners in the Lethbridge area (and online anywhere) through labour, birth and early parenting months. My goal is to introduce you to the strength and courage within you through education and support, and to help you feel empowered and confident about your birth experience.
What’s a doula, and do I need one?
A doula is a birth guide. Just as a knowledgeable, skilled and well-equipped sherpa of Tibet guides climbers through the unfamiliar terrain and climate to the summit of Mt Everest, a doula guides and supports you through one of the most memorable experiences of your life.
My Services
I provide a full range of doula services to guide and empower you on your journey through labour, birth and early parenting months—from childbirth education courses and prenatal/labour/birth support, to postpartum night support, and infant massage instruction.
About Me
My passion is in supporting families as they make their journey into parenthood, and providing them with the guidance, care, and tools I wish I’d had as a young mother.
“Asking your husband to be your sole guide through labour is like asking him to lead the way on a climb of Mt Everest. He may be smart and trustworthy, you may love him, but in the Himalayas you’d both be a lot better off with a Sherpa!”
Why have a doula?
A California study showed that women who have the support of a doula were more likely to feel positive about their birth experiences (82.5 %) than women who did not have the benefit of support (67.4%).
As your sherpa or doula, I have the skills and experience to guide you through some unpredictable routes and conditions. A doula can offer helpful suggestions on ways to cope with the labour when you’ve run out of coping skills. A doula is there throughout the entire duration of your labour. She remains a constant support, through hospital shift changes. A doula can help you advocate for yourself with hospital staff and ensure your voice is heard.
“Being a first-time mom I was very grateful to have Janet as my Doula. Starting at 5 months I began struggling with hip pain. Janet would come over once a week to help me and my husband with exercises to reduce the pain and prepare for labour. During labour she was very attentive and observant to all of my body gestures. She helped me with breathing and staying calm during labour. She was a big, big help in keeping me focused throughout the process of delivery and cheering me on the whole time.”
Book an Appointment
The first step towards an empowered birth is a free initial meeting with you and your birth partner over video chat, or in your home.
Use the email form to request a time, or call or text (780) 887-2599.
