Katya Gardiner

Birth & Postpartum Doula

North Vancouver, British Columbia

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About me

Hi! I'm Katya, a labour, birth, & postpartum doula serving the Vancouver (BC) area ✨. I provide compassionate, evidence-based, trauma-informed, and culturally-responsive care that is supportive, educational, and non-judgmental. You can rely on me for physical and emotional support, and to be provided with any and all information to empower you and your family to make informed decisions and play active roles in your labour, birth, and postpartum experiences. I will meet you where you’re at and support/advocate for your choices. I aim to offer nourishing care and come in with an open and receptive heart; to be present with you during your birth and/or postpartum journey and hold space for these sacred moments! In 2024, I received my doula training from Cornerstone Doula Trainings and I'm in the process of becoming a Certified Doula(!). I also partner with Brood Care, Western Canada’s most trusted birth and postpartum care agency, and I'm a proud member of the Doula Services Association of BC. In addition to my training, I am also CPR/AED and Emergency Child Care First Aid certified.

Education

Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and Russian Language, UC Davis (2020)

Master of Arts in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages), University of San Francisco (2023)

Certification and training

Labour, Birth, & Postpartum Doula Training, Cornerstone Doula Trainings (2024)

Memberships and affiliations

Doula Services Association of BC

Credentials

BA MA

Specialties

Acculturation and Immigration Acupressure During Labor Birth and Lactation Birth Doula Birth Support Birth Trauma Breastfeeding Assistance and Support Breastfeeding Support Evidence-Based Care Grief and Loss Infant Care Labor Doula Massage Maternal Fetal Positioning Mental Health Mood Disorders Multiples Newborn Care Nipple and Breast Pain Overnight Newborn Care Pain Management Parenting Parenting Support Perinatal and Infant Loss Perinatal Mood Disorders Postpartum Care Postpartum Doula Care Prenatal Care Sibling Preparation Support during Labor, Birth, and Postpartum Support in Pregnancy Loss Yoga

Languages

English, Russian

Service introduction

Birth Support: Prenatal Care - Four Prenatal Visits - Check-ins and Drop-in Visits - Ongoing Support Via Phone, Text, or Email Birth Attendance - Continuous Support During Labour and Birth - Physical Comfort Measures - Emotional Support - Informational Support - Advocacy for Your Birth Preferences - Communication Assistance Postpartum Support - One Postpartum Visit - Birth Experience Reflection - Postpartum Concerns - Lactation & Baby Feeding Assistance - Transition Check-In Postpartum Support: - Newborn care - Babywearing support - Emotional and physical support - Educational guidance and resources - Positive reflection space - Housekeeping assistance - Nourishment (emotional, physical, spiritual) - Nutritional support and education - Immediate postpartum healing support - Mental health support - Parental rest facilitation - Errand running and family care assistance - Lactation support - Sleep support

Packages

Labour & Birth Support

Prenatal Care: Three Prenatal Visits → These visits are designed to build a relationship, discuss your birth preferences, address any concerns, and provide education on the birthing process. We’ll cover topics such as pain management techniques, partner support, and what to expect during labour and delivery. Check-ins and Drop-in Visits → Check-ins are phone calls after every (prenatal) medical visit with your provider (especially closer to your due date); drop-ins are in person, on an as-needed basis. Ongoing Support Via Phone, Text, or Email → I’m available via phone, text, or email to address any questions or concerns that arise between our scheduled visits. This ensures you have continuous support throughout your pregnancy and early postpartum period. Birth Attendance: Continuous Support During Labor and Birth → I’ll be by your side continuously during labor and birth, providing steady support throughout the experience. Physical Comfort Measures → I’ll assist with comfort techniques like breathing exercises, massage, positioning, and more to help you feel at ease. Emotional Support → I’m here to listen, reassure, and help you stay grounded, providing compassionate support every step of the way. Informational Support → I’ll share helpful information and answer questions as they arise, helping you feel informed and confident in your decisions. Advocacy for Your Birth Preferences → I’ll advocate for your birth plan, ensuring your voice and preferences are respected by your healthcare team. Communication Assistance → I’ll facilitate clear and open communication between you and your healthcare providers, helping everyone stay aligned with your wishes. Postpartum Support: One Postpartum Visit → Scheduled within the first week after birth, providing ample time to connect and check in on how you’re doing. Birth Experience Reflection → We’ll discuss your birth experience, allowing you to process and reflect in a supportive space. Postpartum Concerns → I’ll address any questions or concerns you may have, covering topics like recovery, self-care, and emotional adjustment. Lactation & Baby Feeding Assistance → I’m here to help with nursing support, offering guidance on latch, positioning, and any initial feeding challenges. Transition Check-In → Together, we’ll assess how you’re adjusting to life with your new baby, discussing any needs or challenges in these early days.

$1,150.00

CAD Flat rate

Postpartum Support

Support during the day and/or overnight. Day shifts are 5 hours – you pick the hours, I show up. Overnight care is always from 10 pm to 6 am. I will provide: - Baby care and education – think bathing demos, baby wearing, and swaddling tips. - Sleep support and guidance for the whole family. - Relationship nurturing between your support team, other kids, and pets. - Nursing, bottle, and pumping counsel. - Formula and/or bottle preparation and sterilisation. - Postpartum nutrition support, through meal preparations and grocery runs. - Home upkeep, tidying and product supply check-ins. - Connecting you with other healthcare and wellness professionals.

$33.00

CAD Per hour

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Frequently asked questions

What is a doula?

A doula is a trained professional who provides emotional, physical, and informational support to parents before, during, and after childbirth. Doulas do not perform medical tasks, but work alongside the medical team to ensure the birthing person and their partner (if present) have a positive birth experience.

What services does a birth doula provide?

A birth doula provides emotional, physical, and informational support to a birthing person before, during, and shortly after labour. Their role is to support the birthing person and their partner (if present) through the process of labour and delivery, ensuring that they feel informed, empowered, and cared for throughout the experience.

What services does a postpartum doula provide?

A postpartum doula provides a range of supportive services to families during the postpartum period (the time following the birth of a baby). The role of a postpartum doula focuses on the physical, emotional, and practical needs of the new parents, ensuring that they are well-supported as they adjust to life with a newborn.

How is a doula different from a midwife or doctor?

While midwives and doctors are medical professionals who focus on the health and safety of the birthing person and baby, a doula provides non-medical support. Doulas offer continuous emotional support, physical comfort, and act as an advocate for the family's wishes during the birthing process.

When should I hire a doula?

It's best to hire a doula early in your pregnancy, ideally in the second trimester. This allows time to build a relationship, discuss your birth preferences, and prepare for the birth. However, it's never too late – some people hire doulas just weeks before their due date!

Can I have a doula if I'm having a hospital birth?

Doulas can provide valuable support in any birth setting, including hospitals. They can help you communicate with medical staff, understand hospital procedures, and maintain a calm environment. Many hospitals welcome doulas as part of the birth team.