Meet our MACFE Doulas
Julie Western (currently not taking clients)
I have been a MACFE Doula since 2011. I have attended over 100 births which have ranged from natural, medicated, induction, c-section, breech birth, VBAC, vacuum and a forceps birth. I have been married for 20 years and I have 3 children of my own which I gave birth to all naturally in a hospital with a midwife. I think having the constant one on one care with a midwife is what I loved the most and why I think having a Doula at a birth is so important. It was from that experience and the fact that I love talking and hearing about birth is why I decided to become a Doula. Sometimes in labour, things don't go as planned but there is always a beautiful baby as a result and it is so exciting! As a Doula, I want to make your birthing experience as wonderful as I can and I hope to make all your requests on your birth plan happen. In our Prenatal visits we will get to know each other better and talk about what your expectaions are for the time of birth. After the birth I will be there for you to help you out with breastfeeding and any questions you may have.In the fall of 2012, I started teaching the MACFE prenatal class, which I enjoy a lot. I love teaching excited expecting parents what is to come and how their lives will change! Lorie Peters My husband and I have been married 35+ years and have 9 children and a bunch of grandchildren. I first heard about a doula when I was pregnant with baby no. 5. I had a doula for the next 3 births and my last 2 births my doula was my midwife. The care and support I felt during pregnancy, labour, delivery and postpartum led me to want to become a doula. I wanted other women to feel that same support I did. Being a doula, to me, means supporting the couple in whatever choices they make. I want to empower them and have them come out feeling strong and ready to be great parents. I have been with MACFE since 2008. I am also a prenatal educator and doula instructor. I have attended over 100 births, in the hospital, Birth Centre, home birth, wherever a person wants to birth. I also enjoy taking photos of the birth journey. My husband and I own and operate a dairy and grain farm. Some of my other personal interests are gardening, raising monarch butterflies, reading, photography, and hiking. Lorraine Goudie I have been a Doula with MACFE since 2014, As of this year I have attended over 80+ births. My births range from natural, medicated to c-sections, in hospitals, birth centres and at homes. Things don't always go as planned so I help you with a wish list for your birth journey and always try to take pictures during your birth if you want. I love being part of welcoming a new life into your family unit what ever it may be. I enjoy being part of an organization that helps everyone no matter what, so you have support before, during and after you have your baby. I was raised in the country and love plants and animals, I am always looking for new crafts to do or planning trips all over the world. Rachel Burak I remember very well the first birth I ever attended - I was a child at the time, and I went home that day feeling an overwhelming sense of amazement that I had just witnessed something incredible. My journey in becoming a birth doula began in 2014, and in these years of offering birth support, that feeling I had at first never left me. Every birth I have witnessed is different. Each one is unique, and each is special. As a doula, I see my role as offering care, support, and resources that fit your own family's needs and goals. I firmly believe that families and individuals should have the opportunity to make informed decisions and choices surrounding their birth. My heart is that you would gain confidence and self-assurance to not only birth your baby, but also start the next chapter of life with confidence. My experience varies from supporting unmedicated births, homebirth, belly births(c-sections), bereavement support, and offering services in a cross-cultural setting. In 2018 I completed my Birth Doula Certification with CBI(Childbirth International). When I am not at a birth or reading books about birth, you can find me out discovering new places with my son and husband...or in my garden with a cup of strong earl grey tea! Juliet Benjamin I became a midwife shortly after I had my second child. I did not have the care of a doula and desired to offer women the support I had not received. As a result, I served women as a midwife for many years. Recently I retired, but my love for childbirth made me continue in a supportive role as a doula. I enjoy providing women support and care during pregnancy, labour and post-delivery. And working as a doula allows me this opportunity. Like my other colleagues, my goal as a doula is to help clients have a comfortable birthing experience, whether at home, hospital or in birthing centres. I am a mother of three and a grandmother of six. My hobbies include spending time with my grandchildren, creating handcrafted jewelry and travelling. Katrina Tessier I became obsessed with birth as soon as I started planning my pregnancy. From the day I got the positive test I was off to find a midwife & a doula to be my birthing team. Which for a first pregnancy at age 24, I now realize is very on point with my type A personality. Only planning one child, I was so pleased to get the birth I had desired and it’s become my goal now to help others do the same, from first birth to whenever you’re done, from home birth or hospital. I believe mindset is a huge factor in every intention we make in life, especially with birth and as a doula my goal is to create that positive space for you mentally, emotionally and physically. Karina Cycay Prenatal, birth and postpartum have always been a passion of mine. As the youngest in my family I grew up babysitting my neices and nephews at a young age. I worked in a daycare for many years, I currently do respite for children with special needs. I now have two young girls of my own. All which have blossomed my passion. When I delivered my babies I had my partner and my mother (who is a doula as well), there to support me. She helped and supported me in a way, that I feel every woman should experience. To be seen, heard, held, comforted, coached and to feel safe in one of our most valuable and vulnerable experiences in life. Bringing a baby into this world is so much more than just the birth, it's about the experience as a whole; from prenatal to postpartum. I want to help give parents a more wholesome experience from offering support, suggestions, advice, resources and hold a safe birthing space. I grew up in the country and really enjoy getting out into nature. I enjoy going on hikes, fishing and camping with my family. My hobbies at home include; reading, crafting, macrame, plants, gardening, and cooking. Deborah Boufini Ever since I was a child myself, childbirth has held a special place in my heart. It is this profound passion that led me to become a doula. I wholeheartedly believe that every family deserves a birth experience that overflows with love and warmth. I am here to provide unwavering support and nurturing care as you embark on this remarkable journey. Together, we'll create a harmonious and empowering environment tailored to your unique desires and needs. It would be my privilege to join you on this extraordinary path, ensuring that your birthing experience is filled with profound love. Hannah Olson My passion for pregnancy, birth, and helping new families has only grown over the past few years as I have been training to be a midwife. I have greatly enjoyed the new birth world I’ve had the privilege of experiencing with my first clinical placement this summer. During this placement I gained experience with common prenatal topics, comfort measures during labour and birth, newborn feeding, and postpartum support. I am excited to be able to serve families as a doula. I look forward to equipping parents with knowledge to aid them in their decisions, and to be present throughout labour and delivery to support them in the amazing journey of parenthood. I believe birth is a natural experience and seek to encourage mothers to believe in themselves and their natural ability to birth. I’ve grown up on a hobby farm in the country. And, besides pregnancy and parenthood, I love spending time with family and friends, and enjoy playing piano, reading, and spending time outdoors. Katie Cameron Hello, my name is Katie and I am honoured to be here with you on this journey of pregnancy, childbirth and post partum care. As a certified Doula with the long term goal of becoming a midwife, I am deeply fascinated with birth and the capabilities of our bodies and the intrinsic power of our minds and endurance of our spirits. My role as a doula is to be a support to you and your family through this beautiful process. I believe in mothering the mother and that it really does take a village! I bring a sense of calm, consistency and loving care to birthing women and their partners. I have compassion and acceptance for all human beings and the paths they are on. My aim is to hold a space of safety and security to allow you to tap into the inner resource and strength you already have inside of you and empower you before, during and after this incredible process. Having birthed five beautiful flowers myself and experiencing a variety of care and support during labour I feel I have a unique insight and ability to intuit the needs of others. I will be here with you and for you, every step of the way. When I am not wrangling children or pets or getting out from under the massive pile of laundry, I enjoy reading, hiking and camping. I feel most at home outdoors with people I love, sharing and laughing! |