Hi, I'm Tess-
I specialize in helping your family thrive in the fourth trimester. Hiring me feels like taking a deep breath followed by a calming exhale.
I have helped over 150 families feel confident, prepared, and grounded during one of life’s biggest transitions.
I'm the person you hire to help with all the hard parts of bringing your new baby (and yourself) home.
Looking for Some Help?
Postpartum Doula Care
Are you worried about managing “it all” ? Yes, you know your recovery is important but all you can think about right now is your baby. Let me help with the rest (and your rest).
There are a lot of unknowns headed your way. Let’s map what your ideal fourth trimester looks like by building a postpartum plan, together. Then we'll make your dream postpartum a reality with in-home doula support.
Think more rest, supported recovery and dependable hours of calm. Personalized support that starts in pregnancy and continues into the first months of your baby’s life.
If you are having a baby this year, we should connect.
Lactation Support
If your baby is already here and feeding is trickier than expected; I provide personalized, in-home lactation support tailored to you and your baby. Get hands-on guidance with your latch and talk through your worries and questions.
Maybe you're waiting to meet your baby and are really hoping to breastfeed. But there is a 'but'. You have heard from so many friends and family how hard it was for them and now there is a whisper of doubt in your mind, "what if it doesn't work for us".
Breastfeeding success begins in pregnancy. That's why I built a course to teach you everything you need to know to feed your baby with confidence. No more late night Googling, "how to make breastfeeding work?", no more asking in Facebook mommy groups what you need to put on your registry to breastfeed... I am your go-to-girl for all of that.
Stuff You Might Be Wondering
are your services covered by insurance?
Yes! My lactation and doula services are both covered by most insurance providers and I am a member of the Academy of Naturopaths and Naturotherapists of Canada. But! I always encourage parents to check their plan first.
what is a postpartum doula?
I follow the NEAR principle of nurture, educate, assess and refer. I am a listening ear and your cheerleader in the early days of getting to know your newborn. Postpartum doula's are trained to understand what infants, birthing parents, partners, grandparents and siblings need. We help families navigate the often overwhelming practical and emotional challenges of life with a new baby. While everyone else (including you) are caring and worrying about your newborn's wellbeing; a postpartum doula's role is to care and support you as you heal and navigate recovery after birth.
what happens during our home visits?
When I arrive, I do a check in and ask if there is anything in particular you need during that visit. If you aren't sure, I can help with infant feeding, support infant-parent attachment, help with sibling adjustment (and entertainment), dog walking, laundry, nursery organization, dishes, meal/snack prep, and refer to clinicians. Essentially: whatever you need as a new parent to feel supported in your recovery and adjustment.
are you certified?
I am a Certified Postpartum Doula with DONA International and Doula School Canada Training. After working for years as a doula, I followed a passion to help families with their feeding journey and went on to certify as Lactation Counselor/ Specialist. Through my doula certification and interest I also hold certificates in Infant CPR and First Aid, Mental Health First Aid, Infection Prevention and Control, and Food Handling. I am also a certified Meditation Teacher (200hr).
how early should I book you?
If you are having a baby and want me as your postpartum doula, let's connect ASAP. If you already have your baby, know that I set aside a portion of my schedule just for folks like you! The best way to book my services is to book a free connection call so I can hear what you need and build a plan from there. If you'd prefer email, you can reach me at birchdoulanl@gmail.com.
what do you find people need the most support with?
I'll be honest, this is so individual to each family. That being said, the biggies are listed here below...
Sleep & Rest: Your rest, relaxation and sleep are so very important to your entire family in the early days. My role can be to care for your little one while you catch some much needed rest.
Feeding (yourselves and your baby!): There is a massive amount to adjust to and learn with feeding. My education as a lactation counselor comes majorly in handy. For anything feeding related; I take off my doula hat and put on my LC hat. For breastfeeding I help with positioning, latch, comfort and referring you to an outside specialist/medical practitioner when necessary. For parents, I am a snack bringing, meal prepping, reminder giving specialist. Eating is crucial to your recovery, but sometimes it can feel like the hardest thing.
Practical Help Hands On Support: This is where I do the things that lighten your load. Emptying dishwashers, Laundry & Folding, changing your bed sheets, meal prep, organizing nurseries/ baby clothes, snack bringing, and even lugging a full diaper genie bag out to your garbage bin. Stuff that when listed here may feel small but in the moment may feel massive.
Pets: Worrying how pets will adjust to a new baby is very common and understandable. I can help with walking, feeding, playing and connect you to a trainer to help with the adjustment.
Sibling Adjustment: I can help you carve our time time with older siblings. Or I can plan activities, or involve them in the newborn care/household help so you have time alone or with baby.
