I'm Tess, and I'm a Certified Postpartum Doula and Lactation Counselor based in St. John's NL, Canada. When a family grows it is a big life change, for everyone. My job is to help you prep, settle and find your groove.
I provide in-home and online support to families as they prepare for birth and after their baby arrives.
I'll help make that nap or shower you crave happen.
I'll answer your breastfeeding questions.
I'll listen to how you've been feeling.
I'll make you a snack.
Feel Confident Feeding Your Baby — Before They Even Arrive
Who Is this program For?
This class is designed for expecting parents who:
✔️ Want to breastfeed and feel more prepared before baby arrives
✔️ Are looking for realistic, holistic guidance — not just textbook advice
✔️ May have had a tough experience with breastfeeding before and want to do things differently this time
✔️ Want to include their partner or support person in the process
✔️ Value evidence-based information, emotional support, and practical tools
Whether this is your first baby or your third, this course will meet you where you are.
What you'll get from the program
By the end of this program, you’ll feel:
✨ More confident about how your body makes milk and how to support it
✨ Clear on how to tell if your baby is feeding effectively (and what to do if not)
✨ Equipped with step-by-step tools like hand expression and latch techniques
✨ Ready with practical strategies for pumping, bottle feeding, and burping
✨ Empowered with evidence-based knowledge to navigate common challenges
✨ Connected — with guidance for partners and support people
✨ Grounded in a holistic approach that supports your whole postpartum experience
You’ll leave with real tools you can use right away, even before baby arrives
What challenges this course helps solve
This course is here to help you avoid the most common struggles new families face:
🚫 Low milk supply — Learn how to support healthy milk production from day one
🚫 Painful latch or sore nipples — Get clear, simple steps to improve comfort
🚫 Feeling unsure if baby is feeding well — Know what signs to look for
🚫 Overwhelm in the early days — Discover how to manage those crucial first 48 hours
🚫 Confusion around pumping & bottle feeding — Demystify feeding options and get the facts
🚫 Mastitis, thrush, clogged ducts — Learn how to prevent and address common issues
🚫 Feeling alone or unsupported — Gain tools for partner involvement and communication
🚫 Unwanted advice — Learn how to handle outside opinions with confidence
I wanted to prepare for my fourth trimester with the same thought and care I did for my pregnancy. I connected with Tess early on and it took a huge weight off my shoulders knowing that no matter what happened in my labour/delivery, she would be supporting me once baby was earth side. Once baby was here, Tess was my human lighthouse. I looked forward to her every visit, counting down the hours. Tess helped with all manner of housework but more importantly, to me, she supported me becoming a mom. Feeding me, giving me permission to nap, coaching me until I was confident enough to take both my baby and a dog for a walk. She meets you at your most vulnerable and leaves you feeling like the capable, loving mom you always dreamed of being. And that is the mom your baby needs. I could not recommend Tess enough and will be forever grateful for our time together.
- Lucy, first time mom
Frequently asked questions
what is a postpartum doula?
As your postpartum doulas (PPD) 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.
PPD's are trained to understand what infants, birthing parents, partners, grandparents and siblings need.
what can I expect?
A PPD may do any or all of the following: help with infant feeding, support infant-parent attachment, help with sibling adjustment (and entertainment), dog walking, laundry, nursery organization, dishes, meal/snack prep, and referring to clinicians.
Essentially: whatever you need as a new parent to feel supported.
are you certified?
I am!
- Certified Postpartum Doula with DONA International
- Certified Lactation Counselor with Childbirth International
- Infant CPR and Standard First Aid
- Meditation Teacher Certification (Yoga Alliance)
how can I book you?
the best way to book my services is to book a free connection call here 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.
How I can help
Sleep Support
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.
Newborn Care
I am able to guide you through your first days of diaper changes, bathing, clothing, cord care and more for your little one.
Feeding Support
I can help with all forms of infant feeding. For breastfeeding I help with positioning, latch, comfort and referring you to a lactation consultant or counsellor when required.
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.
Pet Adjustment
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.
Household Help
Healthy snacks, light household chores and general help around the house are all things I can assist your family with. Emptying dishwasher, putting on a load of laundry, taking out the garbage full of diapers. S'all good.