Birth & Postnatal Doulas
Lana Joy Wahlquist, Birth & Postnatal Doula
I’m Lana and I am a birth doula, lactation educator, and mother to three beautiful children. Helping new moms has been my passion for over a decade. I believe that every woman or birthing person deserves to be fully supported while they are giving birth because giving birth is hard enough on its own! Childbirth is more than medical or physiological—it is a rite of passage for both mother and baby and it is my aim that this sacredness is protected in your unique birth experience.
When I was having my own babies, I took classes in the Bradley Method and HypnoBabies, and the study I did during those three pregnancies made me passionate about childbirth. Since then, I have earned certification as a labor doula through CAPPA, I’ve become a certificated Lactation Education Specialist with BreastfeedLA in Los Angeles, and I was also trained in traditional rebozo techniques with Gena Garcia-Kirby. Before becoming a doula, I was an experienced breastfeeding peer counselor, trained and accredited by La Leche League International since 2013. I am eager to help you initiate and sustain breastfeeding once your baby arrives.
As your doula, I know that I am one part of a supportive circle of care around you, present to care and sustain you as you do some of the most important work of your life.
Patti Wright, Birth and Postnatal Doula
Patricia is a Birth and Postnatal Doula, and Registered Reflexologist with a passion for supporting clients from birth to adulthood. She has been apart of the healing community for 12 years. Through her own healing journey, she has experienced the benefits of natural therapies and the body’s ability to heal itself under the right conditions. This prompted Patricia to further her education to help clients learn of new ways to cope with stress, anxiety, digestive issues, and auto-immune disorders to name a few. Recognizing her keen interest in women’s health and assisting clients to be the healthiest version of themselves, Patricia has recently continued her educational studies to focus on women’s reproductive health and fertility, including becoming a Birth and Postnatal Doula through DONA International. This has allowed her to expand her knowledge and skills to support women on their journey through fertility, pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and menopause.
As an exceptionally proud mother herself, she lives by the concept of putting family first and finding ways to support those you love. Patricia has a unique and long-standing career working with and advocating for the needs of children, youth, and families within Oxford County. Patricia is known for her listening skills and compassionate nature. She finds that leading a holistic life has a positive impact on a person’s health and has been grateful to be able to work with people of all ages and stages of life. She welcomes whole beingness and celebrates diversity in all forms. Patricia deeply believes in the practice of holding space and co-creating optimal conditions for support and growth. Meeting you where you are at in your journey and providing personalized supportive guidance when and where available. Her approach is individually tailored while following the best evidence-based practices. Embodying holistic health, healing, happiness, and the empowerment of women. Patricia would be honoured to be a part of your journey.
Dawn Korevaar, Birth Doula
Dawn is a mother of 4 and a proud “Grammy” to 3 wonderful children. Family has always been her number one priority and she cherish’s each milestone and every moment; and wants the same for the families she works with.
Dawn has a long career as an Early Childhood Educator. For 28 years, she has enjoyed working with families and their children as they begin their educational and social journey.
It has been a dream for many years to become a doula, and now that her own children are grown she can finally follow this path and support young families as they begin their journey into parenthood, and care for their newborns as they begin their journey into life.
As a doula she sees the importance of providing education and assistance to the birthing person, as well as their support person. She is a great listener and respects her clients choices and birthing preferences. She instils confidence and knowledge so they can advocate for those preferences, for themselves and for their beliefs and wellbeing and allows for a more peaceful and memorable start to parenting!
Jess Pepper, Birth Doula
Jess is a mom of two teenage “kids” aka a taxi driver for their sports and social activities. She has noticed and embraced that parenting is a very rewarding yet ever changing duty that is always full of surprises with each stage of children’s lives. It’s very true when they say the days are long but the years are short.
After much thought, Jess quit her full time job of over 20 years in security to assist her husband with their family’s business. She still felt something was missing, she wanted to help people, and being a birth doula is the perfect role to fill that void. Jess is passionate about health and well- being: babies, mommas, animals, her friends and family.
After having two pregnancies and births without issue/complications, she has learned that isn't always the case. She has experience with friends and family’s journeys not being so “easy” and the unknowns and stressors that can come along with birth and early parenting.
Having a strong support system in place while becoming a parent is vital, but there are still so many unknowns and surprises along the way. Moving into the role of a birth doula and being able to support, help and educate others as they navigate this very important time in their lives by offering a calm and reassuring presence is one of her greatest strengths.
She looks forward to supporting families as the enter into the most important role of their lives, parenthood.
Janet Handy, Birth & Postnatal Doula
Hello, my name is Janet and I am a birth doula (DONA) with a passion for supporting families through the journey of fertility, birth, and postpartum. I bring a fresh and modern approach to the birthing experience, all while embracing the beauty of nature. With a focus on natural remedies and holistic approaches, I strive to create a safe and nurturing environment. My philosophy on birth is rooted in the belief that every family deserves personalized care and support throughout the journey to parenthood.
I’m a proud mother of two daughters, whose own birth experiences have deeply inspired me. Their journeys ignited my passion for supporting families during this transformative time, and I bring that understanding and empathy into every client relationship. I prioritize effective communication and am committed to being available to answer any questions or concerns that may arise. I also believe in working closely with other members of the healthcare team to ensure that my clients receive the best possible care.
In addition to my doula work, I’m currently taking classes in fertility and conception to further enhance my understanding of the journey to motherhood. I’m excited to provide even more comprehensive support to families.