Why nervous system regulation changes everything for doulas One of the most misunderstood aspects of labour is pain. Not because pain isn’t real, but because it’s rarely just  physical. What most people don’t understand about pain in labour is how fear exponentially increases it. When the nervous system perceives threat, pain does not rise in a linear way. It multiplies. Muscles tighten, breath shortens, hormones shift, and suddenly the body is no longer working with  labour

If you spend time in doula training, reflexology training, or Reiki training spaces, you may eventually hear the word codependency  come up. Sometimes it’s whispered with discomfort. Sometimes it’s used as a warning. And sometimes it’s misunderstood entirely. So let’s talk about it honestly. Are people who are more susceptible to codependency more likely to be drawn to doula work, reflexology, Reiki, and the healing arts? The short answer is yes.The deeper answer is that this

A lot of people who are drawn to healing and doula work talk about wanting to “leave the matrix.” Usually what they mean isn’t that they hate structure, responsibility, or even work. What they’re really saying is: “I can’t keep living disconnected from who I am.” The matrix isn’t just a 9 to 5 job. It’s a way of living where we forget ourselves in exchange for safety, approval, or predictability. Leaving it doesn’t always look dramatic. Sometimes it’s quiet. Sometimes it’s te

For many years, I taught a conventional birth doula course through a mainstream doula training organization. I loved the experience, but I often found myself holding back. As a reflexologist first, my desire was always to work with women during pregnancy and birth, which led me to become a doula. Along the way, I discovered the power of fertility support as more clients came to me for reflexology to address infertility. But I didn’t stop there. Many of my clients had energeti

Pregnancy and birth today involve more information, more testing, and more medical options than ever before. While access to care has expanded, I see many families feeling quietly overwhelmed, unsure how to navigate the system in a way that actually aligns with their values, nervous systems, and lived experiences. I wrote this article for BRAINZ Magazine  because I believe holistic doulas are needed now more than ever, not because modern maternity care is failing, but becaus

Being a doula is one of the most rewarding and transformative careers, but it’s not without its challenges. There was one birth in...

Being a doula means walking into different birth environments, often alongside hospital staff who may not know you or fully understand...

How community helps holistic health students and entrepreneurs find success One of the biggest challenges when completing a course and...

Becoming a doula is meaningful, skilled work. Like any professional path, it requires an investment in education, mentorship, and practice. Because doula care is not government regulated in Canada, tuition can vary widely between schools. Programs may look similar on the surface while offering very different levels of depth, support, and long-term preparation. After supporting fertility and pregnancy clients since 2004 and training doulas since 2010, I’ve seen how confusing i

Michelle in 2010 when she was already 7 years into her holistic health career Now that I have worked in the holistic health and wellness industry for 23 years, I can appreciate more fully how unique I was to have chosen the maternity reflexology and doula career path when I was still in high school. As the owner of an international holistic health school I have observed that the majority of our inquiries about training come from women who are aged 30 - 60 years old. Almost al