So, what does a doula do?

Doulas play an integral and essential role in providing continuous emotional, physical, and informational support to birthing individuals and their families, ensuring that they feel both empowered and informed throughout the entire process of pregnancy and childbirth.

It is important to note that doulas are NOT medical professionals and do not perform medical tasks.

With a deep understanding of diverse cultural practices and personal preferences, inclusive doulas create a welcoming and accepting environment for all, respecting each individual's unique needs and choices as they navigate this significant life event.

Their wealth of experience and extensive knowledge allows them to offer valuable guidance on various labor techniques, effective pain management strategies, and vital postpartum care, all while their compassionate nature fosters a nurturing atmosphere that prioritizes the well-being and comfort of the birthing person.

By choosing a doula who embodies these essential qualities, families can experience a more positive, informed, and personalized birth journey that aligns with their specific values and desires.

You can click the links below to read more about what a doula’s role is.

https://www.bcdoulas.org/doulafaqs.html

https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/pregnancy-parenting/labour-and-birth/planning-your-delivery/doulas-and-support-during-childbirth

Mother holding newborn baby in birthing pool

meet the team

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meet the team *

  • Julia Lehtimaki

    Julia Lehtimaki

    Owner | Doula | Lactation Support | Photography

    My name is Julia, and I am a holistic doula specializing in physiologic birth. I firmly believe that all birth is inherently beautiful, and that the entire process should be regarded as sacred, deeply honored, and normalized in our communities.

    Trained through DONA in 2017, I have had the privilege of attending over sixty births in the qathet area, gaining invaluable insights and experiences along this meaningful journey. I originally opened Little Bird Birth Services in the year 2017, and have now rebranded this business to better suit the evolving and growing needs of the qathet community.

    In addition to my doula training, I have actively pursued further qualifications in lactation support and am proudly approved with the BCAAFC (British Columbia Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres) for indigenous funding support.

    I am fiercely committed to empowering my clients, recognizing that they inherently possess the instinct and knowledge necessary to make the best decisions for themselves and their precious babies. My role is to provide support, guidance, and education, while fostering an environment that respects and celebrates each family's unique journey.

    As a dedicated mother of three, I wholeheartedly embrace the rhythm of life, where my passion for gardening flourishes alongside my love for photography, painting, and pottery. Immersing myself in the beauty of nature replenishes my spirit, grounding me in the exquisite beauty that surrounds us daily. I firmly believe in nurturing the whole person, recognizing that true health encompasses not only physical but also emotional and spiritual well-being. This holistic approach guides my work with pregnant individuals, allowing them to flourish and thrive through all stages of parenthood.

    My vision for qathet birth collective is to fill a crucial gap in the community, one that effectively serves every birthing person and ensures they have access to birth in the manner that they truly desire, whether that be at home or within a hospital setting. Working collaboratively with Julia has been a long-time goal of mine, and I genuinely look forward to building a strong and connected community, fostering meaningful relationships, and striving to serve the diverse needs of the qathet regional district in a compassionate and supportive way.

  • Close-up of a person with red hair against a blue sky.

    Julia Elliott

    Owner | Birth Doula | Postpartum Doula

    My name is Julia, and I am the proud mother of two wonderfully unique children. I am also a passionate baker who delights in creating a variety of delicious treats that bring joy to my family and friends. Gardening is one of my favorite hobbies, along with engaging in pottery, hiking in the beautiful outdoors, and cherishing precious moments spent with my family at the beach, where we create lasting memories together.

    From a young age, I developed a deep interest in the intricate birth process, fueled by my natural curiosity and genuine fascination with the vibrant birth community around me. After watching an inspiring birth video that changed my perspective, I began to realize that the experience of childbirth did not have to align with the frightening narratives often portrayed by mainstream media outlets.

    When I became pregnant with my first child, I eagerly delved into thorough research about home birth, as well as holistic methods for effectively supporting pregnancy and comprehensive postpartum care. During this transformative time, my community of close friends rallied around me, further nurturing my growing passion for the expansive world of birth. Moreover, my postpartum experiences were unexpectedly challenging and often felt lonely and isolating, which intensified my drive to ensure that all new parents receive the proper support and are well-informed about the realities of postpartum life.

    As I complete my extensive doula training, my ultimate goal is to provide profound support, unwavering encouragement, education, and empowerment to other birthing individuals, helping them to truly embrace their autonomy during the birth process. It is vital that they feel confident, empowered, and in complete control of their experiences. Creating an atmosphere where they possess the courage to strive toward and ultimately achieve the birth that they genuinely desire and envision for themselves is essential for nurturing their overall well-being.

  • Person with a floral tattoo on their arm, wearing a black sleeveless top and denim shorts, standing in a garden with a wooden fence.

    Brittny Williams

    Mother | Back up Photographer and Doula

    Hi, I’m Brittny! I was born and raised in Powell River and am a proud mom of seven. I’ve given birth in a variety of settings—hospital, home, and everything in between—so I’ve gained firsthand experience and deep knowledge about pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. Having been through this journey multiple times, I’ve learned and grown immensely, from the early days of morning sickness to the emotional shifts of the fourth trimester.

    I believe birth is a powerful, beautiful, and deeply personal experience. Every woman deserves the right to choose how and where she brings her baby into the world—whether in a hospital, at home, or even in a field. What feels right for one person may not be right for another, and I wholeheartedly support each mother’s individual journey.

    In the coming years, I hope to complete my doula training with a focus on prenatal and postpartum care, as well and Infertility and miscarriage support. In the meantime, I am committed to supporting mothers however I can. The postpartum period is sacred, and I believe new moms deserve just as much care and attention as their babies. Too often, a mother’s needs are overlooked during this critical transition, and I want to be there to provide support, reassurance, and guidance through those first six weeks. I am also very deeply passionate about supporting individuals through infertility and miscarriage. Too often, women face these heartbreaking experiences in silence, without the support they deserve and need. Infertility and pregnancy loss are far more common than many realize, and I believe that having compassionate guidance during these difficult times can make a profound difference. My goal is to provide a safe space for healing, connection, and understanding for those navigating these challenges in our community.

    Photography has always been a passion of mine, and birth photography is truly a dream come true. While I’m usually the one in front of the camera—having had hundreds of photos taken of my own births—I’ve always known in my heart that capturing these incredible moments for others is something I would love.

    I’m thrilled to be partnering with Julia Lehtimaki to offer birth photography services. By documenting these special moments, I’ll be helping Julia focus fully on her role as a doula, providing unwavering support to her clients. I’m incredibly grateful for this opportunity and can’t wait to serve the women of qathet and the surrounding areas!

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    Emily Janes

    Prenatal Educator | Back up Doula

    Hi! I’m Emily. My family and I are settlers in the qathet region, where we live, learn and play on the Lands of the Tla’ammin people.

    I am currently working diligently in our community as one of the BOND coordinators, where I feel truly grateful to have the opportunity to support families as they navigate and transition into the life-altering journey of parenthood.

    I sincerely believe that all birth experiences are beautiful, sacred, and transformative moments that shape our lives. I have faith in every person’s unique ability to bring their baby into the world, each in their own special way. With my solid background in healthcare and behavioral sciences, I hold a deep appreciation for the scientific aspects of birthing processes.

    I firmly believe that both traditional and westernized birth practices can harmoniously coexist and work together, ultimately creating beautiful, enriching, and meaningful experiences for all birthers and their families.

    Emily's compassionate and calm presence during births truly focuses on emotional sensitivity and support. She expertly guides you in evidence-based practices while encouraging self-advocacy throughout your journey. Her thoughtfully designed prenatal classes provide an impartial and informative guide to navigating the birthing process within the community, empowering you to make the best choices for your unique experience.