Pregnancy is one of the most transformative journeys of a woman’s life. It’s beautiful, powerful, and at times overwhelming. Many families find themselves asking: Who will walk alongside us, not only for the birth itself but for the preparation and the postpartum days that follow?
As a naturopathic doctor and doula based in Chilliwack, BC, I offer care that blends the best of both worlds — the emotional and physical support of a doula, combined with the medical knowledge and holistic guidance of naturopathic medicine. My approach is designed to support you, your baby, and your partner through every stage of this journey.
Why Choose a Doula?
Research consistently shows that doula support improves birth outcomes:
- Birthing parents supported by a doula are 50% less likely to need a C-section.
- Families report greater satisfaction with their birth experience when a doula is present.
Birth can sometimes feel overwhelming or even traumatic, especially when unexpected interventions arise. Having continuous support — and the opportunity for postpartum debriefing — helps parents feel empowered, less traumatized, and more at peace with their birth story. Many clients share that their memories of labour feel calmer, more positive, and more meaningful when they had a doula walking alongside them.
How Naturopathic Doula Care is Different
As both a naturopathic doctor and a doula, I am able to offer a unique level of care:
- Prenatal naturopathic intake & coaching — supporting you with nutrition, supplements, and personalized guidance for your pregnancy.
- Birth preparation planning — including labour positions, coping strategies, and partner involvement.
- Acupuncture for labour preparation or augmentation if desired.
- Herbal and supplement guidance for pregnancy, labour, and postpartum recovery.
- Postpartum visits that include feeding support, emotional processing, and recovery strategies.
- Secure direct messaging support throughout your care via the Jane App.
My role is never to replace your midwife or doctor, but to work alongside them — ensuring that you feel supported medically, emotionally, and holistically.
Pre-Birth Acupuncture: Gentle Support for Labour
Many families are surprised to learn that acupuncture can be part of birth preparation. Research shows that acupuncture in the final weeks of pregnancy may help:
- Ripen the cervix and prepare the body for labour
- Reduce the need for medical induction
- Support a smoother labour progression
This is a natural, gentle way to encourage your body’s readiness while lowering stress and promoting calm in the final stretch of pregnancy.
Stories from Fraser Valley Families
“I had Dr. Vanessa as my doula and I couldn’t have had anyone better! She helped me so much through my labour and gave me the support I definitely needed — including hours of compression to relieve contractions. I wouldn’t have been able to make it through without her. She has been awesome for postpartum care and giving me helpful information for me and my baby. She made it a beautiful experience. She is a very intelligent, sweet woman and I would 100% choose her again in the future!”
Another Fraser Valley mom shared:
“I was supported by Dr. Vanessa during prenatal appointments and with her full doula package. I was able to use my naturopathic benefits to pay for the package, which was a huge bonus! She guided us through the stages of labour, intervention preferences, postpartum care, and breastfeeding. She was there at my home when labour began, helping with positions, counter-pressure, and reminding me of my birth plan when I was ready to abandon it all. She supported not only me but also my husband in ways that helped us both feel grounded. When I reflect on my son’s birth, I feel beyond grateful she was there.”
These stories reflect what I believe deeply: birth is not just about the outcome — it’s about how you feel along the way.
Postpartum Support: A Vital Part of the Journey
The birth doesn’t end when your baby arrives. In many ways, it’s just the beginning. That’s why postpartum support is such a central part of my doula care.
Your postpartum visit includes:
- A birth review and space to process your experience
- Feeding support and troubleshooting
- Recovery strategies for both vaginal and cesarean births (including scar-tissue acupuncture when appropriate)
- Partner support, debriefing, and guidance on how to best care for mom and baby
Families often tell me this visit is where they feel most cared for — when the initial rush of birth has passed, and the real work of healing and adjusting begins.
Rooted in the Fraser Valley
Based in Chilliwack, BC, I serve families throughout the Fraser Valley — including Abbotsford, Agassiz, and Hope. I feel honoured to be part of this community and to walk alongside families as they welcome new life into the world.
