Hi all,
My name is Ro and I am birth doula! Here is a little bit about who I am and my practice!

Growing up hearing about birth from the perspective of first-generation immigrant women in my family, I started to understand how birth is a milestone unlike no other, and that what happens during birth is of paramount importance. I center my work in my background working with newcomer youth, especially women, queer and trans people, where I have found that experiences are defined both by choice and the need to be heard, and I am a Doula for this reason: I want to support people's ability to chose what happens to their bodies, to be involved in the process of decision-making, and to be validated and held as priorities by everyone involved in their birth.

My years in university have trained me with a deep understanding of the complex and exciting diversity of our bodies, our families and our choices in birth. I am a Graduate from York University Honors Bachelor of Environmental Studies and Political Science. I am also a DONA Trained doula, DoulaCARE member and certified Crisis counselor. Most importantly, I will come to you with an open mind, with care, and with all the desire in the world to make you feel respected, honored and supported.

I enjoy sweets of all kinds and vegetarian meals. My fluency in Spanish and French have really helped my work of support and collaboration, and I am really interested in plants that heal.

1.
A doula is someone who provides support. As you may know, the word “doula” is an ancient greek term to call a female servant.

2.
It is problematic enough that we coined such a terminology, no matter the historical context, which is why in reclamation of the word doula, I’ve decided to make my practice root itself in my personal desire to service a purpose; This can be (and it is not limited to) giving emotional, physical and informational support to the pregnant person and their loved ones.

3.
I’d like to think about a doula as an auntie. We all know what aunties do: They are close enough to you you can count on, but far away from the “core” of your family that can serve as insightful companions if need be. That’s how I’d like to be for the pregnant person. The best part is that since I won’t really be your auntie, none of that emotional, cultural, religious baggage will be with me, unless you request it of course(:

4.
Pregnancy isn’t always fun.
In fact, many women/people chose to end their pregnancies. As the Doula Project in NYC likes to refer to, I want to and work towards being of service across the spectrum of pregnancy. What this means is that I am a pro-choice feminist at the core coloured girl who understands the limitations in our healthcare system to offer the pregnant person emotional, physical and informational support if they wish to end their pregnancy. This, of course, does not refer to me encouraging anyone to do as I please. This is the best part of being pro-choice: You have the choice to do whatever you want!

5.
Not all pregnant people are women.
My first real touch with pregnancy, two years ago was in support of a dear friend of mine. When he got pregnant, I realized both how awesome and scary the journey for a trans man to get pregnant alongside their transmasculine husband would be. As a friend and always striving ally to the trans community, it is my commitment to educate myself about trans pregnancy, and as a doula, it is my responsibility to offer trans-specific and trans positive information regarding births.