Website: www.alongside.ca Phone: (604) 790-7846 Type of Practice: Solo practice Clients per Month: to 1 births and to 1 postpartum families Birth and Postpartum Doula Birth Doula Experience: 4 years and 20 births attended Postpartum Doula Experience: 2 years and 3 families served Area of practice: Surrey, BC Travel range: 30 miles Travel comments/restrictions: Languages spoken: English, Dutch
Birth Doula Certifications
DONA (DONA International)
Breastfeeding Certifications
I have a respectable number of experienced breastfeeding experts that I consult with and refer my clients to when necessary.
Childbirth Educator Certifications
I am currently working towards my Lamaze Certification.
Other Credentials
Also included in all my births is the continual use of my TENS Unit. This is an invaluable tool. See my website for further information.
Specialized training or previous experience:
Teens
Over 40
VBAC
Home Birth
Clients on bed rest
Adoption
Prematurity
Postpartum mood disorders
High risk
Single parents
Cesarean birth
Survivors of childhood sexual abuse
Domestic Violence
Addiction Recovery
Special services available:
Prenatal or postnatal massage
TENS units rental
Parenting consulting
Elimination communication education
Reduced rates for women considering adoption
Sibling support (for your older children at the birth)
Antepartum doula
Miscarriage Support (Before, During or After)
Relevant volunteer or advocacy work: I volunteer my time to a local organization who advocates for women and families who do not have support of any kind as they navigate their way through pregnancy and birth. I am working within my local, small community to promote the DSA (Doula Services Association of BC) and bring more awareness about Doulas as a whole.
Postpartum limits/restrictions: non-smoking
Attends hospital births? Some Hospitals Attends birth center births? All Birth Centers Attends home births? Any Home Birth
Birth doula fee: $750 to $900 Postpartum doula hourly rate: Not specified Fee details: Base fee includes a brand new set of 4 large self-adhesive electrodes for use with my TENS Unit during our time together. I also have some added extras to help preserve the memory of your baby’s birth. Various packages available. Pay rate scale based on income. A Doula for every woman who wants one!
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Client Testimonials for Charissa Martin
Sarah Ferguson
Charissa is an amazing woman who pours her heart and soul into caring for women around her. My personal experience with her was no exception. When interviewing various Doulas, there was an immediate connection with Charissa the moment we sat down with her. She is professional, confident and very well-spoken. She is kind, loving & helpful... and has a knack for making you feel very special! Her knowledge and ability to identify with me as a women in general astounded me. Not only did she commit to supporting our decisions, but she made sure we were educated before arriving at those decisions. She did not "sugar-coat" anything, and I appreciated that most about the process with her. She was fabulous at incorporating my husband into every aspect of labour and delivery!
From the moment she joined me in labour, her calm and peaceful approach transcended into and impacted my responses. She helped me to naturally handle the pain by helping me focus on my end goal... of holding my baby... and from there we took it one contraction at a time! Through the night, she ensured that my husband got some sleep, which was an amazing relief to both of us!! By allowing him to nap for a couple hours, he was able to be an amazing support when it really mattered!! She anticipated when I needed a change, whether it be scenery or position, and gently moved me along.
When it came to Second Stage, she helped me know how best to push... I didn't realize breathing was so important.
I really can't say enough good things about Charissa! We love her and appreciate everything she did for us!! She will forever hold a special place in our hearts!!
Sarah
Posted 4/5/2012
Lauren, Jay, Jacob and Kendall
This summer has been a long journey! Thank you for all your support along the way, Charissa. Your warmth and kindness really shines through. It's been a delight to have had you around and share this experience with us. Love Lauren, Jay, Jacob & Kendall.
Posted 1/23/2012
Dharm Bains
Charissa Martin was our Doula this past year and has asked that we contact you with our testimonial. I don't have a special account to follow the guide to add this on my own online. Please tell them that Charissa was an enormous help! She educated us on the labour process, offered tons of emotional support & labour techniques. Her words of encouragement & experience got us through the labour. We couldn’t have done it this successfully without Charissa!!
Charissa is an amazing woman who pours her heart and soul into caring for women around her. My personal experience with her was no exception. When interviewing various Doulas, there was an immediate connection with Charissa the moment we sat down with her. She is professional, confident and very well-spoken. She is kind, loving & helpful... and has a knack for making you feel very special! Her knowledge and ability to identify with me as a women in general astounded me. Not only did she commit to supporting our decisions, but she made sure we were educated before arriving at those decisions. She did not "sugar-coat" anything, and I appreciated that most about the process with her. She was fabulous at incorporating my husband into every aspect of labour and delivery!
From the moment she joined me in labour, her calm and peaceful approach transcended into and impacted my responses. She helped me to naturally handle the pain by helping me focus on my end goal... of holding my baby... and from there we took it one contraction at a time! Through the night, she ensured that my husband got some sleep, which was an amazing relief to both of us!! By allowing him to nap for a couple hours, he was able to be an amazing support when it really mattered!! She anticipated when I needed a change, whether it be scenery or position, and gently moved me along.
When it came to Second Stage, she helped me know how best to push... I didn't realize breathing was so important.
I really can't say enough good things about Charissa! We love her and appreciate everything she did for us!! She will forever hold a special place in our hearts!!
Sarah