Jennifer Myhal

12/16/2024

We were so fortunate to have Serena as our doula for the birth of our second baby at BC Womens Hospital. My labour and delivery experience was absolutely everything I could have ever hoped for (especially after a difficult labour and delivery with my first) and Serena was an integral part of that experience. Her calm, warm and supportive presence throughout made me feel safe and secure and allowed me to progress through labour peacefully. She was extremely attentive and in tune with my needs, making sure I was hydrated and as comfortable as possible (constantly feeding me ice chips!). She also provided support and relief for my partner. On top of providing the emotional and physical support that I needed, she was assertive (and extremely kind) with the L&D Nurses and Doctors, making suggestions for care, and explaining pros and cons of decisions to me in a simple and thoughtful way. While I was pregnant and postpartum, she responded to any questions I had promptly and provided so much useful information. Without Serena, our experience would have been entirely different and I am so grateful she was a part of our birthing team. She is a true gem and I cannot recommend her enough for doula services!!!

Meagan Cordeiro Lutz

10/30/2024

Serena brought a sense of calm to an experience that is anything but predictable. My partner and I were so lucky to have her at our birth and connecting with us before and after. She seamlessly found where both of us could use support while respecting our space and the beautiful moment we were having. Her role seemed so clear and necessary on my team working with our midwife. She advocated for me and my birth plan each and every step of the way at the hospital. She was always thinking a step ahead so we could live in the moment. 

Amina

9/5/2024

I really couldn't recommend Serena enough. She has so much knowledge and really helped me feel prepared. Leading up to the birth, whenever I shared my feelings, fears, questions, experiences from my first birth, and plans for my second, she always made me feel fully understood and accepted. She validated and empowered my choices every step of the way, and was good at understanding my birth through my own lens. Serena has a calm, warm presence, so it's easy to feel comfortable being vulnerable with her. She also gave me tons of tools and practical knowldge to bring into my birth experience, and really took the time to support me physically and emotionally towards the end of my pregnancy- like teaching me stretches and movements to stay comfortable and prepare for birth, while continuing to touch base with me as we got closer to the day. Both my partner and toddler connected with her quickly and easily, as well. Serena did a lovely job of balancing her support for me while also being present and engaged with my family. My birth ended up being short, with only a few hours of contractions before it became clear that I'd need to have an emergency c-section. But even still, Serena was there and invaluable. There were moments where I was in so much pain that I was unable to speak and Serena advocated on my behalf. For instance, in a moment where I was desperate for pain medication and my medical team was busy with other aspects of my care Serena spoke out calmly and professionally, "Amina has made it clear that she needs pain relief, what can we do right now to get that going." Meanwhile, she did so much herself to help me cope. I felt so stood up for and comforted by having her there. My birth experience would have been much scarier and more difficult, for both my partner and myself, if we didn't have Serena. She was also a wonderful support postpartum, coming over for overnight shifts so we could rest.

Daniel Bliss

9/1/2024

We had the pleasure of working with Serena as our night doula when our baby was between one and two months old, and I can’t recommend her highly enough. Serena was an absolute godsend during those early weeks. Her gentle demeanour and extensive knowledge provided not only comfort to our baby but also peace of mind for us as new parents. She was incredibly attentive and always knew just how to soothe our little one, allowing us to get some much-needed rest. Serena truly went above and beyond, and we are so grateful for her support during such a crucial time. If you’re looking for a night doula who is kind, caring, and highly skilled, Serena is the one to choose.

Nikkie

8/7/2024

Where do I even begin. Serena, from start to finish was such a blessing in our journey. We planned a very relaxing birthing experience and were in store for the complete opposite. Serena advocated for me at the hospital in every aspect possible (didn't know what to expect with a first Pregnancy). She has a background in massage therapy and stayed behind me, pushing on all pressure points throughout every contraction. As things changed quickly and I was told I had to have an emergency c-section, she talked me through the epidural. Supported and encouraged every decision my husband and I had to make. Stayed with my mother during surgery and kept her calm and then joined a very (high) me after while my husband and mom we're enjoying the first moments with our daughter. I'd be lying if I didn't think about her often and how grateful I am everyday that she was there to help us all out along the way. 

Julia K

7/21/2024

Hands down and with all my heart, I recommend everyone who is expecting a little one including a doula in their birth plan - with Serena being our absolutely top recommendation! To anyone whoever asks, I always say that I had the most amazing beautiful birth story and experience welcoming our magical daughter into this world thanks to Serena. In no way did I have an easy labour but Serena's work makes me remember it as a beautiful endurance marathon! We started on a Friday and went till 7 am on a Sunday. In those 48+ hours I felt 100% supported by Serena with no panic or anxiety. I was calm and taking in every growing contraction as it came. During the last 24 hours before the birth of my daughter, Serena was with us supporting us 24/7 at the hospital. I was absolutely amazed by her strength, guidance, positive energy, the music, the candles and her ability to hold the fort with me and my husband all day and all night while she was on her knees trying to strategically guide the pain out of my body. Her strength kept me going and kept me strong (and vice versa) until my body decided it is ready! Prior to the days of labour starting, Serena was always in communication and supporting us by visiting our home, providing some key education material, beautiful affirmations and most of all confidence! I am so glad that she was part of my team and one of the main contibutors to my daughter's beautiful birth story! I'd do it all over again in a heartbeat!