Shawn Bourks

9/9/2024

It was a privilege to have Charlene Labrador as my doula in pregnancy, during birth, and postpartum. Her calm demeanour and peaceful energy made me and my partner feel at ease while navigating such a monumental life experience for the first time. Chars laid back, good humoured, patient personality had us looking forward to our appointments.

Char is not only a very knowledgeable doula, but is a yoga instructor as well. I have scoliosis, so she showed me yoga poses and stretches that really helped with the body pain that I was experiencing in pregnancy and after birth. The breathing techniques she taught me had me feeling grounded and empowered during anxious and painful moments. The mantras and positive affirmations she shared with me were so helpful too. Char also offered massage while I was in labour, and it relaxed me so much that I managed to fall asleep for a bit during contractions at the hospital. She’s truly amazing!

Char helped make sure I was nourished by providing pregnancy tea filled with healing plant medicines. I'm hypoglycemic, so she arranged for me to have healthy, energizing snacks and plenty of hydration at the hospital as well. I felt so cared for. 

As Indigenous people, my partner and I have intergenerational trauma regarding hospitals and institutions. To have Char advocate for us was huge, and the whole experience helped me gain some trust for the medical system. It felt like a breakthrough for me, as someone who was raised to be wary of hospitals and western medicine.

I feel very lucky and blessed to have had Char help me bring my son earthside safely. If I could do it all again, I’d want her on my team. I highly recommend her.