Hello,
I know first-hand that what happens during birth matters: both as your transition into a new parental role, and as an experience you will remember for the rest of your life. My hope is that you remember birth with pride and awe. Centrally located, I support families throughout the lower mainland.
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I was drawn to support other growing families after I gave birth to my daughter in 2021. I completed the Wise Woman Way of Birth Doula training just a year later, and I have been attending births ever since. I keep my active work as a doula based on evidence and wisdom through ongoing professional development. My interpersonal skill and soothing presence as a birth doula are further informed by a BA in counseling and Indigenous community justice, and years of front-line experience working closely with vulnerable populations at non-profit organizations.
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By working together prenatally, my aim is for you to anticipate your birthing time feeling calm, ready, and joyful. Prenatally, we will work together to build trust in your body’s ability to birth, discuss your values, and develop the knowledge and skills needed for you to confidently make informed choices - however the birth unfolds.
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When at a birth, my doula style is calming, loving, and dedicated. With an open heart and strong hands, I will notice and attend to your physical and emotional needs (as well as your partner’s). I work hard to help you persevere, and I will tactfully communicate with your care team to help your choices and voice be respected and heard.
When I am not at birth, I enjoy romping around in the mud and sun with my toddler, dog, and husband, dancing in my living room, and making art when I can find the time.
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My desire is for you to look back on childbirth with pride and joy as you move forward in parenting with confidence
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I respect your birth as one of the most important days in your life that you will always remember
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I invest in each family and in finding out who you are, and what you need from me in pregnancy and birth
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I work hard to make sure you are heard, held, respected and undisturbed in the birthing process as I advocate for you with passion and tact
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I assist you in navigating decisions in a way that reflects YOUR intuition, desires, and power
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I treat you and your other birth supports with patience, loving-kindness, and respect
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I will be calm in the presence of pain, and active in alleviating suffering
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I trust in your capacity to birth and will remind you that you can do hard things
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Based in Surrey BC - Serving Greater Vancouver Region
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Trained in the Wise Woman Way of Birth
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Member of Doula Services Association of BC
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BA in Counselling and Indigenous Community Justice
My Commitment to You
Olivia Zander
Our bodies instinctively know how and when to birth,
The task is to patiently trust and nourish birth as it unfolds.