Calm, personal support shaped around your needs and how you want to be cared for.
TRAUMA-INFORMED DOULA IN VANCOUVER
TRAUMA-INFORMED DOULA IN VANCOUVER
Calm, personal support shaped around your needs and how you want to be cared for.
You deserve someone in your corner who listens closely, stays present as things shift, and supports you in making decisions that feel right for you.
When I first came across doula training over a decade ago, it felt like a passing thought.
But later, from working in hospital-based maternity research, I saw how valuable it is to have someone whose main focus is ensuring you feel comfortable, informed, and cared for. Someone who deeply understands you and your story – from your cultural background and previous birth experiences to your worries, preferences, and excitement.
Becoming a doula felt like coming full circle.
You deserve someone in your corner who listens closely, stays present as things shift, and supports you in making decisions that feel right for you.
When I first came across doula training over a decade ago, it felt like a passing thought.
But later, from working in hospital-based maternity research, I saw how valuable it is to have someone whose main focus is ensuring you feel comfortable, informed, and cared for. Someone who deeply understands you and your story – from your cultural background and previous birth experiences to your worries, preferences, and excitement.
Becoming a doula felt like coming full circle.
I hold a BSocSc in Sociology and Social Policy and an MSc Research in Global Health (cum laude) with a specialisation in maternal and reproductive health.
I’ve also spent several years working with non-profit organisations focused on justice, equality, and advocacy for women, people with disability, and unhoused and trafficked youth.
My doula training is through Conscious Birthing and Bebo Mia, with additional training in body image and weight inclusive care, lactation and feeding, queer and gender affirming care, pelvic floor and physical recovery, perinatal mental health, NICU support, safe sleep techniques, and baby-wearing.
Whatever your situation looks like, I’m equipped to help.
I’ve supported caregivers, disabled and neurodivergent parents, people navigating chronic or acute illness, multiple pregnancies (including twins), and high-risk pregnancies.
Curious about how we might work together?
I hold a BSocSc in Sociology and Social Policy and an MSc Research in Global Health (cum laude) with a specialisation in maternal and reproductive health.
I’ve also spent several years working with non-profit organisations focused on justice, equality, and advocacy for women, people with disability, and unhoused and trafficked youth.
My doula training is through Conscious Birthing and Bebo Mia, with additional training in body image and weight inclusive care, lactation and feeding, queer and gender affirming care, pelvic floor and physical recovery, perinatal mental health, NICU support, safe sleep techniques, and baby-wearing.
Whatever your situation looks like, I’m equipped to help.
I’ve supported caregivers, disabled and neurodivergent parents, people navigating chronic or acute illness, multiple pregnancies (including twins), and high-risk pregnancies.
Curious about how we might work together?
My focus goes beyond
“healthy parent, healthy baby”.
As a trauma-informed doula, your emotional wellbeing is as important to me as your physical safety.
I pay attention to how past experiences, whether birth-related or not, may show up during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum, and adapt my support accordingly.
My focus is on trust, connection, and informed choice, so you feel respected and empowered to move through your experience without unnecessary fear, pressure or re-triggering of past trauma.
My focus goes beyond “healthy parent, healthy baby”.
As a trauma-informed doula, your emotional wellbeing is as important to me as your physical safety.
I pay attention to how past experiences, whether birth-related or not, may show up during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum, and adapt my support accordingly.
My focus is on trust, connection, and informed choice, so you feel respected and empowered to move through your experience without unnecessary fear, pressure or re-triggering of past trauma.
Your mindset can shape your birth experience.
As a scientist, I’m naturally drawn to evidence, research, and understanding the why behind what works.
Through my Irish and Sierra Leonean roots, two cultures that value connection between the earth, body, and spirituality, I’ve also learned the importance of trusting your instincts, listening to your body, and staying connected to yourself. Both shape how I support the families I work with.
My approach is grounded in evidence, guided by intuition, and always centred around what feels right for you. A value I try to instill in my clients throughout pregnancy, birth and parenthood is to be easy with yourself. I may weave mindfulness, breathwork, or birth affirmations into our sessions to help you feel calm and confident, but only if those tools feel natural and supportive to you.
Your mindset can shape your birth experience.
As a scientist, I’m naturally drawn to evidence, research, and understanding the why behind what works.
Through my Irish and Sierra Leonean roots, two cultures that value connection between the earth, body, and spirituality, I’ve also learned the importance of trusting your instincts, listening to your body, and staying connected to yourself. Both shape how I support the families I work with.
My approach is grounded in evidence, guided by intuition, and always centred around what feels right for you. A value I try to instill in my clients throughout pregnancy, birth and parenthood is to be easy with yourself. I may weave mindfulness, breathwork, or birth affirmations into our sessions to help you feel calm and confident, but only if those tools feel natural and supportive to you.
“Syllona's preparation was thorough and personalised.
She helped us define her role and my role as the partner, ensuring we were aligned and ready.”
— Partner of birth doula client
“Syllona's preparation was thorough and personalised.
She helped us define her role and my role as the partner, ensuring we were aligned and ready.”
— Partner of birth doula client
When I’m not working with families, you’ll find me:
Camping in BC (feeling lucky to live here),
On a dance floor in Vancouver, lindy hopping or salsa dancing, or
At my sewing machine making my own clothes…
And yes, I have a slightly embarrassing soft spot for reality dating shows (I know, I know.)
When I’m not working with families, you’ll find me:
Camping in BC (feeling lucky to live here),
On a dance floor in Vancouver, lindy hopping or salsa dancing, or
At my sewing machine making my own clothes…
And yes, I have a slightly embarrassing soft spot for reality dating shows (I know, I know.)
“Syllona is calm, kind, and understanding, totally unfazed when things get tense or stressful.
Her sense of humour brings lightness to heavy moments and helps you feel more relaxed and reassured that things will be okay.”
- Past colleague
“Syllona is calm, kind, and understanding, totally unfazed when things get tense or stressful.
Her sense of humour brings lightness to heavy moments and helps you feel more relaxed and reassured that things will be okay.”
- Past colleague
Steady support throughout your birth journey.
Let’s talk through what you’re looking for.
Steady support throughout your birth journey.
Let’s talk through what you’re looking for.
Curious about my writing and research?
Curious about my writing and research?
I’ve explored how racial and ethnic bias can influence pain assessment and treatment in maternal and newborn care in my study: “You think you’re neutral but you’re not.”
I’ve explored how racial and ethnic bias can influence pain assessment and treatment in maternal and newborn care in my study: “You think you’re neutral but you’re not.”
I’ve also contributed a chapter to “We Will Lead Africa Volume Four: Courage, Community, Creativity”, a collection of stories exploring the power of courage, empowerment, and creativity where I discussed my commitment to reproductive and maternal health across the globe.
I’ve also contributed a chapter to “We Will Lead Africa Volume Four: Courage, Community, Creativity”, a collection of stories exploring the power of courage, empowerment, and creativity where I discussed my commitment to reproductive and maternal health across the globe.