Together, we are revolutionizing birth care culture—transforming fear into power, isolation into connection, and ordinary birth into extraordinary experiences.

What is a doula?

Also called a birth keeper or traditional birth attendant, a doula is a trained professional who provides continuous, compassionate support to birthing families. We offer information, physical comfort measures, and emotional reassurance to help you navigate the birthing process and postpartum era with confidence and ease.

We believe in a world where every parent can embrace their birth experience with confidence, knowledge, and unwavering support.

With 18 years of offering Doula support on Vancouver Island, here’s what we do best:

  • Available from the beginning of your pregnancy this service is geared to prepare your body, mind, and partner. Our goal is to help you to embody your birth vision. This includes going deeper into your fears and customizing emotional support through email, phone and text support in addition to our 1:1 sessions. This also includes checking in before and after your medical appointments if you so choose to help you to feel informed, confident and in a positive communication flow with your medical care providers.

  • Prior to your birth we will dive directly into your preferences, to bring your birth plan to the next level. Using meditation, journaling and breath work exercises we will explore your fear, triggers and get those out of the way to affirm and reflect specific needs and desires that align with your birth intentions.

  • Visits are very education focused, ensuring you feel informed about your options. Nutritional and emotional guidance will be thorough to nurture a healthy pregnancy.

  • Through a celebratory massage we'll create an affirming space to honor your changing body, reflect on your current transitions and upcoming &/or past birth processes.

    🌷Not all of our packages include this service.

    🌷This service can also be provided independent of our doula services.

  • Even though you have been given a "due date", normal human gestation is 37-42 weeks, a 5 week window. Your doula is primarily on call 24/7 beginning at 37 weeks until your baby is born.

  • Supplementary supplies for home or hospital birth (candles, massage oil, snacks and tea). Access to tens machine. Continuity in care and comfort strategies for the entire hours/days of your birth adventure.

  • Together we will assess your needs that will contribute to your holistic healing and to help in the postpartum transition as you begin to parent your newborn. These include breastfeeding bonding & rest support, self care checklist & strategies, herbal perineum/ or post surgery care)

    We continue to stay on call 24/7 for up to 6 weeks postpartum.

    We’re here to help you feel more fortified leading up to your birth with an emphasis on postpartum integration.

    We love community.

    We also know how important it is to integrate the many changes in your many relationships for 3 years postpartum.

    Lead doula Serena Oliveira has been involved with facilitating weekly postnatal support groups since 2016. These include Mamacentric, Dad and Baby as well as Baby and Me located at the Comox Community Centre.

    Even after your last visit with us, we can continue to check in and visit in person through these free community programs.

  • In the story of childbirth, you are the leader on your personal journey—it’s one that is shared, supported, and shaped by those around you. From the very beginning, the path toward empowered birth is a collective experience, where every step, every challenge, and every triumph resonates not only in your life but in the lives of those who walk beside you.

    1. The journey begins when you recognize the call to bring new life into the world. Whether through pregnancy, adoption, or the decision to give birth, this moment is the spark that ignites a transformative experience. You’re faced with a decision to trust your body, your intuition, and your community in the unfolding adventure ahead.

    2. As you step into the unknown, you enter the realm of preparation. With guidance from trusted care providers, doulas, and your support network, you begin to prepare—mentally, physically, and emotionally. This is where knowledge becomes power and support systems start to form. It’s a time of learning, growing, and embracing the unknown.

    3. Throughout your journey, you encounter various tests—physical challenges, emotional waves, and moments of doubt. But you're never alone. Your allies—your doula, your partner, your family, your care team—stand by you. These are the mentors who guide, reassure, and empower you, helping you tap into your inner strength and wisdom.

    4. The moment of labor is the climax of your journey, the ultimate test of your resilience, trust, and intuition. It's a raw and transformative experience, one that may bring fear and pain but also immense power and clarity. Here, you confront your deepest fears and rise to the occasion, tapping into the energy of every woman who has gone before you and those who support you now.

    5. After the intensity of childbirth, you are reborn—stronger, more connected to yourself, and more deeply intertwined with the collective journey of motherhood. The birth of your child is not just a personal victory; it is the beginning of a shared story that continues to evolve with each passing moment. Your power, your wisdom, and your experience inspire others on their own paths.

    6. With your new life in your arms, you return from the journey transformed. The knowledge and strength you’ve gained now ripple outwards, as you share your story, your lessons, and your empowerment with others. The collective journey of empowered childbirth is one that continues to evolve with every story told, every birth supported, and every woman who steps into her own strength.

    🌸 Matrescence is an experience which includes the many moons of getting ready to conceive and birth a baby, until you are fully settled and thriving in your postpartum period. Rooted in holistic guidance, celebratory tradition and self care practices, we are here to support the enrichment and vitality of our cross-cultural parenting community.

Together, we are celebrating birth care culture

We recognize the healing power of ritual, art, ceremony, non-violent communication, and interconnection to self + the land.

We honor diverse cultural practices, offering social and ecological affirming support that fosters confidence, connection, and agency in reproductive health. We are here to welcome transformative, empowering experiences that comes with integrating our womb’s intelligence with the healing of the earth.

We are proud to work as a collaborative group of contracted practioners as a part of our growing team who help bridge the gap in community maternity and family care.

Dream it…

Our vision at Honey Womb is to hold the highest intentions of support, education and wellness as our team combines many years of doula experience, wisdom and holistic healing to you and your family. Weaving together many lifetimes worth of wisdom from the culmination of cross-cultural practices and experiences, together we combine traditional & modern teachings that stem from a long lineage of childbirth practitioners.

Grow it…

We've got your back-literally and metaphorically for you and your baby! Our professional doula team is on call 24/7 starting at 37 weeks until you finally get to cuddle your little bundle of joy.

Get ready for personalized coaching and support sessions that are catered to your individual needs, guiding you towards the best solutions and taking steps to conquer your goals for pregnancy and parenting.

Love it.

Our in person packages offer grounded, holistic care for pregnancy and birth based on individual needs. Celebrating inclusivity, our care blends traditional approaches to caring for the mind, body, and emotions, supporting all families in the full array of their medical care and birthing options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Your doula is present to assist and support you and your partner in achieving your desired birth. We work closely together prior to your birth to get to know how your current strengths in your relationship can be best used during your birth. Though the doula remains focused on the mother’s needs, she works closely with your partner and encourages him/her/them during the entire birthing process, offering gentle guidance, nourishment and the confidence to support you.

  • Consider your doula your very own customized and all encompassing support so you can be free to not think and just feel through your process after you’ve done all of the mind work. Your doula will help keep you focussed and well prepared in advance. While your primary care providers focus on your medical health and baby's needs, your doula is on the frontlines for all the emotional, non-medical support you need. She's the unwavering compass for calm, helping you stay focused and centered no matter what unexpected twists arise during labor. And the best part? A doula is a pro at working with medical teams to ensure everything goes as smoothly as possible for you and your baby.

  • A doula undergoes specialized training to provide comfort and emotional support throughout the birthing process. Conversely, a coach possesses the skill set to tailor care and guide you through a vision planning process, allowing you to feel empowered and in control as you develop an action plan to achieve your desired outcome. As both a doula and coach, Honey Womb can integrate various techniques such as breathwork, meditation, journaling, and yoga to facilitate your growth as a parent. Serena's objective is to support individuals in achieving their desired outcomes by encouraging reinvention or pivoting towards new opportunities. A coach can help you navigate your unique journey, providing personalized attention to help you tap into your wisdom with confidence and clarity.

  • Doulas are professionals with technical expertise who offer personalized and independent support to expectant mothers throughout their pregnancy journey, working in tandem with healthcare providers such as OBGYN's and family doctors. In contrast, midwives provide focused medical care during pregnancy, labor, and after childbirth. While midwives attend primarily for the active part of birthing process, offer comprehensive support to the mother throughout the entire process, including emotional, informational, and physical assistance for early labor. Our postpartum packages continue for up to three years, whereas midwifery care concludes at four to six weeks postpartum.

  • A doula can provide continuous support and encouragement during labor and delivery and helps you to have a positive birthing experience. Depending on their skillset, a doula can help you to have less anxiety, support you on your breast/chest feeding journey and to share their many tools to support your prenatal, birth and postanatal needs as they evolve.

    A doula's support during your pregnancy, labor, and postpartum journey can offer a range of benefits, including:

    Providing emotional support and encouragement throughout the birthing process.

    Helping you to feel more informed and empowered as you navigate various medical decisions.

    Offering physical comfort measures, such as massage and positioning suggestions during labor.

    Providing support for your partner or other family members who may be present.

    Assisting with breastfeeding and offering guidance on other newborn care needs.

    Sharing helpful resources and tools to support your overall wellness during this transformative time.

    Helping you to feel more confident and prepared as you navigate the many changes that come with becoming a parent.

  • The role of doulas during caesarean births is of significant importance for expectant mothers. Whether the delivery is planned or unplanned, doulas offer support and guidance throughout the process. Depending on the urgency and discretion of care providers, your Honey Womb doula may even accompany clients in the operating room to provide extended support and professional photography.

  • A doula can offer her distinct expertise and understanding of the birthing process, with each doula contributing a unique perspective. At Honey Womb, your doula will not assume your voice unless asked to do so. Rather, she will support you in expressing your needs and desires when it's time to make important decisions. Additionally, she will assist you in developing the confidence for intuited inquiry and to use your own voice.

  • We offer customizable payment plans to cater to your specific needs and preferences. We understand that there are several investment options during this time, and we strive to ensure that our services are accessible and affordable. Additionally, hiring a doula may also be an excellent gift option that extended family and friends can consider.

    Indigenous families residing in BC may be eligible for up to $1,200.00 in coverage for full spectrum doula support with each pregnancy through the Doulas for Aboriginal Families Grant Program (DAFGP). Our goal is to provide inclusive and diverse support to all expecting families.

    For all other families, you can apply for funding here through the Birthing Families Foundation.

  • Certainly. A doula is present to provide you with support and grounded guidance, irrespective of your preferred birthing method. Whether you're all about that pain relief or want to go au naturel, your doula is there to cheer you on.

  • We recommend you interview a few doulas to get a sense of their training but most importantly how they connect with your needs and goals.

    With 18 years of showing up for families we use a somatic coaching style to analyze, enhance and implement service packages to cater to the various requirements of informational, strategic and emotional support for growing families.

    We construct positive results with strong health and safety business practices while creating supportive networks, educational resources, and collaborative leadership with hospital staff and community healthcare practitioners.

    With nearly two decades helping to fill gaps in community care for maternity programs we’re here for families as much as we are to innovate community birth care.

    Doulas are trained in childbirth education, support techniques, and postpartum care. Not all doulas are trained the same. At Honey Womb, we advocate for your choices by simply using somatic techniques for you to connect with your nervous system and to clear your mind and body so that you can feel level and connected to your care providers and your choices.

    By creating a calm and supportive environment, doulas can help shorten labor, reduce the need for interventions, and increase breastfeeding and mental success.

    We work collaboratively with you and your healthcare providers to ensure your birth experience aligns with your desires and expectations and necessary lines of communication are open so you feel confident, clear and relaxed.

  • Yes we’re here to help you bring forth your birth vision. We will even help you write a birth plan as part of finding your voice and bringing forward your goals. But like life, we can have clear intentions while knowing that birth can never be planned.

    We’ve supported families through diverse choices and outcomes and we’re here for all of the unknowns and unpredictability of birth.

    Our goal is for you to feel resourced in what’s real. We’re also here with unwavering trust that you can lead yourself and your unfolding roles with clarity and confidence- rain or shine.

Welcome to the Honey Womb Journey