Birth & Postnatal Doulas
Lana Joy Wahlquist, Birth & Postnatal Doula
I’m Lana and I am a birth doula, lactation educator, and mother to three beautiful children. Helping new moms has been my passion for over a decade. I believe that every woman or birthing person deserves to be fully supported while they are giving birth because giving birth is hard enough on its own! Childbirth is more than medical or physiological—it is a rite of passage for both mother and baby and it is my aim that this sacredness is protected in your unique birth experience.
When I was having my own babies, I took classes in the Bradley Method and HypnoBabies, and the study I did during those three pregnancies made me passionate about childbirth. Since then, I have earned certification as a labor doula through CAPPA, I’ve become a certificated Lactation Education Specialist with BreastfeedLA in Los Angeles, and I was also trained in traditional rebozo techniques with Gena Garcia-Kirby. Before becoming a doula, I was an experienced breastfeeding peer counselor, trained and accredited by La Leche League International since 2013. I am eager to help you initiate and sustain breastfeeding once your baby arrives.
As your doula, I know that I am one part of a supportive circle of care around you, present to care and sustain you as you do some of the most important work of your life.
Complete a short inquiry and our team will help you explore availability and next steps.
Patti Wright, Birth and Postnatal Doula
Patricia is a Birth and Postnatal Doula, and Registered Reflexologist with a passion for supporting clients from birth to adulthood. She has been apart of the healing community for 12 years. Through her own healing journey, she has experienced the benefits of natural therapies and the body’s ability to heal itself under the right conditions. This prompted Patricia to further her education to help clients learn of new ways to cope with stress, anxiety, digestive issues, and auto-immune disorders to name a few. Recognizing her keen interest in women’s health and assisting clients to be the healthiest version of themselves, Patricia has recently continued her educational studies to focus on women’s reproductive health and fertility, including becoming a Birth and Postnatal Doula through DONA International. This has allowed her to expand her knowledge and skills to support women on their journey through fertility, pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and menopause.
As an exceptionally proud mother herself, she lives by the concept of putting family first and finding ways to support those you love. Patricia has a unique and long-standing career working with and advocating for the needs of children, youth, and families within Oxford County. Patricia is known for her listening skills and compassionate nature. She finds that leading a holistic life has a positive impact on a person’s health and has been grateful to be able to work with people of all ages and stages of life. She welcomes whole beingness and celebrates diversity in all forms. Patricia deeply believes in the practice of holding space and co-creating optimal conditions for support and growth. Meeting you where you are at in your journey and providing personalized supportive guidance when and where available. Her approach is individually tailored while following the best evidence-based practices. Embodying holistic health, healing, happiness, and the empowerment of women. Patricia would be honoured to be a part of your journey.
Complete a short inquiry and our team will help you explore availability and next steps.
Jen Allard, Postnatal Doula
As a mother of eight children, I understand that each birth experience and postpartum period can be different. The pregnancy and birth journey is a transition for the entire family. The postpartum period can be filled with so much joy, but it can also include challenges as everyone adapts to the changes. I believe that each family deserves compassionate, supportive care while navigating the first weeks and months following the birth of a baby.
I would love to support you by providing a calm, nurturing presence while offering practical help, information, and encouragement tailored to your family’s needs. Whether you need emotional reassurance, newborn care guidance, or simply an extra set of helping hands, I can help you feel more confident, supported, and rested, allowing you more time to bond with your baby and family during recovery.
I worked as an educational assistant, providing support for children with disabilities and exceptionalities for many years. I have always had a heart for women's ministry and have loved helping my family and friends through their postpartum periods. Together with my love of babies, becoming a postnatal doula was the perfect fit for the next part of my journey!
When I’m not cuddling babies and providing postpartum support, you can often find me enjoying a cup of coffee and reading a good book... that is, if I’m not driving around a van full of kids to various activities and social events. I’m a busy wife, soccer mom, and dance mom, and I wouldn’t want it any other way!
Complete a short inquiry and our team will help you explore availability and next steps.
Jenna Speir, Birth Doula & Manual Osteopathic Practitioner
Hi, I’m Jenna, a birth doula and manual osteopathic student passionate about supporting families through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. My journey into birth work was inspired by my own transformative experiences; after a cesarean birth with my first child and an empowering home VBAC with my second, I understood firsthand the value of compassionate, informed care during such a pivotal time.
With a background in massage therapy and ongoing studies in manual osteopathy, I bring a hands-on approach to my work as a doula. I integrate evidence-based techniques for comfort, pain relief, and supporting the body’s natural abilities during labor. My goal is to help clients feel strong, supported, and confident throughout their journey.
I believe birth is both sacred and deeply personal, and I strive to create a space where families feel empowered to make informed choices and fully embrace their experience. Whether you’re planning a hospital birth, home birth, or something in between, I’m here to provide emotional, physical, and informational support every step of the way.
When I’m not working with clients, I love spending time in the garden, experimenting in the kitchen, or keeping up with my two little ones!
I’m so excited to walk alongside you during this incredible journey.
Complete a short inquiry and our team will help you explore availability and next steps.
Julia Linares-Roake, Postnatal Doula
Hi, I’m Julia (she/her or they/them), and I am a postnatal doula, birthing parent, and in caring relationships with multiple animal companions. I hold a doctorate in Family Relations and Human Development from the University of Guelph, specializing in human-animal interactions within the household, feminist care ethics, and gender studies. I have also completed training with Birthing Advocacy Doula Training (BADT) as a Full Spectrum Doula (FSD).
My journey into birth work was informed by my experiences as a gender queer birthing parent, my changing relationships with my dogs and cat, and navigating an equitable parenting journey with my spouse. We were privileged to have the support of a WOMB doula following birth, and I wanted to give back some of the warmth, support, and space given to us postpartum.
I am particularly interested in putting my research into practice and supporting patients through a caring ethics, recognizing and valuing diverse experiences with the birthing process and beyond. As a recent immigrant to Canada, I recognize how important it is to have compassionate support during this time, within and beyond existing support systems. My hope is to support the whole family in a way that feels right for you, including any furry kin who call your house home!
Outside of my doula work, I also lead cat-human interaction programming for a local non-profit, work with my partner to advocate more equitable parenting policies and practices, and research/teach on topics around dog-human relationships, critical community engaged scholarship, and gendered relations.
I am excited to be a support for your amazing journey, and to hold space for you to find routines which work for your household.
Complete a short inquiry and our team will help you explore availability and next steps.