Want to work with Bianca?
Book a free call and we’ll check Bianca’s availability for your due date — and introduce you to a few other doulas who might be a great fit, too.
About
Bianca Rivera-Haeber is a birth and postpartum doula with Brood, serving Vancouver & Lower Mainland. Bianca has 6 years of experience and has supported 10 families.
What languages do you speak?
English
What is your personal definition of “doula”?
A doula is a person you’ve chosen to be a part of your village who can provide evidence, personal knowledge, empathy, and compassion. We are honoured to be chosen and accept your journey as yours, without judgement or doubt.
A doula understands how sacred pregnancy and postpartum care is, and has been called to be a support during these life-changing moments.
What brought you to birth and postpartum work?
Since a young age, I’ve been enamoured with infants, children, and pregnancy. However, it was ultimately my own journey into parenthood that made me want to pursue doula work. Giving birth during the COVID lockdown meant my plans were taken and thrown into the trash, and my excitement was dimmed. What it did give me was insight into how vulnerable we are during birth and how important it is to have a village.
During my postpartum recovery, I began to understand just how celestial the womb is. We connect a soul to the physical world, and once they are here, we are to gently care for and guide them through life. We must not forget about our own being and our own care. My goal is to be someone who can surround you with unconditional support and understanding, and to share any knowledge I can so that you can be as confident as you need to be.
This time is so precious, so raw, our bodies so incredible, so capable—and to be a part of that is an honour.
In a climate of caregiver burnout, how are you caring for yourself?
A yoga class always does wonders for me! I also love a good walk in the forest with my son. But my most favourite thing to do for myself is sit in a coffee shop and read a fantasy book.
What is a standout book, movie/tv, etc about the childbearing/parenting journey that you return to?
TV:
- Workin’ Moms
- Friends → The moment where Rachel discovers she’s pregnant in the washroom with her two best friends.
BOOKS
- Thriving Postpartum: Embracing the Indigenous Wisdom of La Cuarentena
PODCASTS
- Evidence Based Birth
Birth Care Package
To better understand Brood’s birth package pricing model, read on → Making Birth Doula Care Accessible: The Green Bottle Sliding Scale Method
Tell us more about the ethos in your birth doula practice:
I believe in the birthing person! We know our bodies best, and I think following their lead is the right choice. I love a holistic approach and fuelling the body with nutritious whole foods and teas. I also love homemade remedies for the ups and downs of pregnancy, while absolutely believing in going to the hospital when it’s necessary.
Prenatal Care
- Free In-Person Foundations Visit → Once your contract is signed and your first-choice doula has been confirmed, your doula will visit your home for around 1+ hour so you can chat, connect, and ensure the fit feels right—for both of you!
- Prenatal Visits → 3 in-person or virtual sessions to connect and build a birth plan. We’ll also take time to go over any questions you might have. The goal is for you to feel confident and sure after each session.
- Partner Support → During at least one of our three visits, your partner(s) will have a chance to voice concerns, ask questions, and get helpful information on how to be a confident support person.
- Birth Preferences → During our sessions, we’ll go over your birth preferences, cultural customs, comfort measures, and any must-haves and must-nots.
- Pregnancy Support → I’m here for emotional support (a listening ear!), recipes for herbal remedies (teas and salves), reading and listening material, and information on community support like prenatal massage, acupuncture, and yoga.
- Hands-on Comfort Practicing → Including labour positions, breathing techniques, movement, labour tools and coping strategies.
- Community Referrals → Access valuable local resources like prenatal classes, lactation consultants, and mental health support.
- Brood’s Family Membership → Gain exclusive access to five online courses covering prenatal and newborn care, plus join our virtual private clubhouse and member area for downloadable resources.
- Postpartum Product Guide → A curated list of our top postpartum must-haves, based on what we see that supports families again and again.
- Postpartum Planning → Preparing for the fourth trimester with a focus on maternal recovery, nourishing meals, rest, newborn care, and building a supportive environment that allows you to slow down and embrace early parenthood.
- Birth Education & Informed Choices → Exploring the stages of labour, comfort measures, pain management options, and potential medical interventions so you feel informed, confident and empowered to make decisions that are right for you.
- Emotional Support & Connection” Creating a safe, nurturing space to openly discuss your hopes, fears, questions and expectations surround birth and the transition into motherhood.
- Text and Phone Support → I offer unlimited phone and text support from the moment of hire until 6 weeks postpartum.
Brood’s Family Membership → Gain exclusive access to five online courses covering prenatal and newborn care, plus join our virtual private clubhouse and member area for downloadable resources.
Birth Attendance
Continuous Labour Support: Providing a calm, nurturing, and reassuring presence throughout labour and birth, offering consistent emotional and physical support tailored to your individual needs and preferences:
- Continuous In-Person Support → I’ll be on call and available from 37 weeks onward. I’ll be by your side during active labour and delivery, and I’ll stay for up to two hours after birth to make sure you, your baby, and your support people are as comfortable as can be.
- Comfort & Pain Relief Support → I’ll help you with pain relief measures like acupressure, hip squeezes, position changes to help you and baby find optimal birthing positions, meditation, calm music, mantras, and breathing.
- Partner Support → I’ll encourage your partner to get as involved as they feel comfortable, in a way that suits your family. Their rest and nourishment matter too—it’s all part of postpartum care.
- Advocacy → I’ll make sure your birth preferences are communicated to and followed through with your care team. You’ll always have a voice, and you’ll always be listened to.
- Photos → With your permission, I’m happy to take pictures throughout labour and delivery. I love the idea of packing a disposable or Polaroid camera in your hospital bag!
- First Feed and Post-Birth Support → I’ll stay to help with your first latch or bottle feed, and I can offer guidance and reassurance during the immediate post-birth hours.
Postpartum Support
- In-Person Visit → One postpartum visit focused on newborn care, checking in on your mental well-being, and offering tips and tricks to ease you into newborn parenthood.
- Support Services → I can connect you to support services for your postpartum needs in your area.
- Birth Debrief → We’ll go over how you felt your birth went and how you felt about the support, and I’ll answer any questions to the best of my ability.
- Ongoing Support → I provide unlimited text, phone, and email support for up to 6 weeks postpartum. Don’t hesitate to reach out!
- Baby wearing Resources → My favourite postpartum fit! There are so many options, and I’ll help you find what works best for you
Training & Education
Birth & Postpartum
- Birth and Postpartum Doula Training, Doula School Canada
Other
- Eligible for Extended Health Reimbursement
