About
What languages do you speak?
English.
What is your personal definition of “doula”?
To me, being a doula means weaving my training and support skills into each family’s lives in a way that brings flow, trust, holistic care, and connection. I aim to meet the family where they are in their pregnancy, birth, or postpartum journey and ensure they are being cared for in a way that best suits their personal values and needs.
Overall, it is my goal to make sure that the families I work with are getting the rest, care & community support required during this special & important time.
What brought you to birth and postpartum work?
My mom had PPD with my brother, and hearing her story shone a light on the importance of supporting new and expecting families. Once I began seeking out and listening to other people’s birth stories, and attending births as a doula, I witnessed firsthand both the deep beauty and variety of challenges that come with this powerfully transitional time. It truly does take a village and I’m happy to be a part of it.
In a climate of caregiver burnout, how are you caring for yourself?
I drink plenty of water; swim in alpine lakes and rivers; take rejuvenating walks in the forest; eat healthy most of the time; and am proactively discerning of whom I choose to cultivate relationships with in my personal life. I also love to write, create art, and give myself reiki on a regular basis.
What is a standout book, movie/tv, etc about the childbearing/parenting journey that you return to?
PODCAST
- The Midwives Cauldron
TV
- Maid — really shines a light on the struggles of single parenthood.
BOOK
- Why Induction Matters by Rachel Reed is a potent, important read in the current birthing climate.
Trainings
BIRTH
- Birth Doula training, Wise Woman Way of Birth
- Full Spectrum Pregnancy Loss, Molly Dutton-Kenney
- Birth Art certificate, Birthing From Within
- Childbirth Physiology certificate, Dr. Rachel Reed
- Approved under the Doula for Aboriginal Families Grant Program (DAFGP)
- Associate Degree in Kinesiology & Exercise Science, Laurentian University
- Reiki Master Teacher certification, Myorei Corrine Zerrafa (Zen Centre of Vancouver)
POSTPARTUM
- Postpartum Doula Training, Douglas College
- First Aid Infant/Child CPR, Safe Beginnings
- Choking & Injury Prevention, Safe Beginnings
FOR YOUR PERSONAL LEARNING, WHAT IS THE WORKSHOP/TRAINING ON YOUR RADAR?
- Perinatal Mental Health Certification Program and HypnoBirthing Certification.
Testimonials
As first-time parents with families overseas, my husband and I were looking for additional support for our hospital birth and postpartum. Terri was wonderful in every way. From answering our questions, sharing resources, clearing my doubts and fears, and being my go-to person even if I just needed to vent during the third trimester, she was always prompt and helpful. But most importantly, she was very present and hands-on during the extremely intense labor I experienced. Terri guided me through multiple pain coping methods in addition to offering Reiki during labour which allowed me to stick to my no pain medication goal and birth a beautiful baby boy. Her postpartum visits were much needed break for me and my husband. My little one loved being in her warm and peaceful presence and was just so calm. If you’re looking for a resourceful, kind, and compassionate doula – Terri is definitely someone to reach out to! — Anjilin
Terri Lynn was our birth doula for our daughter’s hospital birth and she was incredible. She supported my partner and me at our home when I was in early labor and stayed by our side until a couple of hours after our daughter was born. Her presence made both of us feel calm, safe, and confident during an otherwise wild and intense experience. She is highly intuitive and knew when to be hands-on and when I needed space and she seemed to know instinctively when my partner and I needed time alone together, and when he needed a break to sleep. She helped me to stay focused and in my body when things got really intense, and she created a calm and protective space for me to feel safe enough to labor and birth in. Terri Lynn is professional, gentle, knowledgable, and kind and I highly recommend her as Doula. — Lyndsey
