About
What languages do you speak?
English & Portuguese
What is your personal definition of “doula”?
Company, support, protector.
What brought you to birth and postpartum work?
After 20 years of working in the field of Industrial Engineering, I felt it was time to bring a new lightness into my life. I experienced a very hard postpartum when my first daughter was born — I felt like helping families to go through this challenging phase could help me to heal myself. Today I can proudly say that I am a doula and I love what I do. With every little baby that holds my hand, with every parent who tells me her deep feelings at the late-night feed, and with every smile I get when I finish my shift, I’m sure I’m in the right place.
In a climate of caregiver burnout, how are you caring for yourself?
I believe in care is based on 3 pillars: Physical, Emotional, and Spiritual.
In physical care, I practice exercises 3 times a week and have an RMT. He is also coaching me on the best positions and how to avoid injuries.
Emotionally, I attend weekly sessions of counseling. I also speak with other doulas so we can share our experiences with each other.
I have my spiritual beliefs and practices that help me to balance my energy when I’m dealing with complicated cases or challenging families.
I am very aware of self-care and I love to take care of myself!
What is a standout book, movie/tv, etc about the childbearing/parenting journey that you return to?
MOVIES
- Birth Reborn 1 & 2 (Brazilian Movie)
- Call Me by Your Name
- The Lost Daughter
- Little Miss Sunshine
TRAININGS
- Wise Woman Way of Birth, Postpartum Doula Program
- Vancouver First Aid, AED, CPR for Newborns and Toddlers
FOR YOUR PERSONAL LEARNING, WHAT IS THE WORKSHOP/TRAINING ON YOUR RADAR?
- Full Spectrum doula training (specifically for miscarriage support)
- Inclusive communication in health care for 2SLGGBTQIA+
Testimonials
Cari brought a delicious soup that nourished and warmed my heart and my home. She changed the sheets and folded clothes that had been in the dryer for more than a day. She was the friendly presence who held my hand and told me it was okay to cry while the milk dripped into the collector cup. She reminded me that I needed to feel comfortable in the role of nursing/parenting and that I should always ask for help. Thanks, Cari (for everything)! — Barbara
We met Cari when our baby was just 4 days old. From the first few moments, I knew Cari was the right person. She was warm and caring. Just lovely even though it is not easy to leave your baby with another person, it felt natural with her. I felt so much more at peace as a new mom knowing that Cari was around helping with the hundreds of doubts and questions I had. Her company was lovely and I will never forget our chats during the late-night feeds. Our little girl was in great hands and Cari’s support was indispensable. — Agata
Cari’s support in our life was very significant. The help of a postpartum doula is fundamental for the beginning of the life journey of a family with a new member. I recommend it, as it is not a “luxury”, I dare say that it is necessary for the mental health of the postpartum parent and the entire family. — Lilian
