About
What languages do you speak?
English, Spanish, and basic Mandarin.
What is your personal definition of “doula”?
I see my role as a doula as being a professional auntie: a supportive, nurturing, knowledgeable companion.
What brought you to birth and postpartum work?
I have always been interested in birth and worked with a traditional midwife in Mexico as part of my undergraduate degree. I was very fortunate to learn so much from her and even attend a birth alongside her. I discovered that birth and labour are not for me, and eventually found a DONA international training for postpartum doulas. This combined my interest in the birthing world with my years of experience in childcare and early childhood education.
In a climate of caregiver burnout, how are you caring for yourself?
Maintaining boundaries around my work/personal hours, practicing yoga, meditation and mindfulness, and making fun and play a priority.
What is a standout book, movie/tv, etc about the childbearing/parenting journey that you return to?
BOOKS
- The Fourth Trimester by Kimberley Ann Johnson
Trainings
POSTPARTUM
- The first 6 weeks webinar – Baby Academy Canada
- Sleep webinar – Baby Academy Canada
- Newborn care webinar- Baby Academy Canada
- Postpartum Doula Training – DONA International
- Masaje de Rebozo (Indigenous Mexican postpartum care) – Miriam Avalos
- Breastfeeding workshop – DONA
- Motherfoods – Innate Traditions
POST-SECONDARY
- Bachelor of Arts – University of Victoria
- Foundations in FASD – Canada FASD Research Network
OTHER
- Naloxone – Toward the Heart
- Yoga Teacher Training (YTT-200) – YYoga
- Cultural Safety Training – BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres
- Doula Business webinar- DONA
- Standard First Aid and CPR C
- Trauma in the Body – Yvette Lalonde
- Prenatal Yoga Teacher Training (RYPT-100)
- Healing Trauma and Addiction – Dr. Gabor Mate
FOR YOUR PERSONAL LEARNING, WHAT IS THE WORKSHOP/TRAINING ON YOUR RADAR?
- Wise Woman Way of Birth Postpartum Doula Training
- Bekung Belly Binding
Testimonials
Sasha was an absolute dream postpartum doula to have support with our 7-week-old twins. She is a natural at connecting with both babies and parents. Sasha has a gentle, warm, and calming presence that was essential for bringing balance to the postpartum time. She helped me to feel at ease leaving my girls in her care when providing much needed overnights and supported my little one with gentle tummy exercises to help with her colic. She goes above and beyond. I’d highly recommend choosing Sasha as your postpartum doula. – Shantelle
Sasha is a breath of helpful, peaceful fresh air from the moment she walked in to our home. I felt so comfortable having her look after my child, the first time by anyone who isn’t family. Our 6 month old baby absolutely loves her and we can’t wait to have her back again. She is punctual, professional, warm and incredibly skilled looking after our baby. – Hillary
Sasha impressed me immediately with her knowledge and kindness. She was wonderful with my baby, and so respectful of the family I had created as a queer single parent by choice. She is professional, thoughtful, and thorough. I can’t recommend her highly enough. – Chloë
100% recommend. Sasha offers a wonderful presence. She is extremely considerate and I’m delighted to see her bright smile. She has come to help me with my son, who is still just a couple months old, several times now – I’ve had a lot of anxiety around the idea of someone else caring for him, or holding him, but somehow with her it’s all ok. I believe she is someone who has truly found her calling in life and I’m delighted she has been able to bring joy into our home. Cannot recommend enough. She really has a magical way with kids. – Jennifer
