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About
Moriah Smith is a postpartum doula with Brood, serving Victoria & Surrounding Areas. Moriah has 14+ years of experience and has supported 5+ families.
What languages do you speak?
English
What is your personal definition of “doula”?
To me a doula is someone who supports parents through the transition of pregnancy into parenthood. Working as a Community Support Worker for many years, I understand that the type and amount of support a person needs can vary on a day to day basis. My role is to meet you where you are at—whether that involves hands-on support, surrounding support (like housework), or simply holding space and offering reassurance.
What brought you to birth and postpartum work?
I’ve loved babies from a young age and always knew that I wanted to be a mom. During my 20’s I considered pursuing midwifery, which eventually led to me learning about doula work. After experiencing recurrent pregnancy loss during the height of the pandemic and then having 3 children of my own, it became clear to me just how important it is to have someone to rely on during these life-changing transitions.
For most of human history grandmothers, aunties, sisters, cousins, and neighbours surrounded and uplifted the new mother and family. Our modern society has lost this form of community and continuity of care. Living on the island, I know how much that physical barrier can complicate getting help from family and friends who live elsewhere. Others may have family nearby, but can’t rely on them for help. This is where a doula can step in to create this missing cocoon of support.
I think that raising children is one of the most important things we can do, since we are quite literally raising the future of humanity. I strive to make a positive impact by setting parents up for success; they’re ready to start this new chapter with their baby calmly and confidently.
In a climate of caregiver burnout, how are you caring for yourself?
After working as a CSW for many years while living in a state of near-constant burnout, I’ve learned where my limits are and how to step back when I need to. I schedule intentional time for myself to catch up on life tasks, pursue my hobbies, and unwind. I allow myself accommodations such as noise-reducing earbuds, dance breaks, music, fidgets, and alone-time when needed. I know that I am able to show up as my best self for people when I take the time and space to care for myself first.
What is a standout book, movie/tv, etc about the childbearing/parenting journey that you return to?
BOOKS (FICTION)
- The Birth House by Ami McKay
BOOKS (NONFICTION)
- Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth by Ina May Gaskin
- The Birth Partner by Penny Simkin
- Let’s Talk About Your New Family’s Sleep by Lyndsey Hookway
- Brain Health from Birth by Rebecca Fett
- Real Food for Pregnancy by Lily Nichols
TV & MOVIES
- Babies (documentary)
- Call the Midwife
- Workin’ Moms
- The Letdown
PODCASTS
- Unruffled with Janet Lansbury
- Good Inside with Becky Kennedy
WEBSITES
Testimonials
“I was amazed the entire time at how gentle and firm she was. I never really thought that I would need someone so badly, just to tell me to breathe. And to keep breathing after that. She also made sure that when contractions were painful enough that I couldn’t think of anything else, that I got water between each one.”
– Cassie C, birth client
Training + Education
POST-SECONDARY
- Holistic Birth and Postpartum Doula Certificate, Pacific Rim College
- BA Psychology, University of British Columbia
OTHER
- Relational Non-violent Crisis Intervention, MANDT
- Light Therapy Basics, Photonic Therapy Institute
- CPR-C with AED, Alert First Aid
- Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening
FOR YOUR PERSONAL LEARNING, WHAT IS THE WORKSHOP/TRAINING ON YOUR RADAR?
- The Photonic Human, Photonic Therapy Institute
- Neurodiversity and Birthwork, Doula School Canada
- Bereavement CE, BADT
- DAFGP Cultural Safety Training, BCAAFC
