Parent Support
WE ARE CURRENTLY NOT ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE ADDED TO OUR WAITLIST, PLEASE EMAIL PARENTSUPPORT@ROOTEDFAMILY.CA
If you have coverage for Social Work, your Parent Support Session fees may be covered under Social Work under the parent's or child's name (please check your coverage)! See below for more information.
Prenatal and Postnatal Parent Support (Postpartum Doula Care) in Ottawa and Kanata
Becoming a parent can be both joyful and overwhelming. Pregnancy, birth, and the early weeks with a new baby bring physical recovery, emotional changes, and a steep learning curve, often all at once.
At Rooted Family Wellness Centre, we offer prenatal and postnatal parent support, including postpartum doula care, for families in Kanata, serving Ottawa and surrounding areas. Our support is compassionate, practical, and non-judgmental, designed to help you feel more confident and supported as you prepare for birth and navigate the fourth trimester.
What Is Parent Support?
Parent support and postpartum doula care focus on emotional reassurance, newborn care guidance, feeding support, and practical help before and after birth. The goal is not to tell you how to parent, but to support you in finding what works best for your family.
Our parent support practitioners offer care similar to a postpartum doula, with the added benefit of being part of a collaborative wellness team.
Prenatal Parent Support
Prenatal parent support focuses on preparation and reassurance before baby arrives. Sessions may include:
- Reviewing birth preferences and comfort measures
- Discussing partner roles and involvement
- Preparing for postpartum recovery and what is normal
- Creating a personalized postpartum support plan
- Education on newborn care basics
- Discussing feeding preferences and available supports
- Connecting you with trusted community and in-clinic resources
Prenatal support can help reduce anxiety and build confidence before birth.
Postnatal Parent Support and Postpartum Doula Care
Postnatal support is flexible and responsive to your family’s needs during the early weeks and months after birth.
Newborn and Infant Care Support
- Education on newborn care such as swaddling, bathing, diapering, and soothing
- Safe sleep guidance based on current recommendations
- Support with babywearing and choosing carriers
- Caring for baby while parents rest or shower
Emotional Support
- Compassionate listening and emotional reassurance
- Support for baby blues, mood changes, or postpartum anxiety
- Supporting the entire family system, including partners and siblings
Feeding Support
- Breast or chestfeeding encouragement and positioning help
- Bottle-feeding guidance and paced feeding education
- Support with pumping routines and milk storage
- Referrals to lactation consultants when specialized feeding support is needed
Practical Household Support
- Light meal or snack preparation
- Light household tasks such as baby laundry or dishes
Recovery and Wellness Support
- Guidance around postpartum healing and recovery
- Support following cesarean birth or difficult delivery
- Referrals to pelvic floor physiotherapy, mental health counselling, chiropractic care, or osteopathy when helpful
Education and Resource Sharing
- Evidence-based resources for infant care and postpartum recovery
- Support in creating a daily rhythm that works for your family
- Information about local support groups and wellness services
Partner and Family Support
- Helping partners feel confident and involved
- Encouraging open communication within the family
- Holding space for all family members during the transition to parenthood
Collaborative Care at Rooted Family
Many families benefit from combining parent support and postpartum doula care with other services at Rooted Family, including:
- Lactation consultant services
- Gentle sleep consulting
- Pelvic floor physiotherapy
- Mental health counselling
Our team works collaboratively to support your family’s physical, emotional, and practical needs.
Insurance Coverage
If your insurance plan includes coverage for Social Work, Parent Support sessions may be eligible for reimbursement under Social Work. Our practitioners work under the direct supervision of Registered Social Workers, and receipts reflect this supervision.
Coverage may apply under either the parent’s or the child’s name, depending on your policy. Please check with your insurance provider for details.
Parent Support and Postpartum Doula FAQs
What is the difference between parent support and a postpartum doula?
Parent support and postpartum doula care are very similar. Both focus on emotional support, newborn care guidance, feeding support, and practical help during pregnancy and the postpartum period. At Rooted Family, parent support includes postpartum doula-style care within a collaborative healthcare setting with the ability to provide receipts under social work.
Is parent support only for the first few weeks after birth?
No. While many families seek support during the fourth trimester, parent support can be helpful throughout pregnancy and during the first year after birth, depending on your needs.
Do you provide in-home postpartum doula support?
Yes. In-home parent support and postpartum doula care are available in Kanata and surrounding areas, allowing for hands-on support in your own space.
Can parent support help if I already have a partner or family helping?
Yes. Parent support complements help from partners or family members by offering trained, non-judgmental guidance and reassurance for the whole family.
Can parent support be combined with other Rooted Family services?
Yes. Many families combine parent support with lactation consulting, gentle sleep support, pelvic floor physiotherapy, or mental health counselling.
Is parent support covered by insurance?
In some cases, yes. If your insurance plan includes Social Work coverage, parent support sessions may be eligible for reimbursement under Social Work. Coverage varies by provider.
Booking Parent Support
To book a prenatal or postnatal parent support session, please call 613-286-3391 or email parentsupport@rootedfamily.ca.
We are here to support you through pregnancy, postpartum, and early parenthood.
Meet Our
Parent Support Doulas
Kirsy Vera
Kirsy Vera is a full-spectrum doula serving families across the Ottawa/Gatineau region with open arms and an understanding heart. Her support spans the full continuum of care—from fertility journeys and pregnancy loss to birth and early parenthood—meeting each family where they are with compassion and presence. As a mother to an active toddler, Kirsy understands firsthand the transformative and sometimes overwhelming nature of this season of life. She deeply believes in the power of community to uplift and nurture families during their most meaningful and challenging moments. Kirsy is passionate about creating a warm, inclusive space where families feel supported, informed, and empowered. She is dedicated to connecting clients with the resources and care they need to thrive. Whether you're dreaming of parenthood, navigating pregnancy, or adjusting to life postpartum, Kirsy offers steady, heart-led support every step of the way. Kirsy provides care in English, French, and Spanish.
Kayla Lind
Kayla Lind is a Parent Support Practitioner and postpartum doula who brings more than ten years of experience to her work with families. She is a Registered Early Childhood Educator and completed Autism and Behavioural Sciences studies in 2017, deepening her understanding of the unique needs and strengths each child and parent carries. As a mother of two, Kayla knows how meaningful and overwhelming the early years can be and offers calm, compassionate guidance to help families feel confident and supported. Outside of work, she loves camping and traveling with her children or spending time at home with their two dogs and cat. Kayla serves families in Russell, Embrun, Limoge, Metcalfe, Edwards, Kenmore, Marionville, Vernon, Osgoode, Navin, Vars, Greely, and Orleans, and is committed to creating a warm, judgment-free space for every family she supports.
Lizzy Cook
Lizzy is an experienced early years professional with more than 20 years supporting children and families across England and Canada. After moving to Ottawa in 2009, she developed a strong understanding of what it means to rebuild community and navigate early parenthood while far from home. Her extensive work in early childhood settings has given her practical insight into child development and the diverse needs of families. With the perspective gained from raising three young men, Lizzy offers calm, empathetic, judgment-free care that meets parents where they are. She values celebrating small wins and creating warm, reassuring connections. In her spare time, she enjoys zumba, yoga, crochet, and rearranging the furniture. She serves Barrhaven, Nepean, Little Italy, Westboro, The Glebe, Mooney's Bay, Bells Corners, Stittsville, Richmond, Manotick, North Gower, Greely, Osgoode, and Kars.
Dana Rawlings
As a Postpartum Doula, Dana is devoted to supporting families through the tender and transformative early months of parenthood. With a warm and nurturing presence, she offers gentle guidance, emotional reassurance, practical care, and reliable resources that help create a sense of calm and confidence during the postpartum journey. A mother of three and former Early Childhood Educator, Dana brings lived experience, child development knowledge, and a natural ease with newborns. She approaches each family with compassion, respect, and a commitment to helping them find rhythms that fit their unique needs. Her earlier work in administrative and program support strengthened her communication, organization, and attentiveness, qualities that now enrich her doula care. She also weaves in her background in holistic wellness and energy healing in a grounded, gentle way that supports emotional balance and overall wellbeing. Dana proudly serves families in Manotick, Riverside South, Barrhaven, Bells Corners, Richmond, Kanata, and Stittsville.
Louise Firth
Louise is a UK-trained midwife, childbirth educator, and certified postpartum doula devoted to guiding families through pregnancy, birth, and early parenthood. With a warm and compassionate approach, she works closely with each family to ensure they feel informed, empowered, and confident in their decisions before, during, and after birth.
Through her childbirth education sessions, Louise shares evidence-based information, practical tools, and emotional reassurance, helping parents approach birth with clarity and confidence. She is passionate about creating a space where families feel supported, prepared, and assured as they transition into parenthood. As a certified postpartum doula, Louise provides in-home care during the early weeks after birth. From hands-on newborn support to emotional guidance and everyday practical help, she nurtures parents as they adjust to life with their baby.
In addition, as a certified perinatal mental health specialist, Louise integrates psychological and emotional care into her work, ensuring families feel holistically supported during this transformative time.
Zoia Nikolova
Zoia Nikolova is a doula and mother of two who has been supporting families through pregnancy, birth, and the early postpartum period since 2006. Originally from Bulgaria, she has called the Ottawa area home for more than 30 years.
Zoia believes the perinatal period is a sacred time of transformation for the whole family. She offers warm, practical, and compassionate support that helps parents feel seen, heard, and cared for as they welcome new life. Her goal is to create a safe space for healing, connection, and joy—even amidst the challenges that come with change.
When she’s not working with families, Zoia enjoys spending time with her husband and children, relaxing in nature, dancing, camping, and traveling. Zoia serves: Perth, Smith Falls, Almonte, Carleton Place, Carp and Kanata. She provides services in English and Bulgarian.
Ruta Ghidey
Ruta is a postpartum doula dedicated to supporting families through the tender, transformative days of life with a newborn. Growing up as a third-culture kid, she learned the importance of belonging, adaptability, and community—values that deeply inform her care. With a background as an early years educator in Canada and abroad, Ruta brings rich knowledge of child development, cultural sensitivity, and the need for loving, secure environments. She meets families where they are, honouring their traditions and creating a safe, welcoming space for every story. Her care is rooted in gentleness, patience, and respect for the sacred transition into parenthood. Ruta offers calm reassurance, tends to the baby so parents can rest, and holds space with quiet presence. She hopes each family she serves feels rested, confident, and deeply connected. Ruta supports families in Riverside South, Barrhaven, Glebe, Westboro, Centretown, and Nepean.
Murielle Simplice
Murielle is a full spectrum holistic doula dedicated to supporting families as they adjust to life with a new baby. With a background as a Registered Nurse at Ottawa Public Health, she brings extensive experience in maternal, infant, and family health. Her specialized training in perinatal mental health allows her to offer compassionate counselling, health education, and practical tools to help parents feel grounded and supported through the ups and downs of early parenting. As a yoga teacher, Murielle weaves mindfulness and nervous system care into her approach, promoting balance and well-being for both parents and baby. She is passionate about creating safe, nurturing spaces where families feel empowered to trust themselves, connect with their inner knowing, and build confidence in their new role. Murielle feels honoured to walk alongside families during this transformative time, offering both practical guidance and heart-centered support. She provides services in English and French throughout Ottawa.
Lyz Radcliffe
Lyz Radcliffe is a compassionate postpartum doula in West Ottawa, offering respectful, non-judgmental support to families during the early weeks of parenthood. Inspired by her own experience with postpartum depression, anxiety, and sleep deprivation, Lyz trained with DONA International to help other parents feel supported and empowered. She provides tailored care that includes feeding support, light meal prep, baby-related tasks, and emotional support. Lyz emphasizes evidence-based education, helping parents make informed decisions without judgment. Described by clients as a “baby whisperer” and “lifesaver,” her calming presence and practical assistance make her a trusted guide through the transformative postpartum period. She sees clients in Westboro, Nepean (including the Arlington Park/Algonquin College area), Kanata, Stittsville, Richmond, Ashton, Carleton Place, Bells Corners, Munster, Carp, and Centrepointe.
Lisa Poulsen
Lisa is a parent support practitioner who brings warmth, steadiness, and genuine care to every family she works with. Originally from Winnipeg, she moved to Ottawa in 1991 and always dreamed of creating a nurturing, stable environment for children—something she longed for in her own upbringing. After working as a legal assistant and running a home daycare for nine years, she found her calling in supporting parents through the early, often overwhelming seasons of family life. Lisa believes deeply that “it takes a village” and is committed to being part of that village for families who may not have one nearby. Whether someone needs emotional support, practical help, or simply a calm presence, she meets each parent where they are. Outside of work, she enjoys running, scrapbooking, organizing, painting, cooking, reading, gardening, and walking her dog. She serves families in Barrhaven, Riverside South, Manotick, Stittsville, Kanata, North Gower, and Kars.
Kristen Fortier
Kristen offers intuitive, holistic, and evidence-based support for families navigating pregnancy, birth, and new parenthood. As a mother, doula, pre/postnatal yoga instructor, and Reiki practitioner, she brings a mindful and open-hearted approach to each family she serves, weaving together education, empowerment, and presence. Based in Embrun, Kristen supports families across Russell, Limoges, Casselman, Orléans, Rockland, Cumberland, Winchester, Kemptville, and East Ottawa. Her care is rooted in love, compassion, and practical guidance—helping parents find balance, confidence, and trust in their own wisdom as they grow into this transformative new chapter.
Elizabeth Foster
Elizabeth is a birth and postpartum doula and gentle infant sleep educator. She empowers families with care, knowledge, and tools for confident parenting. She offers gentle, practical sleep support and guidance through the big transitions of early parenthood, helping families rest and thrive together. She offers support in North Grenville, Osgoode, Kars, North Gower and Merrickville.
Désirée Nieto Fernández
Désirée is a health and wellness professional dedicated to supporting individuals on their journey to optimal health. A Registered Holistic Nutritionist, Fertility Support Practitioner, Birth & Postpartum Doula, and Yoga Instructor, she specializes in perinatal nutrition and yoga. After transitioning from a career in education, Désirée completed her studies at the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition and has since supported clients of all ages with concerns ranging from digestive issues and hormonal imbalances to fertility and postpartum recovery. With a holistic, evidence-based approach, she empowers clients through compassionate care, aiming to nurture both body and mind during life’s most transformative moments. For parent support clients, Desiree can provide service from Carleton Place / Almonte areas to Carlingwood (inc. Ashton, Stittsville, Kanata, Richmond, Bells Corners, Ottawa West.
Erin Kasungu
Erin Kasungu is one of the Co-Founders of Rooted Family Wellness Centre and a dedicated birth and postpartum doula with over 5 years of experience. She has supported countless families through pregnancy, labour, and the postpartum period, ensuring parents feel informed, prepared, and deeply cared for as they welcome their babies into the world. Erin is inspired daily by the strength and vulnerability she witnesses during this profound transition, and her mission is for every parent to feel grounded, supported, and powerful throughout their birthing journey.
Alongside her doula work, Erin is a pre/postnatal fitness specialist, guiding clients of all fitness levels to move with confidence during pregnancy and recovery. With 18+ years in project management, governance, and event planning, she also keeps the centre running smoothly while nurturing a welcoming, supportive environment for families.
Christine Crook
Christine Crook is one of our Co-Founders, a fierce momma bear, and is passionate about the world of birth and postpartum. Christine has been a birth and postpartum doula for 10 years and she has worked with over 200 families, supporting them throughout the entire birthing process. For 6 years, Christine ran the Ottawa branch for a doula agency and uses her expertise to support the members of Rooted Family Wellness Centre. Christine is also a proud ally to the LQTQ2S+ community and fosters a community of love and support for all expecting and new families. Christine's leadership and expertise provide a safe space for families and she also teaches Preparing for Baby classes and provides New Parent Support at Rooted Family Wellness Centre. For Parent Support clients, Christine can provide service in: Westboro, Nepean, Kanata, Barrhaven, Stittsville, and Carleton Place.
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