Parent Support
*NEW* 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
Navigating Parenthood with Confidence
Becoming a parent can be both exciting and overwhelming—during pregnancy and after birth. Every family is unique, and the endless advice from friends, family, and Google searches can leave you with more questions than answers.
At Rooted Family Wellness Centre in Kanata, our compassionate support team is here to guide you before and after baby arrives. From prenatal preparation to 4th trimester in-home care, we provide expert support tailored to your family’s needs. Whether you need emotional reassurance, hands-on newborn care help, or simply someone to listen, we're here for you.
What We Can Help With:
1. Prenatal Support
- Review of birth preferences, comfort techniques, partner involvement, guidance for your chosen place of birth, etc.)
- Preparing for postpartum recovery: what’s “normal,” what to expect
- Planning for support after birth (creating a postpartum plan)
- Education on infant care basics before baby arrives
- Discussing feeding preferences and support options
- Connecting you to trusted community resources (pelvic physio, mental health, bodywork, etc.)
2. Postnatal Support
Infant Care Support
- Newborn care education (swaddling, bathing, diapering, soothing techniques)
- Safe sleep guidance (based on current recommendations)
- Support with babywearing and choosing carriers
- Baby care while parents rest or shower
Emotional Support
- Active listening and compassionate presence
- Support for baby blues, mood shifts, or postpartum anxiety
- Supporting the entire family dynamic, including partners and siblings
Feeding Support
- Breast/chestfeeding encouragement and positioning help
- Bottle-feeding guidance and paced feeding
- Support with pumping and milk storage
Practical Household Help
- Light meal prep/snack support
- Light housekeeping and tidying (baby laundry, dishes, etc.)
Recovery & Wellness Support
- Guidance on postpartum healing
- Support for cesarean or difficult birth recovery
- Referral network: pelvic physios, mental health support, bodyworkers, etc.
Education & Resource Sharing
- Evidence-based resources for infant care and postpartum recovery
- Support in creating a rhythm/routine that works for the family
- Information about local support groups or wellness services
Partner Support
- Helping partners feel confident and involved
- Encouraging open family communication
- Holding space for all family members during the transition
Insurance Coverage
If your insurance plan includes coverage for Social Work, your Parent Support Session fees may be eligible for reimbursement under Social Work. Our Parent Support Doulas work under the direct supervision of our Registered Social Workers, and receipts reflect this supervision. The additional time required for supervisory review is incorporated into the fees. If you have Social Work coverage, your session fees may be covered under either the parent's or child's name—please check your policy for details.
Why Choose Rooted Family Wellness Centre
We are dedicated to providing both prenatal and postpartum support in Ottawa in a nurturing environment where you can ask questions, express concerns, and receive the guidance you need. Our goal is to empower you with confidence and knowledge as you prepare for birth and thrive in early parenthood.
Book a Prenatal or Postnatal Parent Support Session today to feel confident and supported at every stage of your parenting journey!
Meet Our
Parent Support Doulas
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
.jpeg)
.png)
.png)
%2520(1).png)
