Backup Doulas

Our Backup Doulas

Doula Connections backup doulas work with us in several ways. They act as a third backup person in the unlikely event that neither of the doulas practicing shared-care can make it to the birth, ensuring that none of our clients will go without doula support. They also provide shared care when one of the partners is unavailable to provide labor support for a certain time period, such as during vacation or maternity leave. If we are unable to take a client we refer her to one of our backup doulas if they are available to accept a new client.

Melanie Ochitwa is one of the birth doulas providing backup for Doula Connections. She is a certified doula through DONA International. Melanie is the current Referral Coordinator for the Doula Association of Edmonton (DAE).

"As a doula I feel it is essential that every birth experience be a memorable, empowering delivery whether the delivery is natural, with the use of medical assistance, at home with a midwife or in the hospital with a doctor. It is my passion to provide that experience for those who entrust me with their care. I believe every woman has a choice of the type of birth they want and I am here to help you and your partner have a satisfying birth experience!!!

I am a mother of three beautiful children - two boys, 9 and 5 years old, and a little girl who’s 3. I have always been in the care industry whether it is caring for seniors, women or children. I worked in a childcare facility for 3 years and then in an Extendicare for the following 2 years. Pregnancy, birth and labor have always been of interest to me and so I have been assisting friends and family for the last few years with their birth experiences. I decide to become a Doula, by profession, and took the “Becoming a Doula “ Labor Support Training course at Grant MacEwen College."

Mentoring Doulas

We are currently mentoring one doula. You have the option of having one of these doulas attend your prenatal and postpartum meetings, as well as your birth, at no added cost to you. If you are interested in having one of our mentoring doulas involved in your birth experience, please let us know. Please note that we cannot guarantee that one will be available.

Deanne McIntyre is one of the doulas mentoring with Doula Connections. She has taken the April 2005 DONA International birth doula training at Grant MacEwan College, and is working towards certification as a birth doula. She is the Treasurer/Membership Coordinator of the Doula Association of Edmonton (DAE), and will be volunteering with teen mothers at the Terra Association of Edmonton. She is currently pregnant with her first child.

“Having a baby is so special and every birth experience should leave a lasting beautiful memory in a woman. I believe that a woman's birth experience should not be influenced by others but rather only by the woman whether she is alone or with her partner.

An expecting mother should be allowed to control her own destiny while recognizing the need for flexibility should the situation arise. As a doula I want to make this journey as comfortable and positive for the mother.

I have had the opportunity to witness women during birth and mother blessings. All these experiences have proven to me that I want to be a part of a woman's journey into motherhood.

Although I have not been blessed yet with a child, I anticipate experiencing this wonderful life changing phase of my life. A woman's natural beauty shows and shines while she is pregnant and giving birth.”