Meet the Discover Birth Team

Find the perfect match for you.

Meet our Team – Since birth is a profoundly intimate experience you need to find someone that you and your support person ‘click’ with. At Discover Birth you can rest assured you’re in good hands. Every doula on our team is professionally trained by a recognized certifying organization.

You should interview a few different doulas to choose the one that is the best fit with your personality, beliefs, philosophy, and hopes for birth.

You may prefer to have someone who’s gone through additional special training or who has taken extra steps to become certified. Find the one that you feel most comfortable with. You are the best judge of their “fit” with you and your partner. We’ll definitely help you get started! So don’t think you need to pick from this great big list! We’ll do an intake with you and send you 1 – 2 doulas to meet with to get started. Please call us at any time! 1-877-BIRTH36 (247-8436)

Areas our Doulas and Educators serve:
TORONTO, ON and surrounding areas
DURHAM REGION, ON and surrounding areas
BRAMPTON, MISSISSAUGA, ON and surrounding areas (West side of GTA)

Management

Stefanie Antunes

Founder and Chief Doula & Educator

Birth Doula
Postpartum Doula
DONA Doula Trainer
Lamaze® Educator

Stefanie is a Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator, DONA Birth Doula Trainer and offers birth and postpartum doula services. She has worked in the field for over 15 years and is the founder of Discover Birth, the Birth Doula Program, and Doula School. She has supported over a thousand clients through her classes and doula services and mentors doulas on the team and in the province.

Jennifer Rogers

Birth Doula, Lamaze Educator, Sales Manager

Sales and Management with Discover Birth
Birth Doula
Lamaze Childbirth Educator

I became a Lamaze Certified Birth Educator soon after the birth of my first son. My husband and I had a great experience in our own Lamaze class and felt more prepared, informed and confident going into our Birth. I wanted to help other new families to have a similar experience. Lamaze practices are based on the best scientific & medical evidence available and are designed to promote safe and healthy pregnancy, birth and early parenting. I also love that the classes are so interactive and never dull! I also knew that I would eventually find my way into the birth room. As a birth doula, I can hold a safe space for the family to experience something truly amazing. Plus, birth is cool. I love it!

Doulas and Educators serving TORONTO, ON and surrounding areas

Alicia Santin

Birth and Postpartum Doula

Birth Doula
Postpartum Doula
Postnatal Yoga Teacher

I have always found birth to be beautiful and powerful. After having my own child and birth experience, I decided to pursue training as a doula.
I believe birth is an act of love. It is transformational in so many ways, and it is so much more than just the birth of a child – it’s the start of a new life for everyone. As a birth and post partum doula I find fulfilment not in giving strength to birthing individuals and their family, but helping them access the strength they already posses. Confidence to trust your instincts, to nurse your baby to sleep if you want to, to hold your baby tons, to ask for help, to read books and then to throw out what doesn’t sit with you – to not let the advice of friends, family or random people on the bus take up too much space in your head. Its this kind of confidence that I encourage in the individuals and families I support.
During birth and in the uncertain days of early parenting, I come alongside families with a non-anxious presence and the belief that they can succeed.

Allana Fulton

Birth and Postpartum Doula

Birth Doula
Postpartum Doula

My name is Allana and I bring amazing energy along with my common sense approach to birth and parenting…all of which my clients find uplifting, reassuring and reliable. I am DONA trained as both a Birth and Postpartum Doula and have been working with families in Toronto and the GTA since 2012. In this work I have found my true calling. I am fierce about women’s rights which includes the choice to birth, without judgement or fear. Working with new parents is such a joy for me. Not only do I get to be a part of the beautiful process that is labour and birth but on the postpartum side of things, I get to witness my clients become calm, confident, loving parents. I am driven to build a respected name in the birthing community for Discover Birth while I continue to learn from and serve families in Toronto and the GTA.

Claire Anne Gallagher

Birth and Postpartum Doula

Birth Doula
Postpartum Doula

My name is Claire Anne and I am mother to two amazing, genuine and sensitive grown children, who are parents to my six beautiful growing grandchildren.

Forever, passionate about Birth, my adult life began with a big move to Alberta at the age of seventeen and became a ranch owner. Managing the breeding farm myself, I witnessed the animals’ births and their behavior and calmness in birth. I envisioned the same for myself. Although my birth was a longer process, the serenity and calmness prevailed and my daughter made her entrance earth side naturally, I was elated and filled with an indescribable energy and motherly love and thus my Motherhood journey began.

Now as a Doula I am able to support families looking to make informed birth choices about their own pregnancy and birth.

I am confident, caring, calm, with a very centered heart. I am fascinated with reading and studying anything related to birth and postpartum, and sharing all this with my clients and other doulas too.

Leigh Ashford

Birth and Postpartum Doula, Childbirth Educator

Birth Doula
Postpartum Doula
Childbirth Educator

I began my journey into Doula work shortly after the birth of my daughter in 2016. My birth and postpartum experience was not what I had imagined it would be, and I realized then how invaluable continuous support is during this transitional time. I am now a DONA trained Birth and Postpartum Doula, and a Childbirth Educator working towards my Lamaze Certification so I can confidently teach Childbirth Education to expectant parents.

I am passionate about helping families adjust to life with a newborn, through knowledge, compassion and unbiased support (and my absolute love of babies). I appreciate and embrace the opportunity to be part of such personal moments, and I learn and grow from each family I am fortunate enough to work with.

When I am not reading about birth and babies, I am usually enjoying the company of my two-year old daughter – painting, dancing, playing soccer and doing yoga together! Being a mother has made me more confident, compassionate, and patient, and I bring all of these traits to my work as a Doula and Childbirth Educator.

Marj Wong

Birth Doula

Birth Doula
Prenatal Yoga Instructor

Marj is a DONA International trained doula. She is trained in acupressure for labour by the Canadian Gynecology Institute of Chinese Medicine (CGICM), as well, completed a workshop through the Rebozo Connection on the Gena Kirby Method. This summer (June 2015) Marj is registered to become a certified Blooma Prenatal Yoga Teacher Training which will coincide nicely with her previous training as a Bikram Yoga Teacher and doula work. She is a diaper free baby enthusiast and consults on Infant Potty Training and Elimination Communication. “I BELIEVE THAT EVERY WOMAN IS CAPABLE OF BIRTHING A BABY, AND THAT WOMEN’S BODIES WERE DESIGNED FOR GIVING BIRTH. IT IS TRULY ONE OF THE MOST EMPOWERING EXPERIENCES A WOMAN CAN GO THROUGH, AND IS A SACRED PIECE IN THE PUZZLE OF ENLIGHTENMENT. THAT IS THE ONGOING, NEVER-ENDING JOURNEY OF PARENTHOOD. BREATHE IT DOWN, MOMMAS.”

Nadine Ross

Birth and Postpartum Doula

Birth Doula
Postpartum Doula

My mother introduced me to the beautiful physiology of birth from a very young age, and I have been drawn to it ever since. My passion for birth was truly ignited with the birth of my third daughter in 2007. After experiencing a negative birth with my second daughter, once I became pregnant again I felt I needed to take control of my experience. I wanted to learn and educate myself as much as I could so I could confidently make the right decisions for me and my baby. I went on to have an amazing and empowering home birth. Ever since then, I’ve wanted to educate women about birth, and help them gain the knowledge and choose the right team to support their wishes and decisions.

“Sometimes you don’t know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory” Dr. Seuss

Petra Nobel

Postpartum Doula

Postpartum Doula Experience with Multiples

Providing Postpartum Care, Breastfeeding Support, Day and Overnight support. Experience with Multiples. I am a certified Postpartum Doula. My experience comes from my training as a Maternity Care nurse in the Netherlands. I have worked there in a hospital but also in home care settings where I assisted midwifes during deliveries. I worked with the new families during the exciting time after their baby was born. Since I moved to Canada I have worked as a Labour and Delivery doula but at this point in my life I only work as a Postpartum Doula. I continue to educate myself in this field and I enjoy working with new families and watch how they grow into their new life. I have seen how important it is to have support and help during the first weeks after your baby arrives.

Rhondda Smiley

Birth Doula

Birth Doula
Yoga Instructor

I am a Birth Doula, Certified Yoga Instructor with a passion for pre and post natal yoga.

I believe that a mother’s birth experience matters. It matters to her, it matters to her baby, it matters to her family, and by extension it matters to all of us. The scientific evidence concurs with this view. I chose to become a doula to support women in one of the most profound events in their lives. I truly believe that helping a mother to have a safe and satisfying birth can change the world. Becoming a doula has drawn together all the many threads in my life in a way that I could never have predicted, to weave a rich tapestry that feels complete.

Suyin Jordan

Birth and Postpartum Doula, Lactation Educator

Birth Doula
Postpartum Doula
Lactation Educator

My background is in nursing and midwifery and I was a nurse and midwife in England for 20 years before moving to Canada. Originally from Malaysia I am fluent in several languages. I am a CAPPA Certified Postpartum Doula and Birth Doula. I have a wealth of knowledge and experience in looking after women and their babies. Having cared for women in pregnancy, labour, childbirth and the postpartum period from my time as a midwife, both in hospitals and out in the community. I am also a lactation educator (LE) and am passionate about promoting breastfeeding and assisting mothers establish breastfeeding. I have two healthy teenaged children of my own and I firmly believe that mothers and their families who get good support following childbirth have better health outcomes and a more confident outlook towards raising children. I am respectful of all traditions and cultures. I approach my work with energy and enthusiasm in a non-judgmental manner. I love cooking healthy meals. My other hobbies are yoga and I’ve been knitting for over 35 years, I particularly enjoy making toys and knitting for babies and children. I enjoy working with children of all ages and I think it is important that the whole family is supported during this special, amazing if somewhat busy and emotional time.

Tashi Harrow

Birth and Postpartum Doula

Birth Doula
Postpartum Doula Educator

I am a DONA trained labor/birth and postpartum Doula. Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator. My work is truly a labor of love! My approach is holistic and intimate. I ensure that my client and client’s family understand that I am a part of the support staff. Together we build a great rapport and help make your little one’s journey earthside as smooth as possible! I’m also currently earning my certification in childbirth education. I am constantly adding services and skills to my repertoire, to be of better use to my families I work with, and for my overall purpose in life. Being born in Southern California and raised in Japan leaves me with a constant sunny disposition and a great work ethic. I am a mom of two toddler boys which really keeps me on my toes-but it also means that I have pretty much seen, heard and dealt with all sorts of things. I love the Simpsons, animals and good food! I look forward to speaking and working with you soon.

Yonit Jungreis

Birth and Postpartum Doula

Birth Doula
Postpartum Doula

Doulas and Educators serving DURHAM and KAWARTHA REGIONS and surrounding areas

Andrea Paul

Birth Doula

Birth Doula Childbirth Educator

I am a DONA certified birth doula, a placenta encapsulator, and a childbirth educator. I believe in informed consent and helping women have the most positive birth memories possible. I love the different experiences I get to have as a doula with each unique and strong mom. Regardless of whether you want a natural birth or not, I look forward to celebrating your birth experience and helping you to have the birth you desire.

Claire Anne Gallagher

Birth and Postpartum Doula

Birth Doula
Postpartum Doula

My name is Claire Anne and I am mother to two amazing, genuine and sensitive grown children, who are parents to my six beautiful growing grandchildren.

Now as a Doula I am able to support families looking to make informed birth choices about their own pregnancy and birth.

Helena McMann

Birth, Postpartum Doula, Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator

Birth Doula
Postpartum Doula
Lamaze Certified Educator
Henna Artist

I believe in non – judgemental support and help to ease anxiety and fear related to birth. You CAN be confident and prepared for both your birth and early months of parenting. My experience and confidence can help you best communicate with your care providers, while my calming and nurturing nature can ease your fear and help keep you focused during birth.

Certified DONA Doula, Certified Lamaze Educator and owner of PATH (parenting at the hub – education and consulting for holistic businesses to better support local families). I am also the past Executive Director for The Birth Doula Program and currently the Membership Director for Association of Ontario Doulas.

Recently founded PATH (Parenting at the Hub) – an integrative program bringing Holistic Practitioners, Doulas and Educators together to best Support expecting families during every stage of their journey (fertility to baby’s first year).

Janet Fotheringham

Hypnobirthing Instructor

Hypnobirthing Instructor
Birth Doula (not active)
Reiki Master

Janet Fotheringham is a trained HypnoBirthing® instructor and DONA Birth Doula working toward certification. Janet is a certified Reiki Master Teacher, Certified Hypnotherapist & Master Hypnotist, Certified 5- PATH Practitioner & 7- PATH Self Hypnosis Instructor, Scared Pregnancy, Postpartum Instructor. Janet specializes in working in the vulnerable sector and has been working in the mental health, addictions and homeless population for the past 13 years. Janet’s goal is to ensure that all women are aware of their options and their rights. … by helping to provide guidance and unconditional emotional support to help create a memorable and beautiful birth experience. Janet is also a photographer who offers her services in capturing these moments.

Nadine Ross

Birth and Postpartum Doula

Birth Doula
Postpartum Doula

“Sometimes you don’t know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory” Dr. Seuss

Shawna Williscroft

Birth and Postpartum Doula

Birth Doula
Postpartum Doula Experience with Multiples

I have always approached life and health in a natural and holistic way, so when I became pregnant with my first child thirteen years ago, my attitude towards my pregnancy and birth was the same. I had done a lot of research during my pregnancy, yet I was disappointed and unprepared when things did not go according to plan. For my next birth, I began a more serious study of the subject , and I am now a DONA educated birth & postpartum doula. Armed with knowledge, education and support, I went on to have three beautiful home births and I am now blessed with four healthy, successfully breastfed children. There are birth doulas, postpartum doulas and then there is me! I combine the two roles with childbirth education for a complete package. I believe that continuity of care is essential for parents to feel confident in their new roles. I work very hard to establish a trusting relationship with families early in pregnancy and this continues well after birth. My specialty is home and/or natural birth and if these are your goals then I am able to help you to achieve them, however I support families in many different situations who chose a variety of birthing options. Through education with evidence-based information, I assist you to become aware of your alternatives. Parents can then feel confident to make decisions regarding their births, whatever the situation may be. My services are tailored to each family’s needs and I offer several packages which include:

private prenatal classes (Birth & baby preparation)
birth doula services
postpartum care (Basic newborn care, breastfeeding, etc.)

My goal is to help parents achieve births that promote better outcomes for both mother and child and help families get off to the best possible beginnings.

Tia Cisneros

Birth Doula

When I had my first daughter I experienced precipitous labor. Although I was listening to my body and knew I was in labor nobody believed me and I was sent home multiple times. It was a very frustrating situation and although my daughter was born healthy, I was left with memories that replayed several times after due to the fast labor and delivery. When I found out I was pregnant with my second I knew I needed more support. I had an amazing experience under the care of my midwives and during my pregnancy, dove into learning as much as I could about coping with precipitous labor knowing I would likely experience it again. Surely it was the case and thankfully it was a more enjoyable memory the second time around. My experiences made me want to help others ensure they have a positive birthing experience and have that person there for them when things are not your average textbook labor.

Doulas and Educators serving BRAMPTON, MISSISSAUGA, ON and surrounding areas on the West side of the GTA

Janalee Ferreira

Birth and Postpartum Doula

Birth Doula, with The Nesting Instinct Birth Doula, with Carriage House Birth in NYC, NY Holistic Doula Training, with Pacific Rim College in Victoria, BC

Janalee has trained in Ontario, NYC and British Columbia with one intention: to gather all the necessary tools and skills to offer families the support and respect they deserve on their pregnancy and postpartum journey. She is now settled in the GTA and proud to serve families of all shapes and sizes. Janalee’s practice as a doula is centered on holistic, compassionate, and evidence-based care. She believes deeply in the power of a birthing person’s body and intuition, and that the way a person brings their baby earthside absolutely matters. Doula work has allowed Janalee the opportunity and honour to witness families as they bloom and grow into what they’ve always dreamed of becoming.

Priyanka Gulati

Birth Doula

Womens Health Physiotherapy
Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator
Birth Doula (DONA)
Blooma Prenatal Yoga training
Waterbirth Seminar
Placenta Prints

I am a women’s health physiotherapist, a Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator, a Doula and a mom of a two year old girl! Three years ago as I started attending labours I realized the big difference it made for families to have someone by their side. My belief in doulas grew stronger when I had one for my daughter’s birth. My wish is to be there for you and your family through the trials of labour and birth. Labour and birth may be just the way you imagined it, or it may be a different kind of journey, but in the end my goals is for you to come away satisfied and happy for the experience of your birth!

Find a Class or Doula

Our wonderful team of doulas, lactation consultants, and childbirth educators are at your disposal. At Discover Birth you’re bound to find the perfect match for your needs in Durham Region.