My name is Jade Whittard. I am a wife and mother to four beautiful children. My husband and I began our journey as a parents very early in life, and my first birth story was less than inspiring. At no point during my labour did I feel like I was in control of my body. I felt like I had handed my rights over to the hospital and had no idea what was expected of me or what was permitted. I was very tired, very scared and ended up making the decision to get an epidural. I am not against pain management, although in my case it was not the right choice. After a 24+ hour labour, and complications with the epidural, I ended up in an emergency cesarean section feeling defeated and full of regret.
I have since had three more children, and with each one I've learned a little more about what it means to be in charge of my labouring body. My husband has become more confident each time in supporting me emotionally and physically. And together we have had more confidence to ask questions, make informed decisions and stand up for what we believe is right. My last three experiences giving birth have progressively become more satisfying, and I know that is because experience and support are everything. As a doula I hope to inform and support mothers while they create a birth experience they can be proud of. I will encourage the mother to make healthy, informed choices, and to accept when things do not go as planned. I will help her to know that she has done the best that she possibly can for herself and for her baby. I have been inspired to become a doula by my own experience, and it is with a deep passion for all things pregnancy and baby related that I delve into my new venture. I am currently working as a certified Labour Doula, trained through Doula Training Canada. I am also studying toward a degree of Public Health at Brock University. I have also done relevant volunteer work through regional programs such as Healthy From the Start Niagara, where I've spoken about birth education, self advocacy during birth and healthy parenting beginning in pregnancy. I find my passion in working with mothers, specifically young mothers, promoting healthy pregnancies and parenting. |