ABOUT ME
I’M A WOMAN, MOTHER, DAUGHTER, SISTER, AND A FRIEND
Welcome, I'm Cari!
I was born and raised in Brazil, I have had many wonderful adventures around the world, and am grateful to call Vancouver home for the past 10 years. I am compassionate and nonjudgmental, practical, enthusiastic and not afraid of challenges. I have a passion for newborn babies and also have a special place in my heart for doggies and kitties too.
My introduction to motherhood and to doulas began before my own pregnancies through my doula and close friend Fabiana. A whole new world opened up to me as she shared her experiences of pregnancy, childbirth, and her postpartum journey with me. Soon after, it was my turn. With Fabiana at my side, I had a home birth with the support of my partner and my sister. They were my first support prenatal and postpartum network.
My second birth, also at home, was more like a party. My contractions were mixed with laughter and conversation, amid the presence of three midwives, one birth doula, one sibling doula, my partner and my oldest daughter. The support network had grown and I felt confident and safe.
After every birth comes reality: the postpartum period. Even though I consider myself a very positive person, this phase came running over me. I knew I needed to take care of myself and strengthen my support network to get through this period. So I recruited my closest friends for day-to-day tasks, such as: meals, laundry, and holding the baby, among many others. Additionally, I received support from qualified professionals, such as a Postpartum Doula, a Lactation Consultant, a Midwife, a Psychologist and an Osteopath.
This is how I learned that asking for help is a simple act that brings relief and comfort, so we can keep going.
How I became a Postpartum Doula
It’s the “fault” of this beautiful boy named Arthur!
After 20 years working in the field of Project Management in Engineering, I felt it was time to bring a new lightness into my life.
It was at this time, in 2021, that my cousin’s beautiful son was born. It also happened to be the week COVID 19 cases hit their highest recorded rate in B.C. With due protections, I was privileged to care for baby Arthur, his mother and father. Between diaper changes, sore nipples, baby cries, there was also space for nourishing meals, for active listening and naps for mom and baby.
With each visit, the connection strengthened and my satisfaction with what I was doing increased. On a beautiful autumn afternoon, we met in the park to say goodbye. Arthur and his parents would travel to Brazil to meet his grandparents. He was 3 months old and already a strong, smiley and adorable baby. After saying goodbye, while walking to the train station, I called a Doula friend of mine. I told her about my incredible experience and asked if there was a way to earn some money from it. She promptly replied: yes there is! And the name of this profession is Postpartum Doula.
Today I can proudly say that I am a Doula and I love what I do. With every little baby that holds my hand while, with every mother who tells me her deep feelings at the late night feed and with every smile I get when I finish my shift, I’m sure I’m in the right place.
♥
My purpose
My purpose is to care for mothers, babies and families with respect, empathy, affection and technical knowledge. My goal is to ensure each mother, baby and family has a positive experience in all stages of the puerperal pregnancy cycle.
Elevating the sense of community, promoting connections and bringing the necessary support to each family is the great joy and meaning of my life.
I know how important it is to have a caring, non-judgmental support team on the prenatal and postpartum road. This period of tremendous change is a time of intense vulnerability, full of highs and lows. In my own journey, I have experienced the joys and difficulties of this time. It has been a privilege to discover this vocation of providing caring and professional support in this tender season of life.
Day and night, count on me. I’m here for you!
Training and Certifications
- Wise Woman Way of Birth, Postpartum Doula Program, 2022
- Vancouver First Aid, AED and CPR for newborns and toddlers courses, 2022