Meet Sasha
Hi! I’m Sasha Simine (she/her) - a birth and postpartum doula practicing in Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, Guelph, and all the towns in between.
*I am currently co-founding Willow River Doula Collective with some of my favourite doulas in the region! I can’t wait to tell you about Amy, Grace, and Christine, and our new approach to our work during our consultation!*
My doula story began in University while I was working towards a career researching embryo development to improve fertility treatments. In my third year I experienced a profound change in my worldview that made me realize I didn’t want to be working in a lab my whole life. I knew I needed to find a career that let me see and connect with the people I was helping. I thought about the awe I felt when reading stories of people giving birth and realized I didn't just have to wait until having children of my own to experience the magic firsthand, I could be a doula - helping guide families through their births and the early days with their newborns.
I quickly became passionate about supporting parents as they navigate the medical industrial complex and became a certified birth doula through Doula Canada and the Revolutionary Doula Training program. I aim to fill the gaps that our medical system can’t cover, and treat your birth like the transformational and sacred event that it is. I combine both scientific evidence and intuition to help you understand the amazing biological event your body and baby will be going through during labour. Having now attended over 25 births, I want to share all my experiential knowledge with you so you are fully prepared to birth your baby.
A focus of my training was how systemic racism increases risks for Black, Brown, and Indigenous people with giving birth, and how the system isn’t equipped to handle birthing parents who don’t identify as women. These issues are always on the forefront of my mind, and as your doula I will have your back, working to help you feel supported and safe in whatever environment you find yourself in.
I’ve since gone on to become a certified postpartum doula through Birthing Advocacy Doula Trainings. In this training I learned so much about the unique body and mind healing that occurs after birth. I am not content with being a doula that simply holds your baby so you can shower. I want to make sure you are being nourished and taken care of in all aspects of your life - body, mind, and soul - so that you can best take care of your baby.
When I'm not working with clients, you can find me playing with my cat Dottie, cooking dinner for my family, or reading one of the many books on my nightstand. I love being outside and have a dream to hike the Continental Divide Trail - a 3000 mile trail from Mexico to Alberta that takes about 6 months to complete.
Although I specialize in supporting LGBTQ+ families, single moms, and new immigrants, everyone is welcome! Book a consultation with me today to learn more about how I can serve your growing family.
Additional Trainings:
Spinning Babies Workshop - Optimizing fetal positioning to make labour smoother
Together: For Perinatal Mental Health - Understanding and supporting prenatal and postpartum mood disorders
Wesleyan Abortion Doula Project Training - Supporting people through abortion procedures in clinic and beyond
My Values
Inclusivity
As a queer doula, Sasha loves working with other families who are part of the 2SLGBTQ+ community. Sasha also strives to bring care to people in marginalized groups who have been historically harmed by the medical system.
Education
Sasha is committed to continually learning the newest scientific evidence about pregnancy, birth, and postpartum, so you can be as informed as possible. Let your smart BFF handle understanding the latest research, while you take that nap you so desperately need.
Warmth
With a cup of comforting tea, a shoulder you can cry on, and a hand you can squeeze as hard as you need to, Sasha is a calming presence in whatever space you find yourself in. Sasha will quiet your worries and replace them with confidence and acceptance for whatever life brings your way.
“Whether she was looking after baby or chatting with Mom (me), she was so emotionally present I always felt supported. It’s clear she loves what she does. I’d highly recommend Sasha to anyone looking for a trustworthy, patient, and committed Doula.”
- Christine