Fern & Nettle Doula Services

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Fern & Nettle Doula Services

Compassionate doula care, Cambridge, Ontario. Virtual doula support. Fern & Nettle Doula is commited to providing inclusive, non-judgemental care.

That involves caring for clients from all backgrounds, races and cultures. It means working with people of all genders and recognizing that not only those who identify as women birth babies. It also means helping clients through abortions, surrogacy and adoption. It means holding space for the unique and beautiful YOU!

10/24/2025

5 years ago we said “I do” for the second time (the first time being in an office, in our work clothes, because we were signing the paperwork at the end of a normal day), with an officiant and 3 other people present. We had to postpone the ceremony by 3 weeks due to a work deployment to the States. It was a strange year, full of unknowns and stress but also joy and love.
After the ceremony we went for a short hike and had a picnic on a shore. A curious seal swam over to see what all of the laughter was about. We ate and drank and celebrated each other and our friends who rearranged their lives twice to be able to be with us. It was so special.
In the last 5 years we moved a few times, laughed a lot, adventured a bunch. We’ve loved each other well through sickness and health, highs and lows, through challenges and ease. We chose each other over and over again.
Happy anniversary, my love!

09/15/2025

Retreat magic!
When Meagan asked me if I want to help her run a retreat in Killarney this September, I didn’t have to think about it: I immediately said yes. She’s a powerhouse, a creator of magic - I knew it’s going to be amazing!
Over 4 days 8 wonderful women trusted us to guide them on hikes, paddling adventures, tea making and motivation workshops. We practiced yoga on a dock while the sun was rising, with owls hooting and loons calling in the distance. We laughed until our bellies hurt, we cried, we were vulnerable and we challenged ourselves. We meditated, created art without pressure, ate delicious food. And, most importantly, we slowed down, connected to ourselves, each other and to nature.
We are already planning next year’s adventures!

09/08/2025

Have you heard about amnioinfusion?
Amnioinfusion is a medical procedure that can be performed either during pregnancy or during labour. Let's talk about the labour application!
Its goal is to add to the volume of the amniotic fluid. Too little amniotic fluid can contribute to compression of the umbilical cord, which can restriction of oxygen for the fetus. When providers see that baby's heart rate repetitively dips during labour, they might suspect that the cord is compressed. Adding more fluid to the uterus can create more space around the baby and prevent the heart rate decelerations caused by lack of oxygen.

Another situation when amnioinfusion might be performed is when there is a lot of meconium present in the amniotic fluid. If baby inhales the thick, sticky meconium, it can cause serious issues. By adding more fluid to the uterus, providers dilute the meconium, making it less dangerous.
Amnioinfusion is considered a generally safe procedure. As with any medical intervention, your provider should talk you through risks, benefits, potential contraindications and other options in your particular situation.

08/15/2025

Ever wonder what doulas bring to their postpartum shifts? Each of us is unique of course but this is what I usually have on me:

🌱water bottle and/ or coffee (plus snacks!)
🌱a mask and hand sanitizer
🌱an apron and a knife (because I do quite a bit of cooking and not having a sharp knife to work if not my favourite)
🌱a notebook and pen
🌱a stretchy wrap (baby carrier) so I can baby wear and still do chores
🌱a b**b model (sometimes clients have questions about breast/ chest feeding)
🌱spare shirt - because it can be messy sometimes
🌱hygiene items for myself
Sometimes I bring other items, depending on what my client’s needs are.
What are your postpartum bag essentials?

07/21/2025

Have you ever heard of the pudendal block?
Pudendal nerve block is a pain relief method sometimes used during labour, specifically during the second stage (when the birthing person is fully dilated and ready to push). It’s a local anaesthetic, administered through injections (on both sides of the pelvis, through the vaginal wall). It doesn’t remove the pain from the contractions, but it’s effective for the pain in the perineum and the surrounding area, as the nerves that supplies those areas are blocked.
Pudendal block is sometimes used prior to instrumental delivery (with a vacuum or forceps) or for other, non childbirth related gynaecological procedures. It can provide significant pain relief and it doesn’t affect the ability to move, unlike epidural.
As with any medical procedure, there are some risks involved, so talk to your medical provider about potential risks and benefits!

07/12/2025

Childless doulas.
Sometimes people ask me if I have babies of my own and are surprised to hear that I don’t. It is a decision that my husband and I made a long time ago, partially due to my questionable fertility, mostly because of other reasons.
Not having children doesn’t make me a worse doula. Yes, I lack personal experience with raising my own babies and being in the trenches of parenthood, for sure. But I gain more flexibility and freedom to care for my clients and their little ones (and possibly less bias).
Not being a mom will likely be something I will always grieve just a tiny bit. I’m sad that I will never have a relationship with my own child, similar to the one I have with my parents. But, even though I don’t love my “doula babies” as much as their parents do, I still care for them very much. I’m grateful to have a job that allows me to hold the babies, but even more so, to hold their parents. To be there when clients are struggling, to remind them of their strength, to listen. To create space for them to feel safe and supported.
Not having kids as a doula can be hard sometimes, but it’s also beautiful. Every time I get to watch someone birth their baby, I feel awe and respect for their strength. I don’t know what it feels like to grow a human in my body and bring it to the world, but I know how to hold space for those who do.
If you’re looking for a birth doula in the Waterloo Region and the surrounding area, let’s connect! I would love to work with you.

06/16/2025

Updated availability for the rest of the year!
I’m currently booking clients until mid-December (I’m hoping to spend winter holidays with my family in Poland). If you are looking for birth or postpartum support in KW, Cambridge, Guelph and the surrounding area, let’s chat! I’d love to help.

Address

Cambridge, ON

Website

https://fernandnettledoula.ca/

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