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!

01/06/2026

Just look at this gorgeous true knot- discovered after a healthy, vaginal birth!
True knots happen in about 1% of all pregnancies and most of the time do not cause any negative outcomes. If they are very tight, however, oxygen flow to the fetus might be compromised, which can lead to serious issues.
If you know that you have a true knot on your umbilical cord, your pregnancy will likely be closely monitored in the third trimester, with some extra Doppler testing. Paying attention to fetal movements is always recommended and can help prevent serious complications.
A true knot of the umbilical cord doesn’t mean that a pregnant person cannot have a vaginal birth - in most cases we don’t know that the knot is even present! Fetal distress during labour can be a basis for a recommendation for a c-section but in most cases the cause of distress is unknown.
Have you seen/ had a true knot? What was the experience?

01/04/2026

This year’s word was difficult to pick: I had a few that I was trying to decide between but this one just popped up in my head during a restorative yoga class.
Last year I chose “abundance” and I’m so happy to say that it manifested! I’m hoping that 2026 will be full of care: for the community, clients, friends and family but also for myself. I want to focus on caring for my body as much as needed - and for my passions, mental health- all of the things that make me able to care for others.
Did you pick a world for 2026? Please share!

01/02/2026

Short but sweet trip to Poland to see family. I did a terrible job taking pictures and have nothing with my mom, grandparents or two dear friends I got to see. But we spent lots of quality time with loved ones, had good food, and some excellent coffee and walked or kilometres through forests, parks and cities.

12/18/2025

2015 was full in terms of work but it was just generally a beautiful year. My jobs bring me a lot of joy but there was so much more to 2025 than that! Here are some of my favourite moments of the year.

12/17/2025

As the year is coming to an end, I’ve been reflecting on the wonderful journey of 2025.
Each doula’s work load and capacity is different. As I was trying to balance client care, space holding, family life and joy, some things had to be moved to the back burner. I didn’t really have any vacation and I probably took too many back up clients to rest enough. But I was filled with gratitude and the feeling of belonging. I learned how to prioritize my health a bit more. I made amazing friends. I read books, spent time outside, I held parents through moments of absolute joy and through grief. I cuddled babies and dogs. I can honestly say that this was one of the most beautiful years so far.
Thank you! I’m grateful to each person who invited me to be a part of their journey- as a doula, a friend or in any other capacity. I’m very excited to see what the next year has in store for me!

11/20/2025

Worrying about those things (and so many more!) is a pretty universal experience. Every parent I’ve ever talked to had at least a few of those concerns at some point.
Knowing that everyone has similar thoughts can be helpful. Talking about it with others is even better! Find your people before things get really hard - whether it’s friends, a trusted provider (a doula perhaps), a local parenting group… You’ll quicly realize that your worries are normal - and worth acknowledging. And, if your feelings become overwhelming or concerning, please reach out to a therapist/ peer support and ask for help.

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!

10/06/2025

Hello, Friends!

I’m thrilled to say that 2025 is fully booked for me. Between birth support, postpartum support for birth clients and dog walking (and yoga teacher training!), the last quarter will be busy. I’m excited to witness people meet their babies, to help families thrive and to learn.
Due to some unknowns, I’m pausing any and all bookings for 2026. I will still work with currents clients but I cannot guarantee availability after January right now. All is well, life is just a bit chaotic at the moment!
Thank you for your support so far!

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!

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Cambridge, ON

Website

https://fernandnettledoula.ca/

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