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Embrace Your Transformative Journey

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Holistic support for a mindful pregnancy, labour & birth, postpartum, and early parenting experience

"I believe that with knowledge, wise guidance, and compassionate support, we can distill the fear that is present in society around pregnancy, birth, and postpartum and instill confidence for an informed and empowering experience."

Kristen Fortier lying on the grass, pregnant
Kristen Fortier standing by the some rocks, trees andwater

Parent of one beautiful soul, daytime caregiver to four more. I am a certifying Labour & Birth and Postpartum Doula, Reiki practitioner, and a certified Yoga teacher with a deep passion of spreading love, knowledge, and empowerment to expectant and new parents.

I am Kristen..

Grateful you are here…

Kristen Fortier outside sitting with her child

I believe that with evidence-based information, compassionate support, and wise guidance, we can instill confidence and release our fears and uncertainties about this journey. I aim to provide informational, emotional, and physical support from pregnancy to parenthood so parents feel well equipped to embrace the journey as it unfolds. I want to empower people to take an active role in creating the birth experience they desire and embracing self-confidence.

 

I also have a passion for the natural, unhindered development of infants and toddlers. I have completed the Resources for Infant Educarers (RIE) Foundations course where I gained a comprehensive understanding of infant and toddler motor development and social-emotional development. I want to share this perspective to support parents in building authentic relationships with their babies while encouraging their self-confidence and independence, from the very start.

With a mindful and informed approach, may we be empowered, respected, and supported. May our spirits evolve, and may we embrace our authenticity as we birth and raise conscious, self-confident children. 

It is an honour to connect with you and be part of your journey!

With love and gratitude,

Kristen

If you do not see something that is exactly what you are looking for, send me an email and we can custom make something that works for you!

Services

Unwavering support to expectant parents before, during, and after childbirth. With a deep understanding of the birthing process and a commitment to empowering families, I offer physical, emotional, and informational assistance to ensure an informed and empowering birth experience.

This care service provides evidence-based information and resources to help parents make informed decisions about their birth plan and preferences, promoting a sense of empowerment and autonomy throughout the birthing process. With my compassionate presence and expert guidance, I ensure that parents feel supported, empowered, and respected as they welcome their new baby into this world.


Empowered Birth Package includes:

  • Free consultation

  • Ongoing phone, email and text support throughout pregnancy

  • Three prenatal meetings where we can explore your desired birth, physiology of labour & birth, preparing to nurture your newborn, yoga for pregnancy and birth preparation and all your questions and concerns 

  • On-call 24/7 from 38 weeks

  • Continuous support during labour and birth. 

  • Presence 1-2 hours after birth to support the immediate postpartum experience and breastfeeding initiation

  • We will also get to connect for a postpartum visit 1-3 days after birth to process your experience and explore all questions, concerns and emotions

Empowered Birth:

Labour Doula Care

$800-$1100

Choose the price that best suits your situation

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Our sessions will be tailored to meet your and your partner's unique needs and preferences as you prepare for the arrival of your baby. Through compassionate guidance and evidence-based practices, we'll delve into practical techniques and emotional preparation to equip you with the confidence and resilience needed for labour and birth.

Topics that we can explore are:

  • Prenatal Yoga and breathing practices for increased well-being during pregnancy, labour, and birth

  • Strengthening and connecting with your Pelvic Floor for optimal pelvic health during pregnancy, labour and birth, and postpartum recovery

  • Exploring your birth preferences and your ideal birthing environment

  • Prepareing to nurture your newborn by exploring caregiving activities, fostering secure attachments, preparing your home environment

  • Empowering you to self-advocate and make informed decisions 

  • Preparing and equipping your Partner to support you during labour

  • Exploring possibilites and understanding options and alternatives in labour and birth

  • Understanding signs of labour and the journey and physiology of labour and birth

  • Finding ease amidst labour with various comfort measures and positions 

  • Integrating medical pain management options with your birth preferences

  • Preparing for first few hours after birth including initiating breastfeeding

  • Navigating postpartum realities and setting realistic expectations

Prenatal Coaching & Birth Preparation

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$85 for 1 session

$160 for 2 sessions

$240 for 3 sessions 

Postpartum Doula Care & Parenting Guidance

Postpartum care can provide invaluable support to new parents at any stage after the birth of your baby. Whether this is your first or subsequent baby. With expertise in newborn care, breastfeeding support, and emotional well-being, this care service provides practical assistance, guidance, and encouragement to help parents navigate the joys and challenges of early parenthood with confidence and peace of mind.

 

Shifts are personalized support tailored to the unique needs and preferences of your family. By nurturing both parents and baby, we can foster a supportive environment where families can bond, heal, and thrive during this sacred time of transition.

Support during shifts can include:

  • Non-judgemental, compassionate emotional support

  • Feeding support

  • Soothing methods 

  • Attention to your physical recovery

  • Instilling confidence while caregiving for your baby (feeding, diapering, bathing)

  • Being with baby while you get some rest or take a shower

  • Tidying dishes, folding laundry, light meal preparation

  • Creating a physically safe, cognitively challenging, and emotionally nurturing home environment to support your baby’s optimal development

  • When it is safe to do so, postpartum care services can include yoga and breathing practices to reconnect with your core and pelvic floor, ease tension in overused muscles, rebuild strength and find peace and balance in the body-mind

  • This service is also for parents who want to explore, appreciate and support your baby’s current behaviour and phase of development. Sessions can include exploration of RIE principles for respectful infant and toddler caregiving, setting a foundation for a healthy relationship and encouraging your child's self-confidence

mother holding a child in a grey knit sweater

Daytime/evening shifts

$35/hour (min. 2 hour shifts)

Overnight shifts

$45/hour

Parenting Consultations

Offered virtually or in-person

$45/hour

Reiki Healing

Reiki is the Universal life force energy that courses through all that is. 

 

A Reiki treatment promotes relaxation, reduces stress and anxiety, and promotes physical and emotional healing. This healing method is applied through light touch (while you are fully clothed) to channel this universal energy to balance the chakras, clear negative and blocked energies, and support the whole person - physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. 

Sessions are 50-60 minutes. 

Feel free to connect with me if you have any questions.

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$65 per session 
Appointments available

Sundays and Mondays

4 week postnatal pelvic floor and core recovery yoga - ONLINE

Reconnect and recover your pelvic floor and core muscles. No matter how you gave birth or how long ago, rebuilding strength, balance, and stability from the inside out is an integral part of fostering overall well-being as a parent. These classes will offer breathing and mindfulness practices to “meet” your pelvic floor and inner core and encourage your optimal emotional well-being. They will also offer movement practices to strengthen and engage these muscles as well as increase mobility, flexibility, and strength in your whole body. Guided by a certified yoga teacher and doula, this is an inclusive, nonjudgmental space to explore your experiences and seek compassionate, evidence-based support. Will also offer time after each class if anyone has any questions or experiences they want to share.

 

Suitable for anyone who has given birth. This is offered online so that you have the flexibility to have your baby nearby, feed, hold, and soothe as you need to.

Feel free to connect if you have any questions! 

Registration confirmation and payment details will be sent to you within 24 hours after you register. 

See you on the mat!

Image by Carl Newton

Starting August 19th

$30 for 4 week series

Mondays 12:45pm-1:30pm

CLIENT STORIES
service area

Embrun, Russell, Orleans, Ottawa, and all surrounding areas

KAREN G

We met Kristen only a day before going into labour, and thank god for her being available and a caring, reassuring presence from the very start. Kristen made the whole thing feel not only do-able but also much easier. Her attitude was perfect and she was full of attention and tips to help, from start to post-partum. We are very grateful for having had her as a doula.

CARING, REASSURING PRESENCE

The support and guidance I received from Kristen during the birth of my child was incredible. Hiring a doula was a very last minute decisions but turned out to be one of the best decisions my partner and I made throughout our pregnancy journey. From the moment we met, she showed warmth and professionalism, making us feel at ease and confident.

 

During labor, she was a constant source of comfort and encouragement, helping me manage pain and navigate the challenges of childbirth. Her presence was calming, and her knowledge of various birthing techniques was invaluable. She truly empowered me to have the birth experience I had hoped for, without any medication but I know she would've been totally non-judgmental no matter my choices.

 

Beyond the birth itself, our doula provided postpartum support that was equally invaluable. She checked in on us regularly, offering guidance on breastfeeding, newborn care, and mom's physical and emotional well being. Her compassion and expertise were a lifeline during those early weeks of parenthood. If you're considering hiring a doula, I wholeheartedly recommend it, and I can't recommend Kristen enough. Her generosity and support made a world of difference for our family. Thank you for being there for us during this life-changing experience!

KAREN 

WARMTH AND PROFESSIONALISM

STEPHANY H

Near the end of my second trimester, I was introduced to Kristen from a massage therapist I frequently went to and I wish I had Kristen sooner! I had never thought of having a doula to support me during my first birth. Kristen listened to my needs and wants during the whole process and made me feel supported and calm during the remainder of my pregnancy, labour and post labour. Kristen helped me care for my newborn which was super helpful as it was difficult as a first time parent trying to navigate caring for a child. Kristen's presence was invaluable. I had a great experience and I highly recommend Kristen!

SUPPORTED AND CALM

The support and guidance I received from Kristen during the birth of my child was incredible. Hiring a doula was a very last minute decisions but turned out to be one of the best decisions my partner and I made throughout our pregnancy journey. From the moment we met, she showed warmth and professionalism, making us feel at ease and confident.

 

During labor, she was a constant source of comfort and encouragement, helping me manage pain and navigate the challenges of childbirth. Her presence was calming, and her knowledge of various birthing techniques was invaluable. She truly empowered me to have the birth experience I had hoped for, without any medication but I know she would've been totally non-judgmental no matter my choices.

 

Beyond the birth itself, our doula provided postpartum support that was equally invaluable. She checked in on us regularly, offering guidance on breastfeeding, newborn care, and mom's physical and emotional well being. Her compassion and expertise were a lifeline during those early weeks of parenthood. If you're considering hiring a doula, I wholeheartedly recommend it, and I can't recommend Kristen enough. Her generosity and support made a world of difference for our family. Thank you for being there for us during this life-changing experience!

KAREN G

WARMTH AND PROFESSIONALISM

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