Five Elements Birth Services

I bought a Passages birthing pool and hose accessories, but unfortunately the hose wouldn't connect to any of my taps, therefore I was unable to use for our birth. Five elements didn't hesitate to allow a return of the pool and the hose accessories and issued me a full refund. Really grateful for them to be so accommodating and understanding.

We hired these lovely ladies to be our doulas for our first birth. I honestly cannot imagine going through this experience without Christine by our side! I highly highly recommend having a doula for your labour and Christine or Rachel would both be amazing! Every time I thought ‘oh maybe I should do ______’ , like magic, there it was! Christine was calm, knowledgeable, comforting and a huge advocate for us throughout the entire experience!

Having doula support during pregnancy, the child birthing process and postpartum was (without a doubt) the absolute BEST investment I could have made for myself, my baby and my family. It’s difficult for me to even imagine having gone through childbirth without the support of Christine and Rachel. I always had questions, insecurities that “needed” settling, and other queries leading up to the big event- and Christine and Rachel were always on hand- just a phone call or email away to answer questions and provide me with information to point me in the right direction. There were no surprises when I arrived at the hospital to give birth, during their visits Christine and Rachel had already walked me through some things to expect and the possibilities, which helped me prepare for them mentally and emotionally. On the day of, Christine attended my birth and supported both my partner and I physically, emotionally, mentally, spiritually in ways the hospital staff and other family members weren’t able to be there for us. She is so experienced with the birthing process in a hospital.. she helped me make informed decisions and navigate the process with ease. My partner was able to relax a bit and “take breaks” whilst I was in labour because Christine was always there. After the birth of my baby boy, she helped me immediately with breast feeding and I felt empowered and actually, in control, even though I was a brand new mama in a brand new environment. I remember my birthing experience as empowering, wonderful, exciting and actually enjoyable- a huge and important transition- and a big part of that was because of the peace and mindset that Christine helped me establish. There was nothing awkward, scary or unnatural about the process of giving birth. She even brought candles to set the ambiance and dimmed the lights, helped me to ask questions of the nurses and doctors that made me feel uncomfortable in the beginning. I can’t imagine not having her there.Postpartum weeks I had many questions about feeding, my baby’s behaviour, and Rachel was extremely attentive and detailed in providing me with information, feedback and advice (when I asked for it-) and literally put all of my worries at ease. I remember sending them a frantic email a few weeks postpartum asking why my breasts had become soft?? And they assured me this was completely normal and nothing to be concerned about. They were right!! I saved myself hours of frustration and anxiety just asking outright and they responded immediately.Thank you to the most wonderful doulas a woman could ask for. I would have them for all subsequent pregnancies/births (if that’s in the cards for me). I couldn’t imagine it any other way!PS - at my request also, Christine took some beautiful photos during the birthing process. So happy to have these.I would absolutely recommend doula services to people who can’t or do not feel comfortable having their parents, relatives attending the birth and want access to information and other resources to help them navigate the process themselves. Having a doula is all about feeling supported and “you’ve got this!” Who doesn’t want that feeling?

Thank you so much for your support and guidance leading up to our big day. It was so reassuring to have someone with that level of knowledge explain and walk us through our birth options. I never felt like I was judged nor did I feel pressure to take any particular route. Preparing for birth can be stressful and scary and it was wonderful to have Paige's calm and reassuring demeanour and knowledge to help my husband and I work through our birthing process. Paige took the time to come and meet with us, offering to work around our hours and be available as needed. She listened to our requests and gave suggestions on how to alleviate stress for the actual birth day. I am so grateful to have had someone who understands the birthing process so intimately to help us prepare for our baby girl.

Going with Five Elements was the best route for us seeing as I decided that in order to have a positive birth experience I needed trauma informed support as well as a doula who had good chemistry with the rest of my birth team. I hate going through hoops to hire people so I liked the package format of purchasing our support and education all in one spot. I advocated for my preference to take private birth classes following the birthing from within methods to my rock star partner who quickly jumped on board and together we prioritized birth education as well as post partum prep and planning. Five elements, and specifically Rachel, puts a focus on science based evidence for physiological birth, mental health, relationship support and post partum care which aligned with our values and helped me to feel confident in advocating for myself, my boundaries and our family. We wanted a natural vaginal home birth so badly (and got our wish!) but I remember when Rachel went over the entire C section process with us just to prepare us as part of her curriculum. I was so scared of that possibility but felt so much more personal agency about the possibility of C section after going over the process with Rachel and having someone I felt safe asking my questions to. Our doula, Jesse, was also so complimentary to the entire education process and we loved having her as an integral part of our birth team. (I swear all my friends and family know who the famous Jesse" is even if they haven't met her). Never once did I feel like I couldn't ask either Rachel or Jesse a question or felt ashamed of a feeling I felt during the process. The fact that Five elements offers a payment plan is what made our plan and team possible too

Having a doula at the birth of my second baby was like having a puzzle piece click into place. The fact that it was Christine made it even more special. Rachel and Christine were incredible from the moment we hired them. They have so much knowledge, compassion, and love for what they do, and it shows through in everything they provide for their clients. Christine attended my birth and was with me every step of the way; encouraging me through my induction and giving me step by step feedback throughout my c-section. I don’t have enough words to describe what it meant to have Christine with me, and I will always have a special puzzle piece sized place in my heart for her and Rachel. Everyone deserves a doula, and I highly recommend these ladies ❤️

I always recommend Birth Nest to anyone I know who is expecting and in post partum. Paige is amazing. She is amazing to talk with, learn from and be supported by. She helps a great deal with post partum blues and depression, always being supportive, compassionate and encouraging. She helps you feel like everything is okay and everything you are going through is normal. She has your back every step of the way. She goes above and beyond to help you in any way to make sure you know you are well taken care of. Having babies can be hard and stressful, and Paige helps lighten the pressures. You will feel so grateful if you have the opportunity to have her as your doula. Thank you so much Paige!

2019: We had a smooth pregnancy until week 37. Up until that point, Rachel and Christine were full of insights and guidance to help us prepare for birth. Afterwards, they helped us through a very difficult situation. We were in shock, but they helped us to organize our thoughts and questions and make the most of our appointments. Through it all, they were kind, warm, supportive, and accessible. They were non-judgmental and always ready with insights from their own experiences and a dose of good humour to put us at ease. We highly recommend 5 Elements to anyone looking for birth services!2023 Update:This was our second time having Rachel as our doula. My husband and I were both so grateful to have her with us again! What we needed during this pregnancy was so very different from what we needed the first time around. Rachel helped us recognize and work through what we needed to with kindness, understanding, and humour.The time surrounding birth can be very isolating without the right supports. I’ve followed the Five Elements online village since our first birth, and I just started attending Rachel’s postpartum group. Even beyond the incredible support she gave us during pregnancy and birth, it’s clear how much Rachel does to build a sense of community and fun around such an intense life transition!

Connecting with a Doula made my whole pregnancy, birth, and postpartum experience magical. They are like the aunty, sister, or friend who's done the baby thing before and has many tips, tricks, and words of wisdom for you and your partner.