Culturally safe Doula care that honours your body and your voice.
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Book A Free Consultation Below

LISA FELECIA WESTERMAN
I live, love, and grow on the unceded ancestral territories of the xÊ·mÉ™θkÊ·É™y̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and sÉ™lilwÉ™taɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.
She/Her
Social Worker, Birth Doula, Postpartum Doula, Child Birth Educator
Location: Vancouver & Lower Mainland
Families Served: 100+
Years of Experience: 12+
WHO I SERVE
I have extensive experience supporting:
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2SLGBTQIA+ families
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Black, Indigenous, and People of the Global Majority (BIPGM) families
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Immigrant and refugee families
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Low-income families
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Single parents
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Disabled and neurodivergent parents
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Deaf parents
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Families navigating chronic or acute illness
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Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs)
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High-risk pregnancies
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Adoption and surrogacy journeys
ABOUT ME
I am an Afro-Indigenous Caribbean mother of three young Black children, living, loving, and growing on the beautiful shared, unceded, ancestral territories of the xÊ·mÉ™θkÊ·É™y̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and sÉ™lilwÉ™taɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.
Like many parents of colour, I experienced mistreatment within the medical system during all three of my pregnancies. Those experiences, moments that should have been held with care ,shaped my purpose.
I do this work to ensure birthing people of colour are safe, heard, and respected.
That our babies are safe, heard, and respected.
I believe deeply in the birthing person’s wisdom and right to lead their own journey. My role is to provide knowledge, advocacy, and steady presence, so you can make informed choices that honour your body, your culture, and your family.
MY APPROACH
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Trauma-informed and culturally safe care
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Informed consent and medical advocacy
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Holistic, client-led support
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Anti-oppressive and harm-reduction grounded
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Respect for cultural practices and ceremonies
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SERVICES​
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PRENATAL SUPPORT
2 Personalized Prenatal Sessions
In-person or virtual sessions focused on learning who you are, what makes you feel safe and grounded, and how I can best support you. We’ll explore your support system, cultural practices, fears, and hopes for birth.
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Custom Care Plan
A personalized well-being plan that may include breathing techniques, gentle movement, herbal and aromatherapy recommendations, and comfort practices.
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Birth Preferences & Informed Decision-Making
We’ll review common procedures, comfort measures, and options through a trauma-informed lens, ensuring you feel confident and informed.
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Unlimited Text & Phone Support
From booking until 6 weeks postpartum, you’ll have unlimited access to me for questions, reassurance, and support.
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Comfort Measures Practice
Hands-on preparation for labour, including tools for both you and your support person(s).​
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BIRTH SUPPORT
On-Call & Continuous Support
Continuous, in-person labour support from active labour through 2 hours after birth.
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Advocacy & Communication
Support navigating hospital or home birth settings, ensuring your preferences are heard and respected.
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Comfort & Pain Relief Techniques
Including acupressure, massage, optimal positioning, TENS, breath guidance, movement, hydration, and nourishment.
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Partner & Family Support
Helping your support people participate meaningfully while also taking care of themselves.
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Holistic Labour Care
Support for your emotional, physical, and mental well-being — rest, movement, nourishment, baths, and grounding.
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Doula Bag Access
TENS unit, essential oils, lighting, and comfort tools to support your birth environment.
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Immediate Post-Birth Support
Assistance with your first feed, newborn care, bonding, and settling in.
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Labour Notes & Timeline
A detailed record of your birth, including first photos and meaningful moments if desired.​
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POSTPARTUM SUPPORT
2 In-Person Postpartum Visits
Judgment-free space to process, rest, and receive care.
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Listening & Birth Debrief
Support processing your birth experience and navigating early parenthood.
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Infant Care Support
Feeding, soothing, sleep patterns, diapering, and newborn behaviour education.
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Support System Check-In
Assessing and strengthening your support network.
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Personalized Referrals
Connections to lactation support, counselling, support groups, and community resources.
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Unlimited Ongoing Communication
Text and phone support throughout your fourth trimester.
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TRAINING & CREDENTIALS
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Education
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
Minor in Political Science & Caribbean Studies
Toronto Metropolitan University
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Birth & Postpartum Training
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Birth & Postpartum Doula – Doula School Canada
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Perinatal Substance Use – UBC
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Perinatal Depression & Anxiety – UBC
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Trauma & Violence-Informed Practice – TMU
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Indigenous Studies – TMU
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Gender-Affirming Perinatal Care – UBC
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SafeCare Perinatal Substance Use – PHSA/BCW
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FASD Training – Community Living York South
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Fraser Health Baby-Friendly Initiative
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Certifications & Approvals
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CPR-C with AED
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Criminal Record Check (Vulnerable Sector)
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Carrot Fertility-Approved Doula
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Sun Life-Approved Doula
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Doulas for Aboriginal Families Grant Program (DAFGP)
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Naloxone Administration – VCH
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TESTIMONIALS
“It’s hard to trust people when the medical system has been so traumatizing to my people. I always wanted a doula, but I worried I would be judged for wanting to smudge or burn sweetgrass. Lisa let me be myself. I felt safe and heard. I didn’t need much more than that.”
— T.B​
“From the moment we met Lisa, my partner and I felt we were in the safest hands possible. She explained our birth options clearly, made space for our cultural practices, and reminded us that we had a voice in the room. I will never forget the way she protected my partner’s peace and power during labor. She held it down for us like family.”
— J.S​
“As a non-binary parent, I was nervous about how my identity would be held during this transition. Lisa not only respected my pronouns and birth plan — she truly embraced all of me. She offered inclusive lactation guidance, helped me trust my body, and affirmed that my experience mattered. She made me feel human again.”
— R.M​
“Lisa made me feel seen in ways I didn’t know I needed. As a Black and Indigenous woman, my voice often gets lost in the medical system — but she amplified it. She stood by me, educated me on my rights, and ensured every decision came from my power. She’s more than a doula. She’s sacred medicine.”
— T.K​
“I didn’t know what to expect, but Lisa showed up for both of us. She helped me understand how to support my wife emotionally and physically, translated hospital language, and held space for our cultural values without judgment. She treated us like we truly belonged.”
— C.D
Book a Free Consultation
Choosing a doula is a deeply personal decision. Let's take the time to get know each other. During your free consultation, we'll talk about your hopes, your needs, and how Shades can support you and your family.
Get in Touch
I proudly serve the communities located on the unceded ancestral territories of the xÊ·mÉ™θkÊ·É™y̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and sÉ™lilwÉ™taɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations
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also known as Vancouver.
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