Owner | Doula | Lactation Support | Photography

My name is Julia, and I am a holistic doula specializing in physiologic birth. I firmly believe that all birth is inherently transformative, and that the entire process should be regarded as sacred, deeply honored, and normalized in our communities.

Trained through DONA in 2017, I have had the privilege of attending over sixty births in the qathet area, gaining invaluable insights and experiences along this meaningful journey. I originally opened Little Bird Birth Services in the year 2017, and have now rebranded this business to better suit the evolving and growing needs of the qathet community.

In addition to my doula training, I have actively pursued further qualifications in lactation support and am proudly approved with the BCAAFC (British Columbia Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres) for indigenous funding support.

I am fiercely committed to empowering my clients, recognizing that they inherently possess the instinct and knowledge necessary to make the best decisions for themselves and their precious babies. My role is to provide support, guidance, and education, while fostering an environment that respects and celebrates each family's unique journey.

As a dedicated mother of three, I wholeheartedly embrace the rhythm of life, where my passion for gardening flourishes alongside my love for photography, painting, and pottery. Immersing myself in the beauty of nature replenishes my spirit, grounding me in the exquisite beauty that surrounds us daily.

I firmly believe in nurturing the whole person, recognizing that true health encompasses not only physical but also emotional and spiritual well-being. This holistic approach guides my work with pregnant individuals, allowing them to flourish and thrive through all stages of parenthood.

Owner | Birth Doula | Postpartum Doula

Hi, I’m Julia! I was born and raised here in qathet, and after years away I returned home to start my own family. I'm now the proud mother of two energetic little boys.

My curiosity about pregnancy and birth began early, but it truly deepened when I became pregnant myself. I immersed myself in learning—watching birth videos, reading books and blogs, and listening to others share their unique experiences. Through this journey, I came to realize that birth doesn't have to be something we fear. With the right support and information, it can be deeply empowering. My own two home births solidified this belief and showed me how transformative birth can be when the birthing person is encouraged to trust themselves, their body, and their baby through the powerful sensations and process of labour.

One of the most profound lessons I’ve learned is the importance of giving birthing people the space to labour instinctively—free from unnecessary interventions, pressure, or fear. When someone is supported but also left undisturbed to connect with their baby and listen to their own inner wisdom, birth can unfold in the most intuitive and empowering way.

While my birth experiences were incredibly meaningful, the postpartum period came with unexpected challenges. Like many new parents, I found it could be isolating and overwhelming at times. These experiences inspired me to become not only a birth doula, but a postpartum doula as well.

As a postpartum doula, I provide hands-on, compassionate support to families as they adjust to life with a new baby. This can include emotional support, newborn care guidance, help with feeding, light household tasks, sibling support, and simply being a calm, reassuring presence during what can be a vulnerable time. I believe that when birthing people and their families feel seen, held, and supported in those early weeks, they’re better able to heal, bond, and thrive.

Now, as I complete my doula training with Doula Canada, my mission is to offer care that is grounded in trust, education, and empowerment. I want every birthing person to feel confident and in control of their experience—whatever that looks like for them. I believe that supported births lead to more connected postpartum experiences, and that families who are well cared for during this transition are more resilient and at ease.

Outside of birth work, I love spending time with my family—swimming at the lake with my boys, growing flowers in my garden, making pottery, drinking too much coffee and cooking with my husband.

My vision is to fill a vital gap in our community by offering inclusive, accessible, and compassionate support to every birthing person—regardless of where or how they choose to give birth. Whether at home or in a hospital setting, I believe that everyone deserves to feel informed, respected, and empowered throughout their pregnancy, birth, and postpartum journey. Working collaboratively has been a long-time dream, and I’m so excited to be building this collective alongside Julia.

Registered Social Worker (RSW), MSW, BSW

Ally is a Registered Social Worker with the BC College of Social Workers (BCCSW), Registration # 16305, currently residing in New Zealand. 

Allison holds an Advanced Master of Social Work from the University of British Columbia with a specialization in Health and Social Care and is joining the qathet Birth Collective as a valued resource for counselling and mental health support. 

Prenatal Educator | Back up Doula

Hi! I’m Emily. My family and I are settlers in the qathet region, where we live, learn and play on the Lands of the Tla’ammin people.

I am currently working diligently in our community as one of the BOND coordinators, where I feel truly grateful to have the opportunity to support families as they navigate and transition into the life-altering journey of parenthood.

I sincerely believe that all birth experiences are beautiful, sacred, and transformative moments that shape our lives. I have faith in every person’s unique ability to bring their baby into the world, each in their own special way. With my solid background in healthcare and behavioral sciences, I hold a deep appreciation for the scientific aspects of birthing processes.

I firmly believe that both traditional and westernized birth practices can harmoniously coexist and work together, ultimately creating beautiful, enriching, and meaningful experiences for all birthers and their families.

Emily's compassionate and calm presence during births truly focuses on emotional sensitivity and support. She expertly guides you in evidence-based practices while encouraging self-advocacy throughout your journey. Her thoughtfully designed prenatal classes provide an impartial and informative guide to navigating the birthing process within the community, empowering you to make the best choices for your unique experience.

Mother | Back up Photographer and Doula

Hi, I’m Brittny! I was born and raised in Powell River and am a proud mom of seven. I’ve given birth in a variety of settings—hospital, home, and everything in between—so I’ve gained firsthand experience and deep knowledge about pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. Having been through this journey multiple times, I’ve learned and grown immensely, from the early days of morning sickness to the emotional shifts of the fourth trimester.

I believe birth is a powerful, beautiful, and deeply personal experience. Every woman deserves the right to choose how and where she brings her baby into the world—whether in a hospital, at home, or even in a field. What feels right for one person may not be right for another, and I wholeheartedly support each mother’s individual journey.

In the coming years, I hope to complete my doula training with a focus on prenatal and postpartum care, as well and Infertility and miscarriage support. In the meantime, I am committed to supporting mothers however I can. The postpartum period is sacred, and I believe new moms deserve just as much care and attention as their babies. Too often, a mother’s needs are overlooked during this critical transition, and I want to be there to provide support, reassurance, and guidance through those first six weeks. I am also very deeply passionate about supporting individuals through infertility and miscarriage. Too often, women face these heartbreaking experiences in silence, without the support they deserve and need. Infertility and pregnancy loss are far more common than many realize, and I believe that having compassionate guidance during these difficult times can make a profound difference. My goal is to provide a safe space for healing, connection, and understanding for those navigating these challenges in our community.

Photography has always been a passion of mine, and birth photography is truly a dream come true. While I’m usually the one in front of the camera—having had hundreds of photos taken of my own births—I’ve always known in my heart that capturing these incredible moments for others is something I would love.

I’m thrilled to be partnering with Julia Lehtimaki to offer birth photography services. By documenting these special moments, I’ll be helping Julia focus fully on her role as a doula, providing unwavering support to her clients. I’m incredibly grateful for this opportunity and can’t wait to serve the women of qathet and the surrounding areas!