Kailee McDonald

she/her

 

I have lived in the West Shore area of Victoria, BC (specifically Metchosin) for my entire life. My whole family is here and I love that I can spend so much time with them. I am extremely family-oriented and spend the majority of my free time with them. I live with my partner and our two young children in a beautiful home only a few minutes away from Victoria General Hospital (convenient!).

 

I consider myself to be an introvert and love all things quiet! Reading, writing, painting, watching movies or my favourite binge-able TV shows (talk to me about 'New Girl' and you'll have a friend for life! #Nick&JessForever). Also a big-time Disney adult (no shame). I love all things Disney, especially DISNEYLAND. I can (and will) go on about it for hours. Don't get me started if you want me to stop at some point.

 

I have always (literally always. Since I was a young child.) been fascinated by pregnancy and the birth experience. While other students dreaded the infamous "sex talk", I counted down the days. While other students were mortified during family planning class to watch a woman give birth, I couldn't take my eyes off the screen. How incredible. How miraculous. Still, I never gave much thought to how I could work it into my own life, apart from "I really want to be a mom some day. I can't wait to experience this for myself.".

 

I graduated from Belmont Senior Secondary in 2013 and have done a variety of jobs since then. Retail, fast food, grocery stores, even a call centre (for a week- that was not for me). In 2016, I started the Community, Family, and Child Studies program at Camosun College and discovered my love for helping people. The field I was happiest in was in childcare. I obtained my ECEA in 2018 and have worked in various daycares, as a private in-home nanny, and at before and after school programs ever since. In 2023, I obtained my ECE certificate from Pacific Rim Early Childhood Institute and went on to be the room lead at a 3-5 preschool, and then onto becoming a part of the management team at a brand new trauma-informed Indigenous childcare centre. I was part of the grand opening there and was so fortunate to receive some incredible learning about various Indigenous cultures, languages, history, etc. as well as trauma-informed training.

 

However, since becoming a mom, I have realized just how challenging a job in childcare is when you have young kids at home. It's A LOT. I decided I needed a change in careers and I thought, how cool would it be if I could turn my passion, values, and interests into a career? After I accompanied one of my dear friends during the birth of her first child, I knew exactly what that career should be. That experience was so eye-opening in so many ways. First of all- what a beautiful and miraculous moment! I could watch a mother meet her new baby for the first time a million times and never get tired of it. Second, I saw first-hand what was missing in the hospital during her experience- and that was personalized and compassionate care, unwavering emotional support, and someone to make sure she was fully aware of what was happening to her during those scary moments.

 

After that, I immediately started looking into Doula courses and fell in love with it. This is what I was meant to do. This is my calling. The ability to provide support and care to mothers, fathers, parents, and families in these life-changing moments is an honour that is not lost on me. I am so fortunate to have the opportunity to do what I love and to love what I do.

 

Thank you so much for allowing me into your homes, your lives, and your sacred space. And for taking the time to get to know a little bit about me. I can't wait to get to know you too!

 

My Values

I've been asked what my top 5 core values are. I don't know how I could ever narrow it down. All of these things are important to me. All of these things play a role in my life and in all of the things I do. In no particular order...

 

  • Family and Love
  • Respect
  • Transparency and Honesty
  • Compassion
  • Accountability
  • Acceptance and Inclusion
  • Appreciation and Gratitude
  • Dependability and Reliability
  • Freedom of Choice
  • Generosity and Kindness
  • Growth and Lifelong Learning
  • Sensitivity and Compassion
  • Health and Safety
  • Creativity and Imagination
  • Humour
  • Communication and Understanding
  • Individuality and Uniqueness 
  • Self Expression
  • Connection
  • Consistency
  • Strength and Determination
  • Dedication and Commitment
  • Happiness and Joy
  • Organization
  • Unity, Togetherness, Community, and Teamwork
  • Patience
  • Peace
  • Equality and Equity
  • Experience

What Is A Doula, How Do They Differ From Doctors and Midwives, and Why Are They Beneficial?

A Birth Doula is a person who provides continuous physical and emotional support to a mother (and her partner/family/support person) during labour, delivery, and postpartum. They also provide informational support and advocate to medical personnel on behalf of the mother for her right to follow her birth plan wherever possible. A Doula aims to ensure that the mother has a comfortable and joyful birthing experience by using her training and knowledge to suggest strategies for pain management, relaxation techniques, and reassuring and calming presence.

 

Unlike Doctors and Midwives- a Doula is NOT a medical professional. They do not have medical training and are not able to provide medical care of any kind under any circumstances. Rather, they are meant to be complementary of the medical team.

 

Midwives have medical training and specialize in low-risk pregnancies. They can prescribe medication and perform medical procedures, such as examinations and delivering a baby.

 

A Doctor (OB-GYN) is a trained medical professional that has more medical and surgical training and can manage more complex pregnancies/deliveries and perform C-sections.

 

So why hire a Doula? 

 

Having a Doula can lead to better birth outcomes. Including: lower risk of requiring pain medication, lower risk of C-sections; and higher overall satisfaction. They can provide a more positive birth experience by actively listening to their client's needs and wishes and focusing on their emotional wellbeing. 

 

Source: Instagram- Harmonia Birth Doula

https://www.instagram.com/p/DAZiCIApIUT/

What's In A Name?

There were several names that I had settled on before I landed officially on 'Matriarch'. But none of them felt quite right. Until I came up with this one and had my "AHA!" moment.

 

So why 'Matriarch'? What's the significance? How does it relate to Doula care?

 

Let me explain:

 

While driving one day, I passed a mother deer and her baby running through a field to my left. It got me thinking about how, through the majority of species, motherhood is quite similar for them all. While it looks a little different between species (particularly humans), almost all mothers share the same feelings/goals/instincts toward their babies. Devotion. Protection. Nurturing. Teaching. And so I began to think of all the species that are known for being the best mothers. Lions. Orca Whales. Orangutans. Bears. ELEPHANTS.

 

Elephants. They endure long pregnancies. They are fiercely protective. They form deep emotional bonds. They grieve. They always stay close by, maintaining physical contact with their babies the majority of the time. They often stay with their young for much longer than other species, sometimes even for life. Elephants are incredible mothers.

 

But there was something else too that made me realize that elephants were definitely the unofficial mascot I was after. Their sense of community. Elephant herds work together to care for the babies. It's a team effort. The mothers, sisters, and aunts of the herd all collectively care for the babies, ensuring their survival and teaching them all that there is to know. No mother is left to go it alone. She has the support of her herd to rely on through it all. And that is really what I want to ensure in my role as a doula. At its core, 'Matriarch Birth Services' aims to ensure that no mother feels alone. That she is supported and cared for and has someone to rely on through all of these moments. They say it takes a village. Elephants know this. Elephants are extremely intelligent.

 

The leader of an elephant herd is a female. The Matriarch. She is the decision-maker. The one with the experience and wisdom. The one the others look to for guidance. They look to her to show them the way. She is driven by instinct. And that is who you are during your birthing experience. YOU are in charge here. YOU are the strong, resilient, and  intelligent individual that we are all looking to to guide us through this. YOU are following your instincts. YOU are ready to welcome your baby and protect them fiercely.

 

Mothers are incredible. They do difficult, selfless, and beautiful things. They are strong and capable. I am only a part of your herd. A part of your village.

 

 

You, Mama, are the Matriarch.

FAQ

What areas do you service?

I am located in Victoria, BC, Canada and service surrounding areas as well. Including: Langford, Colwood, Metchosin, Saanich, Brentwood Bay, Sidney, and Sooke. If you are located further up island (Mill Bay, Duncan, Ladysmith, Nanaimo, etc.), I am open to discussing some options!

 

Can you provide medical care?

No. As a Doula, providing medical care is beyond my scope of practice. This includes, but is not limited to: performing tests, offering medical advice, diagnosing, treating, or performing medical care of any kind.

 

How soon should I book your services?

I would recommend reaching out as soon as you can after confirming your pregnancy via ultrasound. Ideally, once you've been given your official due date. I only have room in my schedule for a limited number of due dates each month, so the sooner you contact me, the better your chances of reserving a spot for the month of your due date!

 

Do you offer payment plans?

Yes! I never want anyone to go without the support they need due to financial barriers. I am always open to discussing solutions to ensure you receive the care that you deserve. Including payment plans. Just ask!

 

Will you charge me extra if I have an unusually long labour?

Definitely not! You have no control over how long your labour lasts, and will not be penalized if it goes long. The flat rate you pay for the package is the total cost, regardless of if you labour for 2 hours or 2 days.

 

Do you offer discounts?

Sure do! If you are low income, we will work together to come up

with a fair rate on a sliding scale so that it works with your

budget.

If you are a returning client, you will receive a 25% discount!

If you have referred me to someone else and they end up booking

my services, you will receive a 10% discount off of your own services

(to use for a current or a future pregnancy). And they will receive a 

5% discount as well!

I just went into labour! What should I do?

First, take a breath! This as an exciting moment. Your baby is almost here!

Next, send me a text to let me know that you believe labour has started. Then take it easy for as long as you can. Take a bath, get some sleep, whatever you need!

Once you are ready to head to the hospital, give me a call. I will meet you there!

 

Can I cancel your services after booking?

Yes. You have the right to cancel at any time. 

Prior to Week 20 of your pregnancy, you will receive a 100% refund (excluding the $250 non-refundable deposit).

Between Weeks 20-30, you will receive a 75% refund (excluding the $250 non-refundable deposit).

Between Weeks 30-35, you will receive a 50% refund (excluding the $250 non-refundable deposit).

Between Weeks 35-38, you will receive a 25% refund (excluding the $250 non-refundable deposit).

After Week 38, you are not entitled to a refund.

 

What happens if you are unable to attend my birth? Do you have a backup Doula?

At this time, I unfortunately do not have a backup Doula. I am working on it! Until then, in the unlikely event that I am unable to attend your birth for whatever reason, I offer a full or partial refund (depending on how close you are to your due date). I will work this into your contract and ensure you are in agreement prior to moving forward!

 

When and how can I contact you?

If you are inquiring about my services, you can call or text me, send me an email, or send me a direct message on Facebook or Instagram. I will respond within 1-2 business days during business hours (Monday, Wednesday, & Friday 9:30am-3:30pm; and Tuesdays & Thursdays 9:30am-2:00pm)

 

If you are a client who has already booked my services, you can contact me any time 24/7, preferably via text for non-urgent matters, and via phone call for urgent matters (such as concerning issues, symptoms, or if you believe you are in labour).