These Ontario doulas scammed by Kaitlyn Braun are ‘building their own village’ for support

Amy Silva, a doula based in London, Ont., has always emphasized the importance of being part of a network of doulas who truly understand the complexities of supporting clients during childbirth. This need for community was reaffirmed for Silva last year when she found herself in court as one of the 17 victims of Kaitlyn Braun, the Brantford woman who pleaded guilty to faking pregnancies and defrauding doulas across the province.

Braun, 26, was sentenced to two years of house arrest for her actions, but she recently pleaded guilty to new charges and is awaiting sentencing. Despite the trauma and betrayal experienced by Silva and the other victims, they have come together to form a collaborative of 51 Ontario doulas who specialize in various aspects of birth, postpartum, end-of-life care, and other disciplines. Silva, as the founder of the Collaborative Doula Collective, has made it her mission to create a safe and supportive space for doulas who have faced professional challenges.

The birth doula profession involves providing emotional and physical support to clients before, during, and after giving birth. While doulas are certified by different organizations, they are not registered with a regulating body. The Collaborative Doula Collective aims to bring doulas of diverse backgrounds together to enhance their advocacy skills for clients and serve as a support system for doulas facing difficulties in their practice.

Seanna Hayes, a doula from the London area, acknowledges that the Braun case was not the sole reason for forming the collective but it did highlight the need for doulas to work together as a united front. The sense of community and mutual support among doulas has become a crucial aspect of their profession, especially in light of recent challenges.

The ordeal with Kaitlyn Braun has spurred the collective to organize their first conference in London in May. This event will provide doulas with an opportunity to connect, learn from each other, and grow together. The hope is that through sharing experiences and knowledge, doulas can improve their practices and better support their clients.

Lisette Weber, a doula from the Waterloo region, stresses the importance of having a community of like-minded professionals who understand the unique demands of being a doula. By collaborating and learning from each other, doulas can enhance their skills and provide better care for their clients.

As the Collaborative Doula Collective continues to grow and evolve, Amy Silva remains committed to fostering a supportive and empowering community for doulas across Ontario. Through shared experiences and a shared passion for their work, doulas can work together to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for themselves and their clients.