The Driftwood Doula Team
Liz Burns, Owner
Childbirth Educator, Birth Doula, & Postpartum Doula, Doula School International
I grew up in England, and moved to Canada in my teens. From a young age, I’ve always been nurturing, compassionate, and caring, and I’ve always loved babies. I became a Mum myself in 2017, and was fascinated by all I learned about pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care. Other life experiences since then have intensified my interest in birth and parenthood; including pregnancy loss and the birth of my rainbow baby in 2021.
After completing a degree in Psychology, my career trajectory had taken me from addictions research, to fractional HR. I craved deeper meaning and connection from my work. With support and encouragement from friends and family, I decided to listen to the little voice telling me exactly where I was meant to be. I certified under Doula School International’s Triple Stream program to be a childbirth educator, and birth & postpartum doula. I will never look back. My passion for this work deepens with every family I have the honour of working with, and I am always looking for new courses and enrichment to my learning. I have taken an in-person Peanut Ball workshop and Trauma Informed Care workshop with “The Birth Nurse” Mandy Irby, and an in-person Spinning Babies workshop. I am currently enrolled in the Body Ready Method Pro online program, and a part-time in-person Masters in Counselling through Acadia University.
I am captivated by the birth stories of others, and by the powerful emotions that accompany this rite of passage. By nature, I am an insightful communicator. I listen intently and think deeply about what people mean with their words. In my work, I help people be heard and make sense of their experiences, enabling people to identify what their history is, and what their vision going forward is. And then I advocate to make this vision become a reality.
I’m creative, positive, purposeful, candid, organized, and proactive. I cultivate a culture of choice, non-judgement, and teamwork, with the client as the leader. I adore the unique bonds formed between me and the families I work with, and love bearing witness to calm, powerful and transformative journeys to parenthood.
If I sound like someone you want on your parenthood team, please reach out! I can’t wait to chat with you.
Alex Fraser
Birth and Postpartum Doula, Doula School International
I’m Alex, and I’m a proud Nova Scotian, born and raised! I’m a mom of two, and I also have a dog, a cat, and eight chickens that keep our home lively! I’ve had a lifelong fascination with everything related to pregnancy and birth. About a year after my first child arrived I realized I wanted to turn that passion into a career in birth work. During my first pregnancy, I dove deep into research about pregnancy and childbirth, discovering that it’s a subject I could explore endlessly without losing interest. I’ve always been passionate about advocating for others, and I take pride in being open-minded in all my endeavors. When I’m not doula-ing, I love to bake sourdough, crochet, golf, ride ATVs & dirt bike, garden, raise chickens and spend quality time with my family. As your birth doula, I will bring compassion, laughter, strong advocacy, and a wealth of knowledge to your birth experience, along with a calming presence, emotional support, encouragement, and practical assistance to help create a positive and empowering environment.
Quynne Merrill
Birth Doula & Postpartum Doula, Doula School International
I discovered my passion for pregnancy, childbirth, and nurturing new families at a very young age. Even as a child of eight, I found myself enamoured by the midwives who cared for my pregnant mother. I vividly recall sitting on her bed, eagerly observing as the midwife conducted prenatal checkups, asking to have a turn with the stethoscope. These early experiences ignited a deep-seated desire within me to support others through the journey of birth and postpartum care.
Over the years, l've had the privilege of accompanying friends, family members, and community members through their perinatal journeys. Each opportunity reinforced my dream of serving others during such a pivotal time in their lives. This journey led me to train as a birth and postpartum doula.
I bring a nurturing, vibrant, and versatile approach to postpartum support & birth support. Whether it's preparing nourishing meals, tending to your newborn during the early hours of the morning, or providing a compassionate ear for your concerns, I am eager to become a valued member of the village supporting your growing family.