Joanne Raines, CD (DONA), CBE
Joanne is a Childbirth Educator, Certified Birth Doula and Postpartum Doula. She is excited to be part of a caring and integrative group offering women’s, children’s and families’ health care to our community. Her interest in birth began as an adolescent and after giving birth to her first child; her interest in birth support was ignited. In fact, before the word “doula” was even known to her, she accompanied her first birthing mom in the early 1990’s. Since then, she has embraced her passion by helping parents welcome their babies with confidence. Today her practice; Whispering Heart Doula Services, spans York Region and Toronto offering private prenatal classes, guidance and support to expectant and new families.
Joanne values the birth journey and the days that follow; believing that a positive birthing experience is an investment in a family and in a child’s future, as well as that of society.
Her training and certification are primarily through DONA International and CAPPA Canada. Believing in the importance of staying current in her field, she’s expanded her knowledge and is accredited in Waterbirth, HypnoBirthing (Mongon Method), Perinatal Loss, Infant Massage and Lactation Education support techniques. She’s experienced in supporting families of twins and parents with disabilities. As a Childbirth Educator, she enjoys sharing knowledge and seeing parents gain information for informed decision making. As a Birth Doula, many parents have appreciated her calm presence in welcoming over 100 babies. Postnatally; she provides breastfeeding support, newborn and new family care while assisting with the transition when a little one joins the family.
In the community, Joanne volunteers with various organizations and works alongside other doulas at awareness events: one in particular is for couples but focuses on dad’s role in labour, birth and postpartum period. She is a member of many local, national and international organizations including DoulaCARE (Canadian Association, Registry and Education) where she’s Director of Consumer Relations. She is proud to part of the ever expanding doula community.
As a mother and grandmother, Joanne treasures her time with family. She also enjoys time with friends, kayaking, reading, travelling and being with the earth. She feels that she’s always been a teacher and guide and is honoured to be invited to a sacred time while living the “whisper of her heart”.
TESTIMONIALS
"Joanne breathed us through the surges. We had such a personal experience. Joanne helped carry out our best wishes. She is an important part of our family."
Darren, Sarine, Isabella & Sophie H.
"The twins, instantly bonded with Joanne. Her warm and compassionate nature had a calming effect on both Adam and Ariana. She offered suggestions on how to deal with different aspects of their development, but did not try to force her views upon me. When my approach differed from her view, she was respectful and supportive of my decision and didn’t make me feel like I had made the ‘wrong’ choice. Her passion and commitment to provide the best care possible are what make her so good at what she does. “We can’t thank you enough for all your support and guidance!"
Roula V.
"Joanne was very dedicated to both my own and my husband’s needs through a lengthy labour & delivery."
Sophia S.
"We weren’t going to take childbirth classes, but glad we did. Just meeting Joanne calmed our nervousness. Great experience, very helpful."
Mani & Marco
Email: jmraines51@yahoo.com
Website: www.torontodoula.ca