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Hello and welcome to my site!
My name is Steph, I am a mother to Sawyer, Emett, Henley & Wren. I am a Certified HypnoBirthing® Childbirth Educator, a Registered Professional Counsellor, a former foster parent and a Birth Doula. I was born and raised in 100 Mile House before moving to Edmonton to pursue post-secondary education and lastly finding my forever home in the beautiful Okanagan Valley. I am pleased to offer prenatal, birth, labor and postpartum services to women and their families.
The journey to motherhood was not easy for me. I was diagnosed with “unexplained infertility” and spent nearly 10 years trying to conceive. During this time I felt completely torn as I watched my closest friends, co-workers, acquaintances and siblings get pregnant and have children. I was constantly reminded of my inability to have what I so desperately wanted; while at the same time so unbelievably in love with all of the babies in my life. During that time I chose to give my heart to children who needed it most and became a foster parent.
My core belief is “your body, your baby, your birth”. I feel that each birthing individual and their family deserve the opportunity to be heard, to be presented with evidence-based information and to ultimately have the pregnancy and birth experience that they desire. The amazing soul changing journey of pregnancy and birth is filled with choices- these decisions are highly personal, and as such I am happy to support you in whichever choices makes the most sense for you.
My history has brought me through miscarriage, infertility, divorce and hardship. It has also brought me here- to finding my passion as a birth support worker. With the love and support of my husband, friends and extended family coupled with my experience, education and community connections I will whole heartedly commit myself to your birth experience.
Education and Credentials:
2009-Diploma of Applied Psychology and Counselling
2012-Ministry of Children and Family Development Safe Babies, Foster Parent & Foster Parent Support Worker
2016-DONA Birth Doula Workshop
2017-Certified HypnoBirthing® Childbirth Educator (HBCE)
2017-Basics of Lactation Management for Doulas
2017-CPR-C/AED with Neonatal Resuscitation Overview
2017-CD(DONA) DONA certified Doula
2019-Nominee for Innovator of the Year
2019-Reciepent of the Top 20 Under 40 award
2009-Diploma of Applied Psychology and Counselling
2012-Ministry of Children and Family Development Safe Babies, Foster Parent & Foster Parent Support Worker
2016-DONA Birth Doula Workshop
2017-Certified HypnoBirthing® Childbirth Educator (HBCE)
2017-Basics of Lactation Management for Doulas
2017-CPR-C/AED with Neonatal Resuscitation Overview
2017-CD(DONA) DONA certified Doula
2019-Nominee for Innovator of the Year
2019-Reciepent of the Top 20 Under 40 award
Hi my name is Trista Monkman, I grew up in Airdrie Alberta. While I was attending university I nannied part time but became so attached to the family I continued to nanny well after I completed my studies.
I moved to Vernon after I gave birth to my daughter to be closer to my family. I knew that I wanted to continue to help mothers but in a different way this time. I have always been interested in pregnancy and decided that I wanted to support and empower women to have all the knowledge and tools to be able to make informed decisions regarding whatever pregnancy and delivery option that best fits them! Unfortunately the timing never seemed right to start a career as a birth support worker, juggling a baby, and partner who has an out of town job schedule, it just never felt like the right moment.
Fast forward a few years, I was working in a local children’s boutique and in walked Stephanie. We immediately started talking about pregnancy and birth (as one does with a stranger) and ended up having an hour long conversation and she convinced me that the best time to become a doula was now!
I attended a few of the Tea With The Doulas (held the first Wednesday of every month at the Vernon or Kelowna Library) and decided that once my daughter was in preschool I would start my training. I contacted Stephanie to see if she could answer some questions for me and we connected so well that she offered to mentor me! (The dream right?! Women helping women help women)
If you are or know an expecting parent that would love a doula I would be honored to support you through your journey!
I moved to Vernon after I gave birth to my daughter to be closer to my family. I knew that I wanted to continue to help mothers but in a different way this time. I have always been interested in pregnancy and decided that I wanted to support and empower women to have all the knowledge and tools to be able to make informed decisions regarding whatever pregnancy and delivery option that best fits them! Unfortunately the timing never seemed right to start a career as a birth support worker, juggling a baby, and partner who has an out of town job schedule, it just never felt like the right moment.
Fast forward a few years, I was working in a local children’s boutique and in walked Stephanie. We immediately started talking about pregnancy and birth (as one does with a stranger) and ended up having an hour long conversation and she convinced me that the best time to become a doula was now!
I attended a few of the Tea With The Doulas (held the first Wednesday of every month at the Vernon or Kelowna Library) and decided that once my daughter was in preschool I would start my training. I contacted Stephanie to see if she could answer some questions for me and we connected so well that she offered to mentor me! (The dream right?! Women helping women help women)
If you are or know an expecting parent that would love a doula I would be honored to support you through your journey!