Meet Postpartum Doula Sherri Phillips

Sherri and daughter Cesarean Birth Postnatal Recovery Newborn Health Life with Baby Breastfeeding

New Mom: Birthing in a Foreign Country

Baby 1

My journey to Motherhood started in a foreign country with the birth of my daughter. I will never forget the whirlwind I felt that day when I learned an emergency cesarean was to occur. I remember the nurse throwing scrubs at my husband and saying, "put these on." He looked in shock. But the joy I felt when she arrived was amazing.

At home fear and anxiety overtook me. I could not hit a button for medical help and my family was miles away. This new life was hard.

Sherri holding her son. Postpartum Birth Recovery Kangaroo Care Parent Mental Health

Birth in Oakville, Ontario

Baby 2

After a few miscarriages and my late thirties quickly approaching, we did not know if another child was in the cards for us. After many doctor visits, tests and patience we welcomed my son.

Both birth recoveries were painful, breast feeding then transitioning to a bottle was frustrating and sleep routines for everyone was a challenge. I was lonely and sad at times. Parenting was an emotional and physical roller coaster ride.

If I had only known Postpartum Doulas existed!

BOOK YOURS TODAY

My Journey to Becoming a Postpartum Doula

Spouse, Parent, Birthday Party Entertainer, REce, Entrepreneur

During maternity leave I loved interacting in family singing drop-in programs. A Mom whose children loved this setting requested the concept become a birthday party idea and this started my first business endeavor "Circle Time Parties".

At a party, a client said, "You would be a great teacher". So back to school again (already did university) to become a Registered Early Childhood Educator. For my final placement I travelled to Grenada, Caribbean to work in a school and home for children and adolescents.

After a few years caring for children from infant to 12 years, a past childcare client requested I be on call for the birth of her 3rd child. From that moment on I cared for and learned everything about babies.

While working in clients homes I realized new parents wanted guidance & care too. I trained to become a Certified Oakville Ontario Postpartum Doula which led to the creation of Baby Helping Hands.

Click to learn about what services I provide.

Memberships & Continued Professional Learning

Association of Ontario Doulas

www.ontariodoulas.org

The Everything ECE Summit

Early Learning Foundations - 2025

Topics included storytelling, liberatory play, art in early childhood, play based math, play in developing foundations for reading and writing, collaborating with families, letting go of play outcomes as the basis for need-responsiveness, creating strong connections and play as an act of self-care.

Complicated Birth and Support

Doula School Canada - 2025

Topics included birth parent complications due to antenatal or disease, placental, uterine, tearing, postpartum and infant concerns or complications for example induced labor, caesarean, VBAC, breech, preterm birth, multifetal births.

Infection Prevention and Control

Public Health Ontario - 2023

Supporting Newcomer Children and Families

Early Years Workshops & Training - 2023

Nurturing Assistance – A Guide to Providing Physical Assistance for Parents with Disabilities

Doula Canada - 2022

Heard from parents with lived experiences on how best to support parents with disabilities. The Centre for Independent Living in Toronto (https://cilt.ca/) explained how the Nurturing Assistance program works in Ontario. This webinar also provided evidence-based resources and videos to share with families.

Postpartum Topics

Doula Canada - 2022

www.doulatraining.ca

Topics included Pelvic Health and Wellness, Sex & Relationships, Postpartum Mood and Sleep

Chestfeeding Support and Knowledge

Doula Canada - 2022

Topics included breast anatomy, infant mouth and tongue formation, latch, jaundice, birth parent nutrition, supplemental options and devices, feeding preterm or multiples, and strategies to overcome challenges.

my community Involvement

Work and volunteer

I have had so much fun working for Active Chefs www.activechefs.ca and Oak Park Neighbourhood Centre www.opnc.ca I also volunteered with Mentoring Moms as their Mentorship Program Manager and as a leader for Girl Guides.

Together with My family

We donate to the food banks & animal shelters and participate in multiple fundraising and environmental events.

To expand my knowledge of gardening I am a member of the Oakville Horticultural Society and 2025 Chair of our annual fundraising plant sale www.oakvillehort.org