My name is Vanessa Eckhardt. I was born in 1992 in Germany, am mother of 2 cheeky little boys, one pretty girl and the happy wife of a wonderful husband.

Since 2015, my little family and I live in Grand River, N.S. on a self-sufficient farm with 2 dogs and 2 cats. When I came to Canada, I was 8 months pregnant with my first child Felix. It was a wonderful pregnancy and just as beautiful a birth at home in the birthing pool. Only my husband Frank and myself were present. At that time, there was no midwife or Doula available who could support me with experienced obstetric assistance. Therefore, we simply decided to attend to the birth ourselves.

Also my second child was born without assistance at home in the birthing pool. Since the first birth was such a wonderful experience, we did not even consider asking for outside help.

Falk arrived surprisingly fast. He announced his impending arrival one morning 4 days before the due date, and at 10:30 in the evening, with only a few weak contractions, he came into this world. Felix slept through it all and greeted his little brother in the morning.

After these two births, I felt the deep desire to help other women experience as beautiful a birth as possible. And I am certain that many women are searching for information and support during pregnancy, birth, and postnatal time. My husband and I talked to many mothers, midwives, and obstetricians. We read many books on the topic of pregnancy, birth, postpartum, breastfeeding, understanding children, etc. And, still today, we continue to apply all of this acquired knowledge.

In November of 2018, then, I decided to train as birth and postpartum Doula here in my chosen country. In the process, I have met many Doulas in Atlantic Canada and listened to their experiences. The miracle of pregnancy and birth. The power of women to give life. It is this strength, the awareness of the sheer ability to do it, which I want to impart to women. To assist them during their most emotional hours with advice and practical help. It is my wish to help also other women to this beautiful experience of pregnancy and childbirth.

On April 9, 2020 I gave birth to my 3rd child Freyja, again as a unassisted homebirth. The birth was quick and uncomplicated. Only my husband Frank supported me during the birth. My sons overslept this birth completely and were almost surprised that the little sister was there.

In May 2020 I successfully completed my training as an labour and birth and postpartum doula.