Syllona Kanu Birth & Postpartum Doula in Vancouver, BC

When I realized my original birth plan with a midwife wouldn't be possible, I started to dread labour and birth. I was terrified of an overly medicalized process, losing my autonomy, agreeing to interventions I didn't fully understand, and the potential of lasting birth trauma. Working with Syllona changed everything. My labour and the birth of my son ended up being the most intense, beautiful, and transformative experience of my life, and I credit Syllona with much of this outcome. Her guidance and encouragement leading up to the labour allowed my partner and me to make the exact right decisions for our family. With Syllona’s grounded support, I confidently turned inwards, connected to my body in ways I never had before, and truly believed in my innate ability to give birth. Because of her, I felt empowered to guide my baby into our world, comforting him and letting him know he was safe. Thank you, Syllona, for guiding us and helping us bring our son into this world. I cannot recommend her highly enough to any expecting parents.

— Sarah O.

Syllona’s warm, patient demeanour was just what we needed as first-time parents. We felt safe, heard, and supported throughout our time with her. She shared plenty of resources with us and was generous with her knowledge and time, providing support tailored to our needs. During labour she jumped in proactively with pain management techniques and provided tangible guidance when considering different medical interventions. Our baby also loved her gentle approach during the postpartum visit. Overall, working with Syllona was so worth it and we look forward to keeping in touch!

— Rachel Y.

Preparing to welcome our first baby while being relatively new in the Netherlands was daunting. Though the country provides excellent prenatal and delivery support, Syllona stood out as an invaluable guide, filling the gaps in our understanding, offering clarity, and providing the emotional support we deeply needed. From the very beginning, Syllona took the time to understand our knowledge, concerns, and expectations. She identified areas where we lacked confidence and equipped us with practical tools, especially for pain management during labor. Her guidance empowered both of us (partner and mom) to approach delivery with confidence, knowing what to expect and how to navigate each step. Syllona’s preparation was thorough and personalized. She helped us define her role and my role as the partner, ensuring we were aligned and ready. When the challenging moment of delivery arrived, her presence was reassuring. She seamlessly stepped in when needed, allowing me to support my partner fully, while she provided expert care and encouragement. Her support didn’t end with delivery. In those exhausting early days, Syllona’s help allowed us to rest, knowing our baby was in loving and capable hands. Those few extra hours of sleep make all the difference :) We truly believe our experience would have been much harder without Syllona. She didn’t just offer support. She helped us navigate the process with confidence and care. We’re so grateful for everything she did during this important time.

— Chantal & Elie