Hey, I'm your birth pal, Shal.
While I heavily identify with that title, my real name is Shalissa Elder. If you have wound up here, you're likely looking for birth support and/or birth photography. I'm thrilled for you! One of the most important things, I feel, in the outcome of a mothers birth is not just where she births, but who she has surrounding her. Because of this, I want the first thing for you to learn about here is my approach to birth. From there, you will find FAQs, package options, some reviews, a contact form and a consultation booking schedule at the very bottom.
Please take your time reading through the information that I have provided here, to ensure that we are a suitable match.
I cannot wait to hear from you, if it all feels right! :)
Even in such a vulnerable and sacred space, I felt completely comfortable having Shalissa present at my birth. Her presence was calm, supportive and respectful. Her background as a doula shines through. Shalissa is truly someone you want in your corner, not just behind the camera."
Elyse Carlson (birth photography client)
My approach to birth...
Birth asks a lot of women. Physically, emotionally, mentally, in general. It asks you to move through intensity while also navigating decisions, conversations, sensations, uncertainty and an entirely new version of yourself unfolding. I think because of that, women deserve to feel deeply supported while they do it. As your doula, I do not come into births with an agenda for how I think your experience should look. I care far more about how you feel within your experience than whether your birth checks certain boxes or fits a specific image of what birth is supposed to be. I care about you feeling informed. I care about you feeling included in decisions being made around your body and your baby. I care about creating an environment where you feel safe enough to soften, ask questions, change your mind, take up space, cry, laugh, rest, or just need a minute.
Birth can look a hundred different ways. Sometimes it is quiet and steady. Sometimes it is fast and overwhelming. Sometimes it unfolds exactly how you imagined, and sometimes it asks you to pivot the plan that you had entirely. None of those experiences make you more or less successful at giving birth. I think women carry enough pressure already. Whether it's pressure to do birth right (not a thing, btw), pressure to trust themselves perfectly, pressure to avoid interventions, pressure to accept interventions, pressure to be calm, pressure to be grateful, pressure to make birth look empowering at every moment. I have no interest in adding to that. You are allowed to need support. You are allowed to ask questions more than once. You are allowed to feel confident one moment and unsure the next. You are allowed to make decisions that feel right for you, even if they look different than what you originally planned.
I will admit, I do have strong biological views, I try to honour the mother-baby dyad and I try to protect that connection as heavily as I am able. I think a lot of people who work with me know this about me, and want the same for themselves. However, in the end, if one of those decisions doesn't align, you are the decision maker and powerhouse of your birth and your baby. My approach is to support you in those decisions.
"I highly recommend Shalissa! She has captured the most precious moments for our family and the birth of our son. If you are looking for a photographer who cares about you, values her work and is super creative, Shalissa is your gal!"
Cara Wray (birth photography client)
01.
This first package option is for birth support and birth photography combined. If you view birth the way that it was meant to be viewed, you will notice that it is ancient, instinctive and powerful. As you move through your pregnancy and towards birth, my role as your doula is to help you feel grounded, informed and supported. To me, this is done with a blend of preparation and presence. It is centred on your autonomy(!!!) and the innate wisdom already living in your body.
- 2 prenatal visits to explore your values, preferences and create a birth plan that feels aligned and supportive,
- On-call availability from 38–42 weeks so you can reach me the moment you need support,
- Unlimited text, phone and email support throughout pregnancy and into the early postpartum period,
- Continuous birth support: physical comfort, emotional grounding, mindful presence, advocacy support and evidence-based guidance,
- Photography coverage documenting your birth, delivered via online, downloadable gallery (you may opt out if you prefer)
- 1 in-home postpartum visits for birth processing, gentle guidance and integration,
- Custom placenta print,
- Option to add-on a maternity and newborn photography session for $400 ($550 off regular pricing)
Pricing does not include taxes
$1,600
02.
The second package option is for those who maybe aren't interested in doula support, but are looking to have their birth documented still:
- 1 in-person (or virtual) consultation, to build the relationship and comfort level between us,
- On-call availability from 38–42 weeks so you can reach me the moment you need support,
- Photography coverage documenting your birth, delivered via online, downloadable gallery,
- Complimentary first-48 (in-home or in-hospital) newborn session included.
Pricing does not include taxes
$1,200
03.
The third package option is a birth processing call. This is a space to unpack your experience with someone who understands birth from both an emotional and physiological perspective. This 30-minute call offers you support as you move through your thoughts, questions, memories and emotions surrounding your experience. We can talk through your birth story, clarify events that may feel confusing, hold space for grief or celebration and my hope is that you get off of the call feeling seen and supported in whatever your experience was. This call is available virtually and is open to anyone, whether or not I attended your birth.
This is also a great resource for birth workers who need to debrief, regardless of whether you are a new doula or an experienced doula needing comfort, support or a listening ear from someone who understands birth and the workload.
Pricing does not include taxes
$ 30 (30 mins)
$300 non-refundable retainer required to book.
FAQ
"Which locations do you serve?"
I offer birth support at Regina General Hospital, Dr F. H. Wigmore Regional Hospital, as well as home birth in Regina and rural communities within 100 kilometres from Regina. I exclusively offer postpartum support to Regina clients only. For my photography services, I travel all across the province and beyond.
Please note: Mileage is charged additionally to your invoice for $0.50 per kilometre round trip from Regina.
What even is a doula?
A doula is a trained, non-medical professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support during significant life events. Most commonly associated with pregnancy and childbirth, they help clients navigate the birthing process. Although, there are doulas who also support people throughout death. Support for each looks a little bit different, but the underlying foundation of being a doula is essentially the same. Doulas want you to feel supported, heard and informed about the choices that you have.
"How do I know if you're the right doula for me?"
I am big, big, big on vibes. I always encourage potential clients to hop on a consultation call before meeting in person as a first step. From there, you and I both will know whether or not we are compatible with one another.
To schedule a consultation call, scroll to the bottom of this page!
What is the evidence for doulas?
Research on doulas consistently shows improved outcomes for both mothers and babies, especially in areas like intervention rates, satisfaction, emotional wellbeing, how a women feels about her birth experience and breastfeeding support.
Here are some of the most commonly cited findings in labour support studies:
- Mothers supported by a doula are more likely to have a spontaneous vaginal birth.
- Continuous support is associated with lower cesarean rates.
- Labor is often shorter.
- There is reduced use of epidurals, synthetic oxytocin, forceps, and vacuum extraction.
- Mothers report feeling more positive and satisfied with their birth experiences.
- Babies are less likely to have low APGAR scores at birth.
- Breastfeeding initiation and confidence tend to improve postpartum.
- Emotional outcomes, including postpartum anxiety and birth trauma perception, may improve with continuous support.
Evidence Based Birth: The Evidence for Doulas
