Sierra Tupone is excited to empower Indigenous moms through pregnancy and childbirth in Regina.
She’s the only doula at a new, free program called Sacred Beginnings, an Indigenous birth support program offered by the Nēwo-Yōtina Friendship Centre. The goal is to help mothers reclaim their voice during pregnancy and childbirth.
It’s launching this month and will be able to support five women.
Tupone’s role is to support mothers while incorporating traditional teachings into their motherhood journey. She has been certified through Zaagi’idiwin’s full spectrum Indigenous doula training.
“It’s about mom right now — it’s not about anybody else,” Tupone told CBC Radio’s The Morning Edition.
She plans to incorporate cedar baths for mom and baby, medicine picking, placenta ceremonies, naming ceremonies and sweats.
The program, developed in partnership with Indigenous Services Canada, will offer support to mothers from pregnancy to post-partum at no cost.