gaby novoa doula care

Bio

Hi! My name is Gaby (she/her). I was raised in Tiohtià:ke/Montreal and have Nicaraguan and Lebanese-English-Québécois heritage. My pull toward doula work began when my sister gave birth to my nephew in 2023, which marked a transformative moment in our family. The privilege of being part of the postpartum nest can feel like stepping into a sacred portal, where time moves differently alongside a new baby. Supporting those in the fourth trimester continues to be my focal point. My draw toward this work also came from recognizing how doulas can bring together facets of community care, healing and liberation through direct relationships and hands-on support.

In 2026, I received my full-spectrum doula certification from BADT whose mission centres on reproductive justice, and I’ve since been offering support through pregnancy, birth and postpartum. The experience of giving birth can pose more challenges for people with marginalized identities, especially when navigating medical systems, and my intention is to champion people’s autonomy and dignity through these moments.

My approach to doula work is greatly influenced by my work as a ceramics maker and teacher. I am most interested in finding meaning through the process, rather than emphasizing outcomes. Birth and postpartum are full of unpredictability, and it’s been amazing to uncover some of the parallels between my work as a ceramicist and as a doula. Both invite building a relationship to the unknown. My background also includes a BA in communications and cultural studies (Concordia University).

As a doula, I show up as a companion, with compassion and curiosity, to support people through the winding paths of what it means to usher a child into the world, with the hope of providing comfort throughout these significant life changes.

My mother tongue is English, mais je parle couramment français, y sé hablar un poco de español (lo entiendo mejor de lo que lo hablo).

Values

Evidence-based: I strive to offer informational and educational support rooted in research, balanced with lived experience and wisdom shared intergenerationally. Here’s a window into where some of my ongoing learning comes from. I appreciate books and research that draw from a wide range of knowledge, including medicine, nursing, midwifery, childbirth education literature, psychology, sociology and anthropology.

Client-centred: My care is tailored to each person’s unique needs and preferences. I’m there to support clients without judgement, with humility, and without my own agenda. Being client-centred also means recognizing how BIPOC and 2SLGBTQ+ identities may play a role in navigating health care, and my hope is to support those within my community, so that no one has to navigate these systems alone.

Trauma-informed: I recognize and am sensitive to the ways harm and past experiences may impact one’s nervous system, safety and comfort throughout this journey, and will always do my best to champion each client’s autonomy and wellbeing.

Testimonials

"I initially didn't think I needed a doula as I'd given birth before, but I was looking for a different experience from my first. From our first meeting, I sensed that Gaby’s calm, steady presence was a good fit. Gaby arrived at the birthing centre as I was going into active labour. From her arrival, I felt her hands take a supportive position on my back, and every action she took from that moment on I experienced as supportive, in the right place at the right time, responsive to my needs, and able to quickly adapt to my requests as needed. My birth support team would not have felt complete without her.

Gaby also provided postpartum doula services, and it was so valuable to be able to review and process this birth experience with her perspective of having attended it. Her affirming words, and support both practical and emotional, provided much-needed reassurance and validation."

— Paula

"Hiring Gaby was the best decision I made for my birth journey. She is calm, reassuring, and highly competent. Before the birth, she brilliantly accompanied me through the preparation. I always felt heard and completely supported in my choices and how I wanted my birth to go.

Her presence at the birth was invaluable: she helped me avoid an emergency c-section! When both the medical personnel and I were stressed, Gaby was the steady presence in the room. She truly loves what she does. My only regret is not hiring her for postpartum support as well."

— Polina

Photo shared with permission