The Driftwood Doula Team

Liz Burns, Owner

Childbirth Educator, Birth Doula, & Postpartum Doula, Doula School International

I grew up in England, and moved to Canada in my teens. From a young age, I’ve always been nurturing, compassionate, and caring, and I’ve always loved babies. I became a Mum myself in 2017, and was fascinated by all I learned about pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care. Other life experiences since then have intensified my interest in birth and parenthood; including pregnancy loss and the birth of my rainbow baby in 2021.

After completing a degree in Psychology, my career trajectory had taken me from addictions research, to fractional HR. I craved deeper meaning and connection from my work. With support and encouragement from friends and family, I decided to listen to the little voice telling me exactly where I was meant to be. I certified under Doula School International’s Triple Stream program to be a childbirth educator, and birth & postpartum doula. I will never look back. My passion for this work deepens with every family I have the honour of working with, and I am always looking for new courses and enrichment to my learning. I have taken an in-person Peanut Ball workshop and Trauma Informed Care workshop with “The Birth Nurse” Mandy Irby, an in-person Spinning Babies workshop, the Body Ready Method Pro online program, and am currently enrolled in a part-time in-person Masters in Counselling through Acadia University.

I am captivated by the birth stories of others, and by the powerful emotions that accompany this rite of passage. By nature, I am an insightful communicator. I listen intently and think deeply about what people mean with their words. In my work, I help people be heard and make sense of their experiences, enabling people to identify what their history is, and what their vision going forward is. And then I advocate to make this vision become a reality.

I’m creative, positive, purposeful, candid, organized, and proactive. I cultivate a culture of choice, non-judgement, and teamwork, with the client as the leader. I adore the unique bonds formed between me and the families I work with, and love bearing witness to calm, powerful and transformative journeys to parenthood.

If I sound like someone you want on your parenthood team, please reach out! I can’t wait to chat with you.

Emma McNabb

Photographer

I’m Emma, and I grew up on the West Coast, one of 9 children, a twin, and a free-spirit from day one! I’m working on my undergrad in Biology, with the hopes of going into nursing.

Photography has always been a side-passion of mine - from starting up my Instagram “Rosie Cheeks Photography” in my teenage years, to stumbling across my love for pregnancy, birth, and newborn photography this past year. I love capturing candid moments on camera and knowing that those memories will take people right back when they look at them years down the road- reminding people of the vulnerable and beautiful beginnings of their family. I shrink into the background behind my camera, but also know when to lend a hand in a delivery room! I endeavour to make people feel comfortable so I can capture intimate and life-changing moments on film.

Having grown up with many siblings, I have a deep understanding of how little ones don’t always want to work with us for photographs, and I have lots of tricks up my sleeve to capture the best moments, while making sure to also keep it real!

It’s an honour for me to capture these memories, and I’m so excited to be a part of the Driftwood Doula team.

Cristal-Dawn Boudreau

Fertility, Birth, Loss & Postpartum Doula, Doula School International

I’m Cristal, a full-spectrum doula who believes in supporting the whole person—body, mind, and spirit—through every step of their fertility journey. My approach blends evidence-based care with heart-centered guidance, so you feel informed, empowered, and deeply supported wherever you are and wherever you’re going.

Born and raised in beautiful Halifax, Nova Scotia, I draw inspiration from the natural rhythms of our province—the ocean’s calm, the quiet strength of the woods, and the grounded energy of community. When I’m not working with families, you’ll likely find me walking a forest trail, getting lost in a good book, or baking something sweet (I used to own a bakery, and the love of warm bread and shared meals never left me!).

As a mom to an amazing adult daughter and a member of a large family, I understand firsthand the joy, complexity, and deep connections that come with nurturing and supporting others. That lived experience informs the care I offer—rooted in empathy, patience, and genuine understanding. I’m also proud to serve as a CIC Officer in the Canadian Armed Forces, where I work with the cadets—mentoring youth, fostering leadership, and encouraging confidence and compassion in the next generation.

Whether through birth work, community, or connection with nature, I believe in nurturing peace, clarity, and confidence in everyone I support. It’s my joy to walk beside you on your journey and help you feel truly cared for—heart, body, and soul.

Alex Fraser

Birth Doula & Postpartum Doula, Doula School International

I’m Alex, and I’m a proud Nova Scotian, born and raised! I’m a mom of two, and I also have a dog, a cat, and eight chickens that keep our home lively! I’ve had a lifelong fascination with everything related to pregnancy and birth. About a year after my first child arrived I realized I wanted to turn that passion into a career in birth work. During my first pregnancy, I dove deep into research about pregnancy and childbirth, discovering that it’s a subject I could explore endlessly without losing interest. I’ve always been passionate about advocating for others, and I take pride in being open-minded in all my endeavors. When I’m not doula-ing, I love to bake sourdough, crochet, golf, ride ATVs & dirt bike, garden, raise chickens and spend quality time with my family. As your birth doula, I will bring compassion, laughter, strong advocacy, and a wealth of knowledge to your birth experience, along with a calming presence, emotional support, encouragement, and practical assistance to help create a positive and empowering environment.

Quynne Merrill

Birth Doula & Postpartum Doula, Doula School International

Hey there! I’m Quynne. I am privileged to be a gentle cheerleader and advocate during the perinatal journeys of many in our community. My passion for pregnancy, childbirth, and nurturing new families began at an early age. Growing up as an auntie and one of six children, I was fascinated by the care providers who supported my mother and sisters during their pregnancies. As a young girl, I recall sitting on my mum’s bed, watching the midwife conduct prenatal checkups, and asking for a turn with the stethoscope. As a teenager, I found myself squeezing my laboring sister’s hips as she swayed over the hallway banister. I witnessed births at home and in hospitals, and experienced firsthand the complexities of postpartum recovery, family dynamics, and caring for newborns.

These early experiences sparked a lifelong calling to support and enrich others during their early parenthood journeys.  Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of walking alongside friends, family, and community members as a doula. The foundation of effective birth and postpartum care teams is built on relationships of trust, confidence, and camaraderie. You deserve to feel heard, educated and empowered by those caring for you. 

I bring a nurturing, vibrant, and flexible approach to my work. On any given day, you’ll find me preparing nourishing meals, guiding self-advocacy during prenatal appointments, teaching a new dad how to use a baby wrap, troubleshooting breastfeeding positions with a new mum, offering a steady hand as one walks onto the birth unit, or simply offering a compassionate ear to hear concerns. I am eager to be part of the village that supports your growing family.