Chelsea Bootsman Doula.Photo.Film | Northland doula and birth photographer

I'm Chelsea!

I'm a homeschooling mom of 4
I've been married for 19 years
In 2023, I moved with my family from the prairies of Canada, to the Bay of Islands, New Zealand
When I'm not doula-ing, taking photos, or teaching prenatal classes, I run a clothing pattern business called Socialite Patterns.

As a doula, I'm wildly passionate about physiological birthing and our body's role during labour and birth, along with the preparation that can be done in order to help make the journey smoother.

The reason I doula is because I know that birth doesn't have to be what our culture has made it out to be. Pregnant women deserve support and proper education surrounding the perinatal period. It's a right that we should all have, and I believe that we need to give that journey more credit than it's getting.

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My Rates

5 Reasons To Hire A Doula

It's proven that having a doula present for labour and birth, can significantly reduce the need for interventions, helping you to recover more quickly and have a better overall experience.

Doulas know birth. They know what's normal, what isn't, and how to help and adjust their support if something changes.

Doulas help you feel prepared and confident to get through labour with a bit more ease, while feeling more in control of YOUR birth.

Your doula may be the only person you know, in the birthing space. Oftentimes, health care providers are on rotation, while your doula is a consistent support.

Your partner may not know what you need, so a doula can guide your partner in knowing how to help you.

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Doula Testimonial

"Chelsea was my doula and birth photographer for both pregnancy’s/ labour and deliveries. I can’t recommend her enough. She went above and beyond to make sure that I felt valued, comfortable, knowledgeable and heard. She automatically felt like a part of the family, as you can feel how deeply she cares for her clients. She’s professional and personable and a really good human. She knows her stuff. She’s also an outstanding photographer! If you haven’t considered getting your birth professionally photographed, you really should. They helped me move forward after two pretty traumatic deliveries. I can’t say enough good things about Chelsea!"

Sam B.

Childbirth Prep Classes

Birth and postpartum is one of the most emotionally and physically exhausting event a woman will ever go through. So why do we assume we can handle it without any physical or mental preparation?

Preparing for birth is about more than just knowing what to expect — it’s about learning how to work with your body, reduce fear, and make informed decisions that can lead to a calmer, more confident birth experience.
Research shows that women who take childbirth education classes are more likely to feel empowered during labor, use fewer medical interventions, and report higher satisfaction with their birth experience. Studies have also found that prenatal education can help lower rates of cesarean birth, decrease anxiety, improve partner support, and increase positive postpartum outcomes for both mother and baby.

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Workshops

Professional Birth Photography

You can enhance any birth doula package professional-quality birth photography.

Photos serve as a powerful for healing and capturing moments that are often overlooked or forgotten. Birth photography focuses not just on the crowning moments, but on love, connection, strength, emotional healing, and the authentic documentation one of life's most unforgettable experiences.

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