The Trainer
AJ Hadfield, PDT/PCD(DONA), CD(DONA), CLE
AJ has been a doula since 2005. Originally from Southern Ontario, she now calls Calgary home. As a military wife for over 25 years, AJ lived all over the world and learned to greatly value the support of others. She is a past president of the Calgary Doula Association and was a member of their executive for 8 years. She is a Certified Lactation Educator, trained through the Simkin Centre for Allied Birth Vocations (Bastyr University) as well as a Gottman Bringing Baby Home Educator. She is the proud mother of two grown daughters, both who have chosen professions that support mothers and their families.
I deeply believe that consistent, non-judgmental support in the early postpartum days and weeks can make a huge difference in how a family copes with the transition to parenthood. I believe that a new mother needs and deserves to be nurtured, both physically and emotionally. She needs someone to ensure that she gets adequate food and rest. She needs someone who can listen to her story, hear her fears and rejoice in her triumphs. I believe that this is important work that has a positive impact on our community and society.
~ AJ Hadfield
Why Choose to Train with AJ?
- For the optimal classroom experience for students, I keep the class size to between 5 and 20 students
- Just as a new mother needs to be nurtured, I believe students do as well, and so provide tasty snacks, time to process what we are learning and opportunities to share our experiences
- I recognize that everyone learns differently, and so offer information in a variety of modalities
- Our relationship doesn't end when the training does - I offer continued support and guidance as you move forward as a postpartum doula!
AJ Hadfield is one of the best instructors in my experience. Willing to accommodate many different styles of learning, she transitions well between both techno and non-tech teaching aids. Combining her many years of experience with the latest evidence-based information, AJ is able to give clear and concise instruction that gives confidence that you will be providing the best practice support to your clients. I travelled across 2 provinces with my young family to train under AJ and was very impressed and excited by what a great experience it was.
~ Alanah Bonk, Ashern MB