Meet our Doulas | Flourish Childbirth Services

DONA International · Certified Birth Doula

Birth Doula

Shannon McArthur, BA/B.ED/CD(DONA)

Certified Birth Doula

I have been a doula through DONA International since 2020 and live in the town of Ponoka with my husband and two children. My eldest daughter is currently pursuing her post-secondary education in the field of midwifery. I love gardening and creating beautiful spaces in my yard and home as well as singing and playing the piano. In addition to being a birth doula, my husband and I pastor the Home Church Ponoka location and I own a daycare centre. Prior to establishing the daycare centre, I was a teacher. Families are the building blocks of society and it is a privilege to be in a position to educate and support them in so many different ways.

I love getting to know my doula clients and their families and am honored whenever I get to be part of their journey towards parenthood. There are few things in life more precious and beautiful! I am passionate about educating and empowering my clients during their prenatal period and empowering them in their birth experience and postpartum period. I have found that the things we do in pregnancy really do have an effect on the health of mom and baby as well as on the birth experience. My desire in every birth is to assist in fostering choice regarding the environment and experience that my clients want no matter where they live. It is extremely rewarding when I can suggest a position or strategy that makes a client more comfortable and helps avoid interventions that are not desired. The birth of a baby is one of life’s most memorable experiences and should be treasured. As your doula, I hope that I can gain your trust and that you will allow me into your world to care for and support you in this truly magical time in the life of your family. Whatever happens, we will face it together!

Midwifery Student

Kennedy McArthur

Currently unavailable while completing post-secondary training

I took my doula training through DONA International in November of 2024. I have always had an interest in prenatal, birth and postnatal care. I enjoy the personal connection and relationship between clients and doulas. I attended my first birth in the summer of 2024 while shadowing my mom, Shannon. For two summers, I shadowed a midwife who works in Olds. These experiences affirmed my desire to pursue a career in this field. I love the adrenaline rush and excitement that being on call brings. I hope to be practicing as a midwife in Alberta one day and began my post-secondary training to receive my Bachelor of Midwifery in September 2025. I feel that doula work has helped me develop my understanding of birth and expanded my experience.