Sarnia-based doula and childbirth educator Javi Avilés-Saez is bringing internationally recognized Evidence Based Birth education to the local community this winter. The offerings for both expectant parents and birth professionals will take place at the newly opened Radiant Community Centre in Mitton Village. In January, Avilés-Saez will facilitate Savvy Birth 101, a free, in-person class […]
Sarnia-based doula and childbirth educator Javi Avilés-Saez is bringing internationally recognized Evidence Based Birth education to the local community this winter. The offerings for both expectant parents and birth professionals will take place at the newly opened Radiant Community Centre in Mitton Village.
In January, Avilés-Saez will facilitate Savvy Birth 101, a free, in-person class for pregnant parents in Sarnia-Lambton. The class focuses on understanding birth options, informed decision-making, and navigating the maternity care system with more confidence. The session will take place on January 14 at 6:30 p.m. at 109 Mitton Street South.
The January class follows a fully registered session held in December, which filled quickly with local families. Due to strong community interest, the class will now be offered regularly at Radiant Community Centre as part of its ongoing prenatal education programming. Interested families can register by emailing [email protected].
In addition to parent education, Avilés-Saez will host a full-day professional workshop on February 28, 2026. The workshop is designed for local doulas and labour and delivery nurses. It includes sessions on comfort measures and professional advocacy within maternity care settings.
“Families and birth workers in Sarnia deserve access to evidence-based education without having to leave the community,” says Avilés-Saez. “Opening Radiant in Mitton Village makes it possible to offer both parent education and professional learning in a space that’s rooted right here in the neighbourhood.”
The professional workshop offers continuing education hours recognized by many nursing regulatory bodies and doula training organizations. It focuses on practical comfort techniques and navigating real-world barriers within maternity care. Avilés-Saez became an instructor after receiving a scholarship for the program in 2023.
Radiant Community Centre is a founder-led space located at 109 Mitton Street South. The centre focuses on birth education, parenting support, and reproductive justice. It offers free and low-barrier prenatal classes and parent-and-baby drop-ins with a commitment to keeping care accessible within Sarnia.
Evidence Based Birth is an international organization founded by Dr. Rebecca Dekker. It provides research-based education for families and professional training for birth workers worldwide. This local expansion ensures Sarnians have direct access to these resources without the need for travel.
