Rivka is a mother, grandmother, writer, and birth attendant based mostly in Montreal, Canada. She began attending births in 1997, first as a hospital doula, then as a Certified Professional Midwife, and later as an independent birth attendant and quiet observer. Her early learning came through books, theory, and doula trainings, followed by hands-on apprenticeships in Canada, the U.S., and Bali. 

Since 2004, Rivka has supported mothers choosing to give birth at home and outside the medical system. In 2017, she provided pre- and postnatal care to women fleeing war in Syria, Iraq, and Afghanistan at a refugee camp in Greece. Over the years, she has supported nearly a thousand births and continues to be deeply moved by the strength of women and the transformative power of birth. 

Rivka teaches a course for birth attendants, is writing the second edition of The Birth Conspiracy, and is developing an Open Data project on Out-of-System birth in Canada. She loves spending time with her family and running ultramarathons. 

www.rivkacymbalist.com

IG @montrealdoula @mysteriesbirthschool