Hi! I’m Courtney Dwyer 🙂
I’m so glad you’re here.
I’m a partner, mom to two amazing kids, blogger, dayhome owner & a postpartum doula based in the Calgary area. But before any of those titles, I’ve always been someone who loves caring for children and helping people. Those two passions have followed me my entire life.
Growing up in a small town, I always knew I wanted a career where I could make a difference. Right after high school, I planned to become a paramedic and even completed my Emergency Medical Responder certification. As much as I loved helping people, I realized that career wasn’t the right fit for the family I dreamed of having one day.
Instead, I became a nanny and completed my Early Childhood Education diploma over three years. During that time, I welcomed my son into the world and was expecting our daughter. Motherhood completely changed the direction of my life.
Like so many moms, I wasn’t prepared for just how hard the postpartum period could be.
My Story
My son’s birth was traumatic. And I was not prepared in the slightest.
He was taken directly to the NICU after he was born, and no one could immediately tell us what was wrong. Less than 24 hours after giving birth, I was walking the halls of a children’s hospital while recovering from a 2nd degree tear, trying to process everything that had happened.
I couldn’t nurse him. I didn’t know what I was doing. I was trying to recover physically while worrying about my baby, supporting my partner, and pretending I was okay.
Looking back now, I know I was also struggling mentally. It lasted well past the normal “couple of weeks” that the baby blues normally lasts. But I denied that it was postpartum depression & anxiety.
I slowly started losing pieces of myself while trying to be everything for everyone else. It eventually got better when my son was nearing 18 months old. But then I was got pregnant with our daughter.
When my daughter was born, her delivery was much smoother, and I thought postpartum would be easier.
In many ways, it was. But this time I struggled with things that I never experienced with my son.
I was able to breastfeed her until we discovered she had a cow’s milk protein allergy, which meant eliminating all dairy from my diet. Around four months, she stopped nursing on her own, so I found myself exclusively pumping while juggling a newborn, a toddler, our home, my relationship, and trying to take care of myself somewhere in the middle of it all.
The struggles looked different this time, but they were still heavy.
Looking back now, I often think about how different those years could have been if I’d had the knowledge, support, and community I have today.
I truly believe I would have struggled less.
Why I Became a Postpartum Doula
After becoming a mom, I knew I didn’t want to return to a traditional job.
I originally planned to open a dayhome, but before that happened, I finally decided to try something I’d dreamed about since I was a teenager. I started a blog.
Organized Hot Mess Mama became a place where I could share honest motherhood, organization tips, and create a community where moms felt seen instead of judged.
3 Months after that I opened my dayhome. Life was busy, but I was loving it. But after a couple months, something still felt like it was missing.
When I discovered postpartum doula work, everything clicked.
As I completed my training, I learned so many things I wish someone had taught me before I became a mom. Things that could have eased so much of the fear, guilt, and overwhelm I carried during those early months.
That’s when I realized my passion wasn’t just helping children anymore.
It was helping mothers.
Because when a mother is cared for, the entire family benefits.
What Makes My Care Different
Yes, I’m here to care for your baby.
Yes, I’ll help with the laundry, dishes, meal prep, and the endless tasks that seem to pile up after birth.
But my biggest priority is you.
I want you to feel heard.
I want you to feel confident.
I want you to understand what’s happening in your body, what to expect from your baby, and know that you don’t have to figure it all out alone.
My goal isn’t just to lighten your workload. It’s to educate, encourage, and support you so you can thrive in motherhood.
Because a well-cared-for mother creates a well-cared-for family.
No mom should have to do this alone.
A Few Fun Facts About Me
When I’m not supporting families, you’ll usually find me spending time with my little crew.
A few things you might not know about me:
- I had both of my kids before I turned 24.
- We have two dogs who are very much part of the family.
- Music is always playing somewhere in our house.
- I genuinely love organizing (yes, really!).
- Building community for moms has become one of my biggest passions.
Whether you’re expecting your first baby or welcoming another little one into your family, I want you to know this:
You deserve support.
You deserve rest.
You deserve someone in your corner.
I’d be honoured to be part of your postpartum journey.
