WHat does a doula do?

A birth doula is there to support you emotionally, physically, and to provide you with education in regards to pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum, and newborn care. A doula is there to answer all of your questions along the way and to provide support to both you and your partner. A doula is an unbiased, consistent member of your birth team.

Can a doula attend a cesarean birth?

A doula absolutely can attend a Cesarean birth! Many local hospitals will allow your partner and additional support person into the operating room (or in the recovery room), in any event your doula will be at your availability from the beginning of the contract and provide much needed support before and after delivery. Your doula will also assist with ensuring you have skin to skin with baby as soon as possible after delivery and helping to establish first latch if your plan is to breastfeed.

can a doula help me if i’m choosing to have an epidural?

Yes, a doula is beneficial no matter what your birth plan looks like. A doula’s presence is helpful prior to and during the epidural placement. After epidural placement a doula can help with keeping labor progressing by assisting in re-positioning to ideal positions which will help your baby move further in the birth canal. Furthermore, a doula will remain with you post-delivery to ensure recovery and if you choose to breastfeed can also help with that initial process.

Can I request a particular doula or get to know the doula ahead of time?

Yes, you can visit our meet the team page to get to know us a little better. All birth doulas usually work in pairs so that you get to know your doula’s back up leading up to your delivery. You can book with us as early in your pregnancy as you would like and this allows more time for conversation among you and your birth team which will contribute with getting to know one another prior to your birth.

do you accept payment plans for your services?

Yes, however, a deposit is necessary at the beginning of your contract in order to secure availability, and add you to our calendar. We will do our best to work around your budgeting needs prior to the birth of baby.

How much is your fee for a consultation?

Meeting with our doula’s require no fee, we recommend you interview several doulas prior to making this choice as this will be the person with you during a very intimate time in your life. We offer a complimentary consultation, which typically takes about an hour.

Is a doula the same thing as a midwife?

The word doula is of Greek origin and translates to woman’s servant. A doula provides no medical or nursing care unlike a midwife. She can give her complete attention to the labouring woman. A doula provides emotional, physical and informational individual support.

MY PARTNER IS AFRAID THAT A DOULA WILL REPLACE THEM?

The bond between you and your partner will not be interfered with by your doula. Your doula is available for both you and your partner. We make it a point to ensure your partner always remains involved during the process, we involve them in prenatal and take the time to discuss their role and educate them on how they can better support you during the big day.

WHY SHOULD I HIRE A DOULA?

Multiple studies have found that the presence of a trained doula benefits everyone. The studies have shown that doula care and presence is associated with shorter labours, less use of epidurals and other pain medications, lower episiotomy rates, and as much as a 50% reduction in the C-section rate. Research has also shown better clinical outcomes for both the mother and the baby (including better breastfeeding rates, and increased quality in family bonding). A doula also provides care for the mother’s partner and other family members, can assist with busy hospital staff tasks, and greatly increases a mother’s overall satisfaction with her birthing experience.