What is a Doula?
Amid all the excitement and dreams of the future with your baby, sometimes doubts and uncertainty can creep in. Birth can be a confusing and scary time for a family, and it doesn't have to be! Birth and the early months can (and should) be some of the best and most powerful memories you ever make.
The best way to combat fear and nervousness is information and support. Doula's provide both! Let me help you create a memory that you will be talking about with pride for the rest of your life!
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Who? Doulas have ALWAYS been part of our human birth experience. This role historically has been filled by chosen members of your community who are there to support you Emotionally through this process. Birth has become a more "private" experience throughout the years, so being a Doula has now become a specialty.
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What? We differ from OB’s and Midwives in that we do not provide medical services. We do not deliver babies or perform any medical procedures. We are purely there to ease the process of delivery and Postpartum. We help to compliment the services of your Healthcare provider by making sure you have all the support and information you need to make the important decisions around your birth experiences.
When? Doulas provide Continuity of Care. That means we are your go-to support all the way from the beginning to the end. In a medical system that is frequently fragmented between providers, Doulas are always there. We provide the "glue" that connects all these different supports because we are there for your UNIQUE experience. We aim to take an experience that can be largely "one size fits all" and make it specific to what you and your family needs to thrive!
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Where? Initial “meet and greets” are usually done in a casual setting such as a coffee shop or restaurant, but all further appointments can be done in the comfort of your own home! Hours are flexible and we will work around your schedule. We support you in YOUR decisions and help with deliveries in Hospitals, birth centres, and births that happen at home.
Why? The journey to becoming new parents was not meant to be taken alone. It is important to build a community and support system around you and we are the first step in that process.
Your Birth experience(s) is something you remember for the rest of your lives. Whether you are having your 1st, 2nd 3rd+ baby, it's important that you feel supported through the experience so you can THRIVE (not just survive) this new dynamic in your life!
How does a Doula provide support?
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Physical Support: We come with a treasure trove of tips and tricks for comfort and labor progression. Techniques can range from position changes, breathing techniques, acupressure and massage. Anything we can do to keep you in charge and control of your experience.
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Partner Support: Whether it’s a romantic partner, a friend or another family member, the birth partner’s experience is also very important. We are there to support every birth partner in being as involved as they’d like with the birth. Physical and emotional support make a huge difference for everyone involved.
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Informational support: We are trained to help families practice Informed consent. We are walking encyclopedias of birth and serve as a bridge of communication between you and your Health Care providers. We aim to empower you to find your voice and be able to advocate for the very best care.
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Emotional Support: We support families by easing the emotional experience of birth and also creating a safe space for the birther (whether at home, at a birth centre, or at the hospital) where the hormones of labor can work at their best. Whether a birth is completely unmedicated or medically very complex, We will be there to support you through all of it.
What does the evidence say?
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The Doula Model of Care is effective, in part, because a Doula provides Continuity of Care. This means a Doula works with you from Pregnancy, through Birth, and into Postpartum/recovery and infant feeding/care.
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It doesn't matter WHERE you give Birth, HOW you plan to Birth, or WHO your provider is: a Doula is there to support YOU and your choices.
Doulas don't work for Healthcare providers, we work for you. We aim to support you through Birth and Postpartum in a way that makes you feel safe and in control of your OWN experience
Did you know the support from a Doula can...?
- Decrease your risk of an unplanned Cesarean birth by 39%
- Increase your chance of a spontaneous vaginal birth by 15%
- Decrease the need for medicinal pain relief by 10%
- Shorten the length of your overall labour
- Decrease the baby’s risk of a low five minute APGAR score by 38%
- Increase your chances of feeling satisfied and empowered by your birth.