What is a Doula?A doula is a trained and experienced professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the mother before, during and after birth. A doula provides knowledge, skills and tools for not only the mother, but for her support partner as well. Studies have shown that with a doula present, labours are shorter, have less complications and interventions, the mother has a more positive experience, and breastfeeding is more successful.
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For Moms-To-Be, Thai Massage is a great way to cope with the physical strain of pregnancy and prepare your body for childbirth. The usual postures of Thai Massage are adapted to meet the needs and limitations of pregnant women.
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I have a midwife. Would I still benefit from having a doula?
Absolutely! A midwife has a very distinct role as the mothers' primary caregiver. The midwife has a clinic role, and the health of baby and mom are her highest interest. Because a doula DOES NOT perform any clinical tasks, a doula is able to be fully and unconditionally present for the Mom and partner physically, emotional, mentally, and for information and advocacy. Midwives and doulas share the philosophy; women have the right to informed choices. Midwives and doulas work very well together and complement each other's roles.
Birth Doula Support Services
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Choosing Your Doula
We offer a free consultation ~ 'meet & greet'. This time will give us an opportunity to get to know each other and for us to get a better understanding of your feelings about your pregnancy, and labour. We will go over the support services we offer as a birth doula and answer any questions you may have. If we feel we are a good match, we will move forward with signing the agreement. We will then schedule a home visit where we will go over your birth wishes, concerns and fears, as well as practice hands on physical comfort measures, and get a feel for what may or may not benefit you during your labour. You will also receive a complimentary Thai Massage during our second visit.
We will also supply you with an extensive list of labour & baby related reading material. Phone & email support
For 2 weeks before your expected due date, we will be available to you 24/7 by email, text, or phone for any questions or concerns you may have.
During labour
We will be there as a constant support system during your labour, whether you choose to deliver at home, a birthing centre or at the hospital. We will support you physically, emotionally and mentally and provide you with the tools and information to assist you in making the best decisions for you and your baby. We will help you to be your own advocate during your labour. We will help you AND your partner by allowing your partner to feel more involved in your labour.
Photographs, and/or an account of your birth. A brief account of your labour and special delivery! Baby’s first feeding support
After baby arrives, we will stay by your side for an hour or so after delivery, and support you and guide you during baby's first feeding.
Postpartum follow-up visit
Following your delivery, we would schedule a postnatal visit at your home (about a week after baby is born) to go over your labour and your feelings towards your experience. We will discuss any fears or concerns you may have with a newborn and we will provide any hands on help you may need during this time, even if it means we take care of baby (yes please) and you go shower or nap!
In the very rare event I cannot attend your birth, I always have a backup doula. Investment for Birth Services: $950 (+gst) |
As a Doula, I DO NOT
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Perform any clinical tasks:
Such as blood pressure, fetal heart checks, vaginal exams, or postpartum clinical care. As a doula, I am at your side to provide physical comfort and emotional support.
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Make decisions for you:
I will assist you by providing the information you need to make informed decisions and help you incorporate changes in birth wishes if and when the need presents itself.
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Speak to the staff on your behalf:
Speak to the staff on your behalf:
Regarding matters where decisions are being made, I will discuss your concerns and suggest options, but it must be you or your partner to convey your wishes to the clinical staff. |
Project MY beliefs onto your experience:
I will remain completely unbiased and open to your individual birth wishes. I am there to support you in every way.
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