What is a Doula?
A Doula is an educated, unbiased, non-judgmental, professional support person during birth and in the postnatal home who is there to take care of the entire family. New parents, especially first-time parents, need support as they embark on their journey with a newborn. Most mothers are not made aware of their rights, what interventions they can decline, choose or opt for during pregnancy, birth and postpartum. The doula’s promise is to protect the birth and postpartum space, advocate for you and your family and make sure you are the leader and decision maker in your story. This ensures a smooth transition to life after baby and reduces the risk of postpartum mental health disorders. The doula supports the family in every way possible by helping a couple or single mother during pregnancy, birth and postpartum through advocacy, education and hands-on support in the postpartum home.
The birth doula attends your birth, whether in a hospital, birthing centre or at home, and provides emotional and physical support. Every birth doula is unique and has her own tools and specializations she brings to a birth. As your doula, I help you write a birth plan true to your vision, desires and needs, and ensure that your birth plan is communicated to your medical team. As an unbiased and trained professional, I can answer your questions, present evidence-based research to help you make decisions, present pros and cons to help you reach a decision, explain what’s happening during labour, go over your rights, medical inductions you might be offered, natural alternatives or comfort measures we can try, what you can accept, decline and wait out, and help you confidently move through your labour as the leader of your own birth. I use strategic advocacy to protect birthing people and prevent obstetric harm, abuse of power or violence. This may involve a direct approach that’s more confrontational. I do not make decisions for you but speak on your behalf, while working respectfully with your medical team, for you and by your side. I provide educational, emotional and physical support leading to the birth, during and for postpartum sessions. I bring my photography gear should you choose to opt for a professional photography add-on. I am trained and skilled in postpartum nutrition and can provide delicious, hearty meals through a meal-prep add-on.
The goal of the postpartum doula is not to take over complete care of the newborn, but instead, to help ease parents into their new role through education and support. During postpartum care, I help the families with older children to integrate the newest family member by assisting the parents and other family members within the first few weeks following the birth. I support the family by providing infant feeding tips, household help, nursery organization, sibling care, meal preparation, and errand running. Doulas do not perform medical procedures or give medical advice regarding the parent or the baby, nor do they perform clinical tasks like checking blood pressure or taking temperatures. Doulas support in the emotional adjustment of the family, offer non-judgmental care, and present knowledge about pregnancy, birth, postpartum and newborn care. Although the doula may not be a certified lactation educator or consultant, general infant feeding support is included in doula training and certification. A doula understands signs of perinatal mental health disorders and can help find local resources where the parent can access help.
I am registered with the Association of Ontario Doulas and trained by DONA International and have experience with births and postpartum services in singleton homes, twins and even triplets!
I am currently booking for March 2025.
Are you expecting a new baby and are looking for doula services?
Congratulations! This is a very exciting time for you and your growing family. If the chemistry is right and my services check all your boxes, I might be a good fit and would be honoured to be part of your support team. Let’s schedule a consultation where we can get to know each other, establish your needs, get clear on how I can support you and your family, discuss packages, pricing and more.
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