You have the questions...
...We've got the answers!
What is a Doula? Do I really need one?
A doula is a trained professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to their client before, during and shortly after childbirth to help them achieve the healthiest, most satisfying experience possible. Countless scientific trials examining doula care demonstrate remarkably improved physical and psychological outcomes for both pregnant, birthing, and postpartum people and their baby. Doulas have a positive impact on the well-being of the entire family. You don't necessarily need a doula, but we've never met someone who regretted having one!
Can't my partner be my Doula?
If your partner will be with you during labour, they are already fulfilling a very important role. They are the person
in the room who knows you, and your preferences, best. They are bringing an amazing tool to your labour - their
love and support. But they are not your doula. A doula is an impartial third party that can support both of you
during your labour. Most partners will experience a range of emotions during labour, from joy and excitement to fear and nervousness.
Many will forget all of the helpful tips or tricks they learned in birth class when the pressure is on. It is very
difficult for someone to fully support you when they are managing their own intense emotions in a stressful
setting! A doula can help you both navigate your emotions and guide you through any unexpected
changes to your birth plan, allowing your partner to be fully present with you as your partner instead of as
your birth attendant.
Your partner is the expert on you. A doula is the expert on birth. Together, we can create an amazing
platform of support to make sure you've got an incredible support team around you as you prepare to meet
your baby.
What does a Doula do-and not do?
Doulas nurture and support the birthing person throughout labour and birth. Their essential role is to provide continuous labour support, no matter what decisions the client makes or how they give birth. Importantly, the doula’s role and agenda are tied solely to the mom’s agenda. This is also known as primacy of interest. In other words, a doula’s primary responsibility is to the mom & their partner —not to a hospital administrator, nurse, midwife, or doctor. A doula will focus on providing you with physical, emotional, and informational support throughout your labour. This may look like a labour massage or assisting with water therapy; providing you
with reassurance, encouragement, and emotional support; or providing evidence-based information or guidance for decision-making during your birth. Your doula will also help you advocate for your needs and preferences, ensuring that your voice is heard and respected at all times.
A doula is not a medical care provider. We do not offer medical advice or provide clinical treatments, make decisions for you, or pressure you to make a particular choice for your care. Doulas do not take over the role of your partner, nor do we perform clinical tasks like monitoring your blood pressure, checking your baby's heart rate, or catching your baby.
What if I want an epidural, getting a cesarean section or am undecided?
Doulas support ALL births. Doulas do not have any agenda and offer non-judgmental support. A doula's job is to help you make choices that are right for you - what those choices end up being are not important, so long as they are yours. Doulas are trained to support all kinds of births - at home, in the hospital, with midwives or doctors, medication free or with pain medication, vaginal or caesarean.