Doula Beginnings

Birth Doulas

Doulas are part of an ancient tradition. Women have always supported each other through the birth process and it is is only recently that the woman’s partner has become the main support person in labour.

Certified Doulas are the newest members of the Maternity Care Team. Together, along with empowered and informed birthing parents, we are achieving positive and memorable birth experiences.

A doula is a woman who is trained to provide physical, emotional, and informational support to mothers-to-be and their partners before, during labour and birth, and postnatally.

Doulas work alongside doctors, midwives, nurses, and birth partners. Experienced, certified doulas help couples minimize obstetrical intervention through informational and emotional support, and maximize their satisfaction with their birth experiences.

Doulas do not provide clinical tasks. Non-medical skills include explanations of medical procedures, 24 hour informational support during pregnancy and postnatal period, positioning suggestions during labour and birth, massage and other non-pharmacological pain relief measures, reassurance, help with breastfeeding preparation and beginnings, and most importantly, a constant nurturing, helpful and objective support as well as first-hand knowledge and understanding of what the labouring mother is going through. This benefits both the mother and father-to-be.

A doula’s presence strengthens the father’s role. Pressure to know how to help the labouring mother is removed. The doula anticipates the physical and emotional needs of the labouring mother as labour progresses, and helps the father to better help his partner during this trying time.

Postnatal Doulas

Motherhood is a major life transition and the adjudstment period feels less overwhelming when people are available to address your questions and concerns. It is for this reason that women and their families value to help a doula offers.

Doulas are not there solely to tend to the baby’s needs, but to encourage and teach families to care for their own newborn. Doulas are flexible to the needs of each family.Tthey help mothers and fathers to trust their instincts in meeting their baby’s needs.

A postnatal doula is a non-judgemental, knowledgeable woman who assists families during the critical period immediately after the birth of their baby. They “mother the mother” and offer physical, emotional and informational support as well as practical help to the family.

A postnatal doula can support your family during the day or evening. She is there to nurture the family and give them the comfort and rest that new families need.