FAQ: Doula Services

Short answer – a good Doula enhances it!  A Doula should not be in the way of the couple or take over the partner’s role in ANY way. When a  partner is nervous or anxious, a Doula is a great aid in making sure they find ways to be included in ways they are comfortable with and to encourage them of what is to be expected. It becomes a team effort, as the support parent is there to love and adore the birthing parent, while the Doula is there to be the professional birth support offering suggestions and ideas on all things labour related.

The doula also helps by giving breaks to the partner for meals, sleep or just a breather which is often very beneficial in making them be a better coach.  The entire family can relax even more knowing they have the support for any needs that come up and not alone in the process.

Not at all!  Doulas are helpful for all birth situations.  Many times, with a Doula’s support a natural birth is more possible and it increases the outcome for a vaginal birth.  For those that request pain medication, there is still a need for strong birth support, because emotionally and mentally the birthing parent still benefits from a birth companion.

“Some women find that after they receive an epidural, the hospital staff and others around them almost “forget” as if they exist anymore.  The focus seems to turn solely toward the fetal monitor, the blood pressure cuff, and the IV fluids and/or medication–but not toward the woman who is still laboring. While a Doula does not play as active of a role after a mother receives an epidural, her attention is still always turned toward the laboring woman.  Whether she is reminding and/or assisting you in changing positions, “tucking you in” so that you can sleep, reminding you to ask questions about recommended interventions, or simply continuing supporting you emotionally, you are always her primary focus!”  – Birthing Beautiful Ideas

Midwives are not doulas and doulas are not midwives. We believe there are four cornerstones to a strong birth team.  There is a need for each one of these people in the birth team as they each fill a different role for the best support in birth.

1. A supportive doctor or midwife whose ultimate goal is to medically give the Mom and Baby a safe birth and intervene if problems arise.
2. The nurse is someone whose function is to medically monitor the health of Mom and Baby throughout labour.
3. The partner is the beloved coach that gives love and affection to their partner while they transition into parenthood as well.
4. The Doula offers constant physical and emotional support. The doula is with the birthing parent from the start of labour until the baby is born.  Unlike the other medical staff who often have other patients they are busy with, the birth doula is by the couple’s side throughout the entire process.  A Doula does not make any medical calls, but she does guide the couple in making educated decisions that best serve their birth wishes.

Half of the package fee is required upon hiring and signing of the contract. We are officially your doula at that point, available for questions, guidance or just a listening ear in your entire pregnancy.  The remaining doula fee is to be paid in full by 36 weeks gestation.  We take credit cards to make things a whole lot easier for expectant parents (we know you got a lot going on!)
We do allow payment plans for those that need accommodations.  We take limited clients per month, and asses availability in accordance to your due date.