How can a birth doula help during pregnancy and birth?
A birth doula is not a medical professional and does not provide medical care. Birth doulas provide physical, emotional, and informational support during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. Birth doulas help you create a *birth plan that is right for you, connect you with resources within your community, use techniques during labour to help you manage discomfort, provide a calming presence for you and your birth partner(s), and empower you to communicate your needs to your healthcare providers.
Is a Doula like a Midwife?
A midwife and a doula have two very distinct and separate roles. In Canada, a midwife is a licensed medical professional who is responsible for delivering your baby and performing any necessary medical tasks related to your pregnancy (these tasks include but are not limited to advising you medically, performing physical exams, prescribing supplements or medications, monitoring the baby’s heart rate during labour, etc.). Those with low-risk pregnancies may choose between having a midwife or an OB. If you chose to have a midwife, you have the option of birthing at home, birthing centre or in the hospital. OB’s only offer the hospital as a birthing option.
Why not just read a childbirth book or take a free childbirth class?
You should be doing all possible to educate yourself during this time, read books, attend free childbirth classes and build your resources. All information gained will help you make informed decisions during your pregnancy and labour.
With all the excitement during labour, it can be challenging to keep all your preferences in order or simply forget what you’ve read or learned a few months back especially during labour.
Sometimes free hospital childbirth classes can teach you how to be the best patient at the hospital and not have room to teach you all your options common and not common in the hospital and out of the hospital.
What does your pricing include?
We have several packages available for both Birth and Postpartum Support.
All birth packages include:
• 2 in-home prenatal consultations
• on-call service 24/7 for the 3 weeks before your due date and 2 weeks after.
• Assistance in curating a birth plan
• Day-of labour support
• 1 in-home visit after baby arrives.
For more details on services please click here.
Do you have payment plans?
We’re happy to work one out with you. However, full payment is required 4 weeks prior to your due date.
What is the goal of the prenatal visit? What can I expect?
The goal of our visit, is to get to know each other better. Upon submitting your intake form, we will get to touch on a few broad questions and sort out what services you are interested in. We will align ourselves with what is important to you. This is the time to let us know what your experience has been thus far, and ask any questions that you may have.
We will also guide the visit by discussing the stages of labour, the doctor-patient relationship, communication strategies, your body’s physiological response to pain, your birth “plan” and outlining our scope as your Maternal Support Practitioner.
You are also welcome to submit your questions via email ahead of time to let us know what you would like to focus on. Prenatal visits can also be done via Skype or zoom.
When will you be on call for my birth?
I will be available 3 weeks before your due date and two weeks after, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. I can be reached by phone, email, text or video chat.
When does my doula join me in labor?
Ideally, I will join you in your home when labor is active. If labouring at home in the initial stages is not possible, I will join you at your birth location. Since every labor is different together we will figure out the best time for me to join. I am available via text and phone calls in the initial stages of labor. I encourage you and your birthing partner to contact me when you feel that it is right.
Do you have a backup doula? Can I meet them ahead of time?
Rest assured, that a backup doula is available in the unlikely event that I am not available to attend your birth. I am committed in being part of your special day, however, in such emergency cases, you will be well aquatinted with one of my backups. My backups are chosen by location, Toronto, Mississauga, Etobicoke etc. I would like to ensure that my backup is as close in proximity to you that she will be no farther than a 1 hour away.
Do you provide help after my baby is born?
When you hire a birth doula, you get immediate postpartum and breastfeeding support. As your birth doula I will stay with you an hour or two after the baby is born. I will also check-in with you within the first week to schedule a postpartum visit. The visit after your baby is born is scheduled on your time. We’re happy to see you again within the first few days or weeks.
Our Postpartum Care services provide families with additional support around the house. We can cook a meal, do some laundry and take care of a sibling while you have a shower and take a much-needed nap.
How can Reiki help me during pregnancy?
Reiki is a system of natural healing. Where classical medicine treats the physical body, Reiki treats the physical and energetic body. Our bodies and our emotions, like everything else in the universe, is composed of energy. Through Reiki, we can restore balance to the body’s various energy systems and in doing so, the body is better able to restore itself physically and emotionally especially during bouts of anxiety. Pregnancy is a perfect time for a Reiki session as it can help you relax, find balance, and tune into yourself and your growing baby.
When can I begin postnatal yoga?
It is recommended to wait 4-6 weeks after baby is born for a vaginal birth or eight weeks for a cesarean. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting a fitness routine.
What is an infant sleep educator?
Infant sleep educators provide foundational knowledge of the science behind: infant and maternal sleep; biological norms; and optimal development. We are providing an alternative solution to the growing popularity of sleep training books and experts for parents who instinctually feel that this is not the right path for them. When parents find themselves faced with sleep challenges the infant sleep educator can work with that family to uncover the root behind the issues they are facing. From there they can coach the families to create empowering solutions for long lasting change while protecting the sacred bond between caregiver and baby.
