
Birth Doula Support
What is a Doula?
The word “doula” comes from the ancient Greek meaning “a woman who serves”. It is now used to refer to a trained and experienced professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the mother and her support people before, during and just after birth. A doula can also provide emotional and practical support during the postpartum period.
Why hire a Doula?
Current research has shown that using a professional birth Doula during labour provides the following benefits:
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Reduction in the length of labour
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Fewer complications
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Reduction in cesarean birth rates
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Reduction in pitocin use
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Reduction in instrumental delivery
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Reduction in epidural requests
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Reduction in analgesia use
For the mothers:
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Greater satisfaction with their birth experience
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More positive feelings toward their babies
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Less postpartum depression
For the babies:
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Shorter hospital stays with fewer admissions to special care nurseries
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Fewer struggles with breastfeeding
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More affectionate mothers
When you hire a birth doula, you can expect the following to be included
as a minimum in your contract:
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3 prenatal visits to learn about the family, make up a birth plan, learn comfort measures and any other prenatal education information the doula can offer the family during this time.
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On call support 24/7 as of 38 weeks until baby is born.
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Doula support as soon as mom and her partner need it during labour.
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Support immediately after the birth to make sure breastfeeding is established and that mom and partner are feeling ok. This is usually until around 2-3 hours immediately postpartum.
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Post visit within 72 hours to answer any questions about the birth, help with feeding and to make sure mom and partner have no other concerns.
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On going breastfeeding support for the first 6 weeks is also included for those that are struggling although other professional help should also be sought out as well.
**Individual doulas may have slightly different packages.
Please contact the doulas on our website for a consult to ask about their pricing.**