What does a birth doula do? See What is a Doula

Must I have a non-medicated birth with a birth doula?

A birth doula can provide support for any type of birth: medicated or unmedicated, vaginal or c-section. Doulas work in many settings: in a hospital with your OB/GYN or midwife, or at a home birth. A doula can help the couple navigate any unforeseen events and support the mother in deviating from her birth plan when necessary, with informational support and helping her ask the questions she needs to make an informed choice. A doula never imposes her beliefs.

What if I have already decided to get an epidural?

Many women assume that having an epidural means that you just sit back and enjoy your labour. Even though you lose mobility with most epidurals, you still need to change positions frequently to help move the baby down the birth canal. You will also experience the emotional impact of the labour as your body moves through the process. You may get discouraged, fearful, tired or weepy, and sometimes you have to wait to reach the appropriate dilation (usually 4-5cm which can take many hours). Once you request the epidural it may take time for an anesthesiologist to become available. Your doula will be there to give emotional and physical support and to help explain the procedures that go along with an epidural (IV, catheter, monitors, etc.). An epidural may slow your progress, and the doula can stay with you while other family members or support persons take a break or catch a nap.

Is a doula a midwife?

No a doula is not a midwife. As a doula I do not perform any medical tasks. I don't take blood pressure, monitor the baby's heartbeat, do vaginal exams or administer medication. Most doulas are from non-medical backgrounds, but are highly trained and experienced in the mechanics of labour and in comfort techniques. We may use massage, counter pressure, position changes, hot or cold packs, aromatherapy and visualization to help you deal with the discomforts of labour.
 

I have a Midwife, why would I need a doula?

It is strongly encouraged to include a Doula if you are birthing with midwives.  Not only do they often share the same vision for their clients, a Doula will provide the emotional support and physical comfort that midwives may not be able to provide as they are taking care of the medical side. Also if you are birthing in a hospital, midwives have a lot of extra charting to do which takes up a lot of their time. They also have to leave the room to answer phone calls and speak with the hospital staff. A doula will be with you the entire time and never leave your side. A doula will also come to your home earlier then the midwives will to help you cope with early labour. 

Do you come to my home when I'm in labour?

Depending on your own birth plans, you may spend early labour at home with your doula or you might meet the doula at the hospital. You may also plan to have your baby at home with midwives.  If you do plan to stay at home for any length of time, your doula can help make you comfortable and be an attentive companion. You simply request your doula's presence when you feel you need her.

How much do doulas charge? See Services page.

Are doulas covered by insurance?

Doulas are not covered by OHIP and most doulas are not covered by extended health insurance, however, since I am a massage therapist and I massage during the birth, some or all of the costs may be covered depending on your health plan. 

My husband will be with me - isn't that enough?

I can never replace the support and encouragement of your husband or partner, and I can actually help make the experience much more positive for them by offering suggestions as to how they can better assist you during labour. I always encourage the partner to participate at their own comfort level. They may not feel the pain that you're feeling, but they often feel anguish and a sense of helplessness while watching you go through the birth process. I encourage them to be a part of the process by showing them how they can make you more comfortable and be there for you emotionally. My goal is to make this a most memorable moment for the 2 of you becoming a family. Please see the Dads and Doulas page.

What if I end up having a c-section?

Childbirth can and does take some unexpected turns, and a doula will be there to help you navigate through what may be a very stressful time. Depending on the situation and the hospital your doula may or may not be allowed into the operating room with you.  If we are not allowed to go with you, we can use the time while you're in surgery to move your belongings to the postpartum area or we can stay with friends and family members and give them emotional support while they wait for news. We are often allowed into recovery - that way the father can be with the baby in the nursery and you won't be left alone. Some women hire doulas even when they are having a scheduled Cesarean because they know the value of having the prenatal and postpartum visits as well as someone to answer their questions and give emotional support before and after the birth.