Birth Doula Services
Many expectant parents find that the thought of labour and birth creates many feelings including excitement, anxiety and unease. The anticipation of the upcoming birth tends to become overwhelming towards the end of second to early third trimester. An experienced doula can improve your pregnancy and labour experience by providing guidance through this unfamiliar time. We are experts in decreasing stress, worry and anxiety. Providing information and next steps make a huge difference for many couples.
Our philosophy on birth and parenting is one of flexibility and openness. In our over 20 years of experience we have learned that there is no right or wrong way to go through this process. Our job is to keep you informed of all your options so that you can make informed choices as to what feels best for you.
Benefits of Having a Doula
- Both parents feel more supported during the birth experience.
- Pregnant person can experience a reduction of fear leading up to and during the birth experience
- Partners feel more prepared and involved in the birthing process
- Birthing Parent feels listened to during the birthing experience
- Less use of early epidurals
- Significant decrease in unnecessary medical interventions
- More positive feeding experience
- Increased sleep in the post-partum period
- More confidence in baby care
- Overall more parent satisfaction with the birth experience
- Expectant parents feel more at ease in early labor when parents have someone to call in the middle of the night to remind them of coping techniques and help them sleep
If you’re an expecting parent and want more support for your birth experience, we are here to help match you with the best doula for you. Contact us for more information on this.
Frequently Asked Questions
I have a partner supporting me. Do I need a Doula?
Most, but not all of our clients have a partner supporting them throughout this process. Our clients find that their partner is more involved in the process when they have a Doula there to guide them on how to best provide support. It is difficult for partners and even family and friends to know how to help us during this time. They can take the classes and read the books but it is hard for them to retain all that information. When we are in labour we also don’t seem to listen to our partners suggestions as readily as a Doula who we are not as emotionally attached to.
How does a Doula support me if I plan to have an epidural?
There are many tools available to a labouring mom and the epidural is one of them. Your doula team supports all birthing options and make sure you have all the information you need to decide what feels right to you at the time. Before an epidural there are sensations that require focus to work through. Your doula helps to keep you comfortable with providing comfort measures such as breathing, positions, massage and other tools until an epidural is available to you. An epidural reduces some sensations in labour but not always all, your doula aids in your comfort and keeping you as calm as possible throughout your birth process.
How does a doula support a scheduled cesarean section?
Some people believe that you only hire a Doula if you are having a vaginal birth. The reality is that babies are born in many different ways and there is no right or wrong way to go through this process. In the event of a scheduled cesarean section we help you plan for the birth by knowing your options and what to do if you go into spontaneous labour before your scheduled date. Your doula is there the day of the c-section to make sure things run smoothly and help with bonding and baby’s first feed after delivery. When you get home from the hospital we are there to help you understand what to expect with your recovery as well as learning about taking care of your baby.
How do I know if I connect with my doula?
Before any of our birth clients hire us we learn a little bit about you as prospective clients & match you to the best possible doula we recommend. We help you set up a complimentary consultation at a time that works best for you. This is a great way to see if there is a connection between yourself and the Doula as well as have the opportunity to ask all the questions you or your partner may have.
I could not imagine going through my pregnancy (especially during Covid times) without the support and help I received from Helping Hands Doula. Always professional and personable and ready to answer any questions or concerns I had throughout pregnancy and postpartum. It made the anxiety disappear during those exceptionally stressful times of being pregnant and a new parent in this crazy pandemic. I was always given sound and thoughtful advice and information; I didn’t have to worry about Dr. Googling things. Hiring a doula gave me piece of mind knowing that I had access to a knowledgeable, compassionate and kind people. They were truly invested in mine and my family’s well being and that made all the difference.
Request a Consultation
If you’re an expecting or new parent and want more support for your postpartum experience, click below to request an appointment.
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