Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I hire a postpartum doula?
Traditionally, new mothers have been surrounded and supported by family; in most cultures and in most times throughout history. We live in a time and culture where this is no longer generally the case. We usually do not live in the same household as our extended family or we may not have the kind of relationship where we can rely on family support. Despite these logistical changes a new mother’s needs have NOT changed. We still require extra rest and emotional support. Feelings of confusion, doubt, isolation and depression are almost universal in new mothers. This is where postpartum doulas step in to fill that gap we may be missing if we don’t have a strong connection of both emotional and physical support. We don’t want you to just “survive” new motherhood, we want you to thrive!
Why should I hire a birth doula?
Studies have shown that having a doula at your birth can reduce cesarean rates by half, requests for epidurals by more than half, cut the length of labour by a quarter, and reduce rates of oxytocin induction, and forceps use by up to 40%! That's amazing! Numbers like this led Dr. John H. Kennell to remark that "if doulas were a drug, it would be unethical not to use it..."
What is my partner's role if we hire a birth doula, won't she take his/her place?
That's a great question! I show partners how to take care of moms during labor by drawing on my knowledge of the process. No one in the delivery room will know you better than your partner! We doulas know how birth works, what may happen during the journey of labor and delivery, but they know how you like to be held, what words to whisper in your ear, your deepest fears and greatest wishes. They know you intimately and that's the most important role in the room. I want to enhance your partner's experience and help them help you! Dads/partners and doulas are a team. I want to create a space where dad/partner and I work together, focusing all of our energy on the most important person in the room, you! I show how to physically comfort mom and we will gradually develop a silent language of gestures to help mom stay in her body and not distracted by thinking about what we're saying. We work to create a sacred space where moms feel safe and respected.
Are birth doulas only for women planning a home birth? Do I have to have an unmedicated birth?
No and no! Doulas are for everyone. Doulas are a blessing at a homebirth and a necessity at a hospital birth. Leaving the safe, comfortable space of your own home for the hospital can be overwhelming for some women. It is a real comfort to have the steady hands and cool head of your doula entering those doors with you. She's going to help you maintain that feeling of safety, calm, and comfort that you'll establish at home. As far as birthing with medication on board or not, that will not change your doula's mandate; to comfort you emotionally and physically, help you to feel heard, support your partner, and honour and respect the hard work you are doing. When it comes to important decisions such as to use a pharmaceutical tool or not, you are the wisest woman in the room, you know what the right decision is for you at that time.
What training do you have?
I am a DONA trained birth doula, which involves a 3-day training course, a rigorous reading list, and written assignments including an exhaustive list of birth and parenting resources in the doula's geographic area. It also includes an in-depth breastfeeding course. I am also a certified holistic doula through The Matrona (thematrona.com). I encourage you to visit their website as my Matrona training is my guide and inspiration for my work as a doula. My personal training education includes a certificate from Mount Royal University's Personal Fitness Trainer Certificate program, as well as certifications with AFLCA (pre- & post natal fitness certification, aquatic fitness instructor and portable equipment group fitness instructor), trx certified trainer and numerous pelvic floor/core workshops and projects. I have also completed my 200-hour yoga teacher training course.
Do you have a back-up in case you can't attend my labour?
I only take one client per month so I will not be at another birth when your labour begins. Your birth will be my sole focus during the time I am on-call for you. However, in the very unlikely event I am too ill/injured etc to attend your birth I will have a back-up in place. You are also welcome to meet the back-up I have arranged beforehand, but remember it is very unlikely something would get in the way of me attending your birth; doulas take their responsibilities very seriously, we know how important this day will be in your life.
Why should I exercise during my pregnancy?
Remaining active throughout pregnancy has been shown to lower incidence of postpartum depression, gestational diabetes, and varicose veins/hemorrhoids. Exercise may not make labour easier (if only!) but it will give you the endurance and strength needed for its duration and speed physical and emotional recovery postpartum. Like any good pre- or post-natal fitness specialist I focus on the deep core muscles, including the pelvic floor and transverse abdominis. A toned and responsive pelvic floor will help to prevent incontinence as well as pelvic organ prolapse and will assist during labour.
Baby benefits as well! Baby's heart rate increased during and immediately after exercise, which may prepare baby to deal effectively with intermittent reductions in uterine blood flow and oxygen delivery during labour. It has been shown that babies of exercising mothers tolerated contractions much better than babies of sedentary mothers.