F.A.Q.

What is a Doula?

The word “Doula” is a Greek word that refers to a female who is a personal servant to another woman. The modern application of this word is typically reserved for women who have trained to professionally assist other women through labour and childbirth. Or, in the words of those who first studied the effectiveness of labour support a doula is, "a woman experienced in childbirth who provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to the mother before, during and just after childbirth." (Mothering the Mother by Klaus, Kennell and Klaus,)

The doula can help to ease the transition from home to hospital and remains with the birthing family through shift changes and alternating physician or midwife schedules. Her aim is to create a satisfying birth experience for her client. The doula does not replace nor does she take away from the father/partner’s role, rather she can help to guide your partner towards greater involvement if this is your wish. 

A Doula:

• trusts in birth and believes that it is a normal and natural process
•  meets with her clients to learn the history of the current pregnancy and helps them to develop a birth plan
• can help to determine pre-labour from true labour and early labour from active labour
•  makes suggestions to help labour progress
• serves as an advocate, coach, physical support, perspective and information source
•  provides comfort measures such as massage, ice chips, and cold cloths
•  may help you better understand your options 
• does not perform medical tasks but will work closely with the medical team 
• will help with the first breastfeeding and typically will provide some follow up breastfeeding and early post partum support

 Why should I hire a Doula?

Women supported by a Doula during labor have been shown to have:

A great collection of local resources and birth related links coming soon.