F.A.Q.
So tell me more about doulas…
A doula is a non-medical support person for you during pregnancy and birth. Your doula provides informational support & resources, helps you develop your vision and birth preferences, supports informed decision making and advocating for your preferences, provides hands-on comfort measures during your labour and birth, and supports through the immediate postpartum as you get to know your baby.
Your doula works alongside your care team, including your medical provider (doctor or midwife), your partner, and anyone else you invite to be part of your birth. Everyone has a part to play to ensure you are fully supported in all the ways you need on the journey.
The number one benefit is how you feel after having a doula at your birth. You feel positive about your birth, knowing you did everything you needed and could do to meet your baby. Clinical benefits include: Reduction in use of synthetic oxytocin, reduction in requests for pain medication, reduced use of assisted vaginal delivery, reduction in cesarean birth, improved APGAR scores for baby. Emotionally parents have increased confidence, improved postpartum health, improved bonding and support. Physical support benefits include: increased movement during labour, increase in relaxation, improved comfort and reassurance, and improved lactation/ breastfeeding outcomes
Everyone has their own reason for having a doula during their pregnancy and birth. It may be because you want to know more about the process and your choices, you want an experienced person to help you with comfort and coping through labour, you want your partner to have a resource person so they can be a better support to you during birth. Or maybe you want an experienced person who’s only job is to ensure you feel informed and supported. Maybe you feel anxious, and need someone to process your thoughts with, without judgment and with solid knowledge about birth. Maybe you are planning a hospital birth, and know that your care will be managed by a busy system, but your doula can help you feel central to your care and experience. Maybe you are planning a home birth, and want to make sure all your care needs are covered in your home. Maybe you need your doula to help set up your birth environment, hold your hand, guide your breath, rub your back, suggest a position change, help you rest or eat, give your partner a break to recharge, remember what questions to ask your caregiver, remind you of your birth preferences, and tell you that you can do it because you are strong and capable.
As your doula, Heather will support any “type” of birth. How and where you give birth is a combination of the plans you make, the caregiver you have, and what your baby has to say during the process.
Heather will provide support in any of the Edmonton Area Hospitals, Birth Centers, or Home Birth.
You can have any medical caregiver, including Doctors or Midwives.
We will discuss all the options for natural and medical pain management strategies, and Heather will support you however you need or choose to birth. This includes both natural or medicated birth. Even with an epidural, your doula can still offer emotional support, help with decision making, and help you change position during labour and birth, and postpartum support.
If you are planning or have a cesarean birth, your doula is a resource and in-person support leading up to the birth, in labour (if applicable) and in postpartum. Doula presence in the OR at the time of birth is based on the request of the birthing person and the agreement by the obstetrician/ anesthesiologist. Although the hospital policy varies on the number of support people allowed in the OR, a reasonable request can always be made and considered to allow the doula in the OR.
There are many doulas, with varying experience, personalities and trainings. Contact several in your area to inquire about their availability for your due date. After reading their profiles, request a consultation to ensure a good fit with your needs, their services and your personalities! This is relationship based work, so having a positive rapport and connection is most important.
You can look at this DONA resource for a list of questions to ask your doula
Once you have confirmed availability, book a consultation to discuss your birth plans, and how you envision doula support. Ask questions about their background, experience, philosophy, and support provided.
When you have found the doula that feels right, you would expect to see a contract for services, fees, limits and scope of practice. Once you sign the contract and pay a deposit, your doula will schedule your first prenatal visit.
Heather will send you a copy of a contract after the consultation for you to review. Payment schedules are also outlined in the contract.
From the time you hire, you are encouraged to reach out to Heather for any support or pregnancy related questions.