Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Doula?

As a birth doula, my personalized support begins in pregnancy where I offer much information and guidance. I will support you and your partner in preparing for the birth you desire as well as preparing for the “unplanned” because you never know how your birth will unfold.

During labour and birth, my support is continuous to you and your partner.  I will be there to remind you of your strength and wishes during those trying times, to offer physical support and comfort and to anticipate your needs and meet them.

Immediately postpartum I will stay with you for up to a few hours as needed to help you get settled and to assist you with bonding and feeding.  I provide two postpartum visits, and depending on your birth package, I will be available for support visits during your six weeks postpartum.

All doulas are unique in personalities and what they can offer, therefore it is important to choose one you are compatible with.

Please view my services page for more information.

What is Postpartum Doula Support?

Postpartum Doulas go into the home and help for the first few days, weeks or even months with breast/chest/bottle feeding, newborn care and instruction, parent care, resources and give general family and household support.  Postpartum doulas listen to your needs and concerns without judgment, recognizing that this is a time of emotional openness for the whole family. The goal is to lessen the stress by helping you provide for yourself a nourishing environment so that the natural family process rhythms can unfold.

Does a doula take over the father's or birth partner's role and how does a doula benefit my partner?
It is never the Doula’s job to take over the partner’s role. Having a doula present does take a lot of pressure off though! With the pressure off, their focus and participation can unfold at their own comfort level. The guidance a doula can provide are as such: reassurance that the birth is moving along normally, offer suggestions for comfort, freedom for the partner to take breaks, offer informational support throughout, assist with comfort measures such as cool clothes, counter pressure, relaxation techniques, position changes, warm blankets, cool/hot packs and hydration. With every birth, the partner and Doula find a beautiful rhythm that best supports the birther at every stage.
Do I need a doula if I have a midwife?
A Doula and Midwife make a fantastic team and it is so wonderful to have all the amazing support. Midwives, along with providing emotional and physical support, also have paper work, the medical aspect of giving birth to contend with as well as other regulated obligations. The doula can focus all their energy into providing continuous emotional support and physical comfort for the birther.
When is Placenta Encapsulated Contraindicated?
If you had a fever in labour (possible indicator of uterine infection), if your placenta was sent to pathology, if you were a heavy smoker or used illegal drugs during pregnancy, if your placenta was improperly stored or if you or your baby developed an infection within 48 hours after birth. Please email me with with other concerns that you feel may affect your encapsulation.