Pre-birth appointments provide you with an opportunity to talk about your fears and hopes as you prepare for delivery. Postnatal appointments often include a debrief about how things went for you and address any of the concerns you may have caring for your newborn. For those with previous birth trauma or a pregnancy complication, it can be really beneficial to have a non-medical professional and a non-family member with you during your birth. A doula can provide birth support and a listening ear without having to make clinical decisions, and without the emotional difficulties a family member may experience from your previous birth experience. A doula will also provide emotional encouragement, explanations and support to your partner and family members if they are there with you.

A doula supports the birthing parents in all the stages of labour. That means for all of those hours of “pre labour” you would have someone continuously with you, explaining things, telling you this is normal, and offering positioning suggestions to help baby move down and offer reassurance that will help keep you calm and focused . A birth doula is equally knowledgeable as your doctors and nurses about what’s happening and what you are feeling; and are with you every second during labor and delivery. She keeps the love high and the fear low, so when it is time for your doctor or midwife to arrive you are feeling empowered… not full of fear and exhaustion.

Childbirth is a very special time in a women’s life. But let’s be honest, it can also be a scary and overwhelming time from both a physical and emotional perspective. Having the right support system during pregnancy, postpartum and throughout your parenting journey can help families thrive through vs. survive through even the most challenging times.

Some amazing Doulas that I work with are:

– Precious Moments Babeez

– The Nesting Place

– The Womb