What is a Labour Doula?
Labour doulas are women who attend to the birthing family during labour and delivery. Our doulas are trained to deliver emotional support from home to hospital. We ease the transition into the hospital environment, provide comfort and encouragement, and serve as advocates, coaches and extra labour support. We offer continuity of care to give the mother and her family the added security throughout the entire labour.
What does a Labour Doula do?
Our Certified Labour Doula will meet with you once or twice before birth, to get to know you and to learn about your expectations. She will help you develop the birth plan that best suits you and your support person.
When labour begins, your doula can help to determine if you are in true labour and when to go to the hospital, she will then meet you at the hospital. She works collaboratively with hospital staff to get you settled. She will walk you through different stages of labour, use various techniques to help you get through labour whether it be medicated or unmedicated birth, coach you what to do to help your baby descend faster, and advocate for you when needed so that you can focus on the entire process of labour at ease. Your doula is there to ensure you are comfortable and give birth in a safe and supported environment. Finally, she can coach you with the first breastfeeding if you prefer. Some of our doulas also provide follow-up support in breastfeeding, postpartum care, or sibling support at home.
What are some of the benefits of using a Labour Doula?
Research has shown that birth doulas can:
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Reduce C-Sections 50%
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Reduce the length of labour 25%
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Reduce Pitocin use by 40%
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Reduce the use of narcotics by 30 %
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Reduce the use of forceps by 30%
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Reduce epidurals by 60%
Long-term benefits:
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Improved breastfeeding
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Increased time spent with baby
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Decreased anxiety mood disorder or postpartum depression
Is a doula the same as a midwife?
A: No, a doula is not the same as a midwife. A doula does not perform clinical procedures. A doula provides physical, emotional, and informational support. She does not perform vaginal checks for dilation, check blood pressure, or deliver babies. It is not within the scope of practice for a doula to perform any medical or clinical procedures.
Does a labour doula replace my birth partner?
A: No, a doula is not to replace your partner but extra support to share her expertise with you at the moments that you may need extra help with during labour. Your support person is still your main pillar; the doula can be a great facilitator in helping you understand what is happening and what options that your health care provider suggested so that you and your partner can make the best decision for yourself and your family.