What is a Doula or Labour Support Provider?
The word Doula means "woman's servant" in Greek. A doula is a person who is experienced in helping women through childbirth, and in caring for new mothers and their new born infants. They provide emotional, physical, and educational support to the mother and her family before, during and after childbirth.
A doula recognizes that birth is a key life experience, and understands the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of a woman in labour. They help the family prepare and carry out their birth plans while giving continuous non-judgemental support through comfort measures, educational information to aid in decision making, and emotional support.
A doula does not take the place of the womans partner but enhances that role by helping the partner to participate at their own comfort level. Studies have shown enhanced obstetrical outcomes when there is a doula present at birth: a reduction of cesarean sections, the use of pain medication, the use of forceps, the use of oxytocin, and increases in breastfeeding success and overall birth satisfaction (Parents Canada).
As a Registered Massage Therapist and Infant Massage Instructor as a Doula I offer a variety of services:
- Prenatal and postpartum massage
- Private and Group Labour Support Class: includes birth plan, signs of labour, preterm labour, relaxation/comfort measures such as breathing and positions, pain management, possible medical interventions, cesarean births, newborn education, feeding, postpartum depression and more.
- Private or group Infant Massage Class
- Birth Package: includes consultation/birth plan, prenatal massage, Labour Support Class, presence at the birth (whether 5 or 36 hours, on call a week before and after due date to guarantee presence within the hour), postpartum visit (whether postpartum massage, infant massage or breast feeding consult).
I offer very flexible hours to try to meet a variety of needs. So call today to book your consultation!
Here are a few photos of Rebecca's special day.
