FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT IS A DOULA?
A doula is a non-medical trained professional in prenatal care, childbirth and the postpartum period. Doulas provide continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the pregnant person/couple prior, during and after the baby is born.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS TO HAVING A DOULA?
Research has shown the presence of continuous support that a doula provides during childbirth causes people to experience:
- As much as a 39% decrease in the risk of Cesarean
- 15% increase in the likelihood of a spontaneous vaginal birth
- 10% decrease in the use of any medications for pain relief
- Shorter labours by 41 minutes on average
- 38% decrease in the baby’s risk of a low five minute Apgar score
- 31% decrease in the risk of being dissatisfied with the birth experience
- Less interventions and fewer complications
(Stats from Evidence Based Birth, 2019)
WHEN SHOULD I HIRE A DOULA?
Whenever you want! Some know they want to hire a doula even before they are pregnant, and others decide they need some extra support at the last minute. Looking early for a doula will give you time to sit down with a couple different doulas and help you find the best fit. Hiring a doula early on also gives you more time to build rapport and a trusting relationship.
WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A MIDWIFE AND A DOULA?
Midwives, like OB's, are responsible for your clinical wellbeing during pregnancy and birth. While doulas do have a wealth of pregnancy and birth knowledge, we focus on the emotional and physical comfort aspects of your care during pregnancy, birth and postpartum. Doulas also advocate on your behalf, ensuring your rights are upheld and your wishes are heard and respected.
HOW WILL HIRING YOU AFFECT MY PARTNER’S ROLE DURING THE BIRTH?
Your partner* knows and loves you best and is emotionally invested in you and your baby. I never attempt to replace that, but instead strive to work with them as a team. My job is to help reduce fear and increase confidence for everyone involved. Plus, partners need breaks and care too! Birth can be overwhelming and stressful for them too, and a doula can help provide some much-needed relief for both you and your partner.
*Assuming you are in a healthy relationship
DO YOU PERFORM ANY PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS?
No, doulas do not perform physical or medical examinations of any kind. This means no vaginal exams, no fetal heart checks, no blood pressure assessments, no other antepartum or
intrapartum clinical tasks, and no postpartum clinical care of mother or baby.
DO I HAVE TO HAVE AN UNMEDICATED BIRTH WITH A DOULA?
You can have any kind of birth with a doula. Whether you want to give birth at home or in a hospital, with medication or without, a planned or unplanned Cesarean, doulas are for every birth. We meet you where you are, help you make informed decisions, and support you each step of the way.