- Q. What is a Doula?
A. "Doula" (pronounced "Doo-La") is a Greek word that means "slave" - in reference to a woman who personally serves another woman. Today, the term "Doula" is used to refer to non-medical assistants who work with women and their families during the prenatal, childbirth and postpartum period. - Q. What does a Doula do?
A. A doula supports you physically and emotionally. She advocates for the kind of birth you want to have. She does not make choices for you or push her beliefs on you. She does not pretend to be a medical professional, she is there to work with you, your partner and your care provider. - Q. Why have an Antenatal Doula?
A. Sometimes you need extra help during your pregnancy, maybe you are on bedrest during a high risk pregnancy or simply need some help around the house and with caring for your older children, an antenatal doula can help with all those things. - Q. Why have a Labour Doula?
A. There are many benefits to having a Labour Doula, which include:
60% reduction in the use of epidural
50% reducation of c-sections
40% reduction in the use of oxytocin
Less pressure put on woman's partner to have all the answers
No being "left alone" because doctors/nurses/midwives are too busy
Improved breastfeeding
Increased time spent with baby
Decreased postpartum depression
...and so much more! - Q. But I will already have someone in the room with me! Why should I hire a Labour Doula?
A. A Labour Doula does not replace a woman's companion - rather, the doula helps the woman and suggests techniques her friends and family can use to make her as comfortable as possible. A Labour Doula is trained to guide the companion so that they can provide comfort and support to the woman, and ensures that the individual accompanying the labouring woman can take breaks to go to the washroom, stretch their legs, get some rest, eat a snack without the fear of leaving their loved one alone. - Q. I don't have any friends or family who can be with me when I give birth. May I still use a Labour Doula?
A. Absolutely! In fact, a Doula would be able to provide you with company, coping techniques, and emotional support during and after the birth of your baby. - Q. Does using the services of a Labour Doula mean that I can't have an epidural?
A. Absolutely not! You can have any kind of birth you want, a doula is not there to judge you, or impose her thoughts on you, she is there to support you. - Q. I am planning a homebirth. Can I still use the services of a Labour Doula?
A. Yes, a doula will attend a birth where ever it is planned. - Q. Will a Labour Doula attend a stillbirth?
A. Many Labour Doulas will assist women and their families with birthing a deceased infant. They will also be able to provide you with suggested readings, community resources, and emotional support. - Q. I have certain religious/spiritual/cultural rituals that I would like to be performed at my child's birth. Will a Labour Doula accommodate my needs?
A. Most Labour Doulas are happy to help families "personalize" the day of birth upon request. - Q. Why have a Postpartum Doula?
A. The first few weeks after baby comes can be overwhelming, a doula can help with breastfeeding or bottlefeeding, learning how to care for baby, as well as help around the house and with other children.
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