Why Hire A Birth Doula?
Any woman who has had a baby can tell you, giving birth is one time that extra support can be a life-changer. That's where Doulas come in. Doulas are not medical professionals, they are solely there to provide physical assistance, emotional support and educational information to women in their pregnancies, labour, childbirth and postpartum. Doulas are support people, part of the Birth Support Team, and everyone can use more support!
What About The Doctor / Midwife or Nurses?
Your medical staff will be in and out of the room as you labour, they need to update charts regularly, check you medical stats, order meds etc. Health care professionals work on shifts and often once you finally get acquainted and familiar with one they will be replaced with somebody new. A Doula will stay with you for the entire duration of active labour, and won't leave until baby is born, the placenta is delivered and feeding has been established. This is usually 1-2 hours after baby is born.
What About My Partner?
Unless your significant other is a health care professional, they aren't going to know nearly as much about the birth process as your Doula. Even if it’s your second or third time having a baby, there will likely come a time when your partner will probably feel overwhelmed. Mother Birth is there with experience to guide both of you through the process. She can suggest specific ways your partner can help you, while respecting the intimacy of your experience together. With Doulas there, your partner can take a quick bathroom or meal break guilty free. If it's a long labour maybe the partner needs to take a quick nap or grab a coffee and stretch their legs. If baby needs a little extra care after delivery, your partner can go with baby and your Doula can stay to comfort and care for your needs while gathering and providing updates. Doulas add to the birthing experience, and support the family in so many ways!
Will My Doula Help During Pregnancy?
Yes! Expecting moms can lean on their Doulas for emotional support and valuable information and advice in the weeks leading up to the birth. This can be particularly helpful for first-time moms, uncertain about how to differentiate between, say, Braxton Hicks contractions and the real thing? Or if your water broke, a Doula might suggested you eat before heading to the hospital since it might be a while before you meet your baby. If you are crampy or have a headache a Doula might suggest you drink water and stay off your feet for a bit. In late pregnancy or early labour they can suggest breathing techniques, labour positions, comfort measures and things to try at home depending on what you are feeling. If you are suffering from a sore back, Doulas can suggest things like specific stretches that may help that. Doulas provide unlimited email, phone and text support through the duration of pregnancy too!
How Do I Know My Doula Will Be There?
Doulas only schedule a few births a month. That means they’re almost guaranteed to be there for the big event. Even if you're in labour on Christmas Day, a Doula will drive through a snow storm and never complain about eating Christmas dinner out of a vending machine ... ask me how I know!? If by some rare chance they are in a car accident or have taken ill ... we have equally qualified back up Doulas in place to take over their role at your birth. Many health care supports work in group practices, so it’s a relief to know there’ll be at least ONE Birth Support expert assisting that you have a on ongoing relationship with. Clients want continuity of care and absolute knowledge of who will be supporting them on their special day. When you hire Mother Birth ... you will get Mother Birth ... aka Carla!
What Else Can my Doula Do?
You can ask your Doula to do anything you can think of to help you. Whether it’s a back or foot rub, grabbing your partner a coffee from the cafeteria, changing the CD, or advocating on your behalf to get the anesthesiologist in the room this minute with your epidural, your Doula is there for you. They can explain the benefits and risks at each stage or option, and give you the information needed to make a fact based, informed decision on behalf of yourself and your baby. If your baby is in a breech or unnatural position your Doula can try some Spinning Babies techniques to rotate your baby for optimal fetal positioning. Mother Birth has had lots of experience successfully spinning very stubborn babies! Doulas can provide you with support, resources and information for all aspects of pregnancy, labour, childbirth and postpartum!
Can A Doula Help Me Adjust Once I'm home?
Yes, while you hire Mother Birth Doula to attend births, Mother Birth also works as a Postpartum Doula too, and supports new mothers at home in the first few months. It is money well spent. Often new parents are overwhelmed, exhausted, sore and struggling to get the hang of nursing. For a few precious hours each week, a Postpartum Doula can help out by looking after your newborn while you nap or shower, help with feeding, teach your partner how to change diapers, fold a load of laundry, show you how to get baby to nurse more productively and kept your energy up. Mother Birth will even help you meal plan and prepare a freezer stash for the early baby days when so many adjustments are happening. Pick out some recipes and ingredients and ask us for help to make some awesome heat and serve meals! When planning a baby shower, some decide to skip the onesies and wipe-warmers and ask to be gifted Postpartum Doula hours instead!