Question 1

What is a Doula and what are the benefits?

Accepted Answer

A doula is a trained support professional dedicated to caring for you and your partner(s) throughout pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum journey. As your doula, I work for you—not a hospital, system, or organization—because your well-being is my priority. My role is to provide evidence-based information, emotional support, and physical comfort at every stage, ensuring you feel empowered, informed, and deeply supported. Think of me as your advocate, guide, and trusted companion, here to help you navigate this transformative time with confidence and care.

The benefits of hiring a doula are truly endless. Research shows that having a doula can:
Reduce the risk of an emergency cesarean by 39%, as well as the need for assisted births (forceps, vacuum) or other interventions.
Increase the likelihood of a spontaneous vaginal birth by 15%.
Decrease the need for medical pain management.
Improve newborn well-being scores after birth and reduce the risk of low birth weight (4x less likely!).
Shorten labor duration.
Lower the chances of birth complications for both the birther and baby (2x less likely).
Significantly increase overall birth satisfaction, helping you feel more positive and empowered about your experience.

Having a doula means having someone who is there just for you—offering guidance, reassurance, and continuous care during this incredible life-changing moment.  (Stats from Evidence Based Birth)

Question 2

What does a doula do/not do?

Accepted Answer

A doula provides continuous emotional, physical, and informational support while advocating for you and your choices. My role is to ensure you feel seen, heard, and fully supported throughout your journey.

Emotional Support
A steady, non-judgmental presence, offering encouragement and reassurance.
Helping you see your experience in a positive light.
Providing comfort during moments of worry, overwhelm, disappointment, or self-doubt.
Ensuring that both you and your support team are cared for.
Active listening and mirroring your needs with empathy and understanding.
Physical Support
Using my knowledge of birth physiology to support your body’s natural process.
Offering massage, counterpressure, and other comfort techniques to ease labor.
Creating a calm, peaceful birth environment that aligns with your wishes and encourages oxytocin flow.
Assisting with hot/cold compresses and other physical needs.
Helping you find comfortable and effective positions for labor and pushing.
Informational Support
Advocating for your wishes and ensuring your voice is heard.
Breaking down medical jargon so you can fully understand your options and make informed decisions.
Helping you prepare for prenatal appointments by offering insights on what to expect.
Providing knowledge on the stages of labor and the birth process so you feel confident and in control.

Doulas are not medical professionals, which means:
I don’t give personal advice—only evidence-based information to help you make the best decisions for yourself.
I don’t replace your doctor, midwife, nurse, or lactation consultant.
I don’t make medical decisions for you or intervene in your clinical care—I advocate for your rights but never speak for you.
I don’t pressure you into any choices; your decisions are always yours to make.
I don’t replace your partner(s)—I work alongside them to support and empower you both.
I don’t perform medical procedures like fetal monitoring or cervical checks.

My role is to walk with you through this journey, offering unwavering support, encouragement, and knowledge—so you feel empowered, informed, and deeply cared for every step of the way.

Question 3

Can I have a midwife and a doula?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! A midwife and a doula make a wonderful team, each playing a unique role in your care. As your doula, I work alongside your midwife and support team to ensure you feel nurtured, informed, and empowered throughout pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.

A midwife is a trained healthcare provider who specializes in caring for you throughout pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period. They are your primary care provider, responsible for medical assessments, monitoring your health, and ensuring the safety of both you and your baby.

A doula, on the other hand, is a continuous source of emotional, physical, and informational support for both you and your partner. While I don’t provide medical care, my role is to offer comfort, guidance, and advocacy so you feel empowered and informed every step of the way. Research shows that doula support is linked to fewer medical interventions, higher rates of physiological birth, and greater overall satisfaction with the birth experience.

Research shows that having both a midwife and a doula leads to the lowest rates of birth complications and cesarean births, while also increasing overall satisfaction and positive feelings about the birth experience.

Question 4

My partner wants to be involved. How do you work with partners?

Accepted Answer

My role is never to replace your partner—instead, I work alongside them to create the best support team for you. Your partner knows you better than anyone, and I bring knowledge of birth physiology and emotional support to help guide the process.

I can offer suggestions to help them support you, provide reassurance when they need it, and step in if they ever need a moment to rest or recharge. Together, we make the perfect team.

Question 5

Do you support hospital and home births?

Accepted Answer

No matter where you decide to welcome your baby—at home, in a hospital, or at a birth center—I will be there to support you every step of the way. This is your birth, and my role is to walk alongside you, ensuring you feel empowered, safe, and supported in your choices.

I love witnessing the strength and comfort that comes with home births, where birthers can fully embrace their space and power. I also love supporting those who choose to labor at home before transferring to the hospital when the time feels right. Whether you choose to have an unmedicated or medicated birth, I am here to walk alongside you no matter how you choose to birth your baby.

Wherever you birth, we can create a calm, peaceful environment that honours your wishes and helps you feel deeply supported.

Question 6

Doulas can be expensive. Are there supports to cover the cost?

Accepted Answer

Doulas are not covered by MSP, and I recognize that this is not accessible for everyone. Hopefully one day having a doula can be a universal right for all women (I mean look at the benefits above).

I am a Registered Social Worker, and if you have extended benefits you may be able to claim all, or a portion, of your doula fees. I will provide you with a detailed receipt upon payment which can be submitted to your extended benefit provider.

Other options are:
I am registered with The BC Doulas for Aboriginal Families Grant Program - https://bcaafc.com/dafgp/families/

The Doula Services Association of BC - Volunteer Doula Program
https://www.bcdoulas.org/volunteer.html

Add a "Doula Fund" to your baby registry so your loved ones can help support you with paying for your doula, whether it be for birth or postpartum.

Ask about payment plans to make smaller payments, or explore the DIY Doula package as a more affordable option.

Question 7

Do you offer postpartum doula support as well?

Accepted Answer

Yes, I am passionate about supporting new families from day 1 to promote attachment, confidence, and prioritize your mental wellness throughout the first few months of parenthood. Please check out my Postpartum Support page for more details.

Question 8

What if I end up needing or choosing to have a cesarean? Can you still help?

Accepted Answer

If you choose or require a cesarean (belly birth) for medical reasons, know that you still deserve unwavering support. Birth is birth—whether your baby arrives vaginally or via belly birth—and you have rights and options every step of the way. As your doula, I’m here to help you understand those options, make informed choices, and feel empowered throughout your experience.

At KGH, only one support person is permitted in the OR, and I completely understand that your partner will likely be your first choice. Even if I can’t be physically by your side in the OR, we can work together to create a belly birth plan that honors your wishes, explore ways to advocate for a gentle, family-centered experience, and ensure you feel fully prepared. I will also be there to provide immediate postpartum support, helping you recover, bond with your baby, and settle into this new chapter.

Belly birthers deserve just as much support, care, and celebration as anyone else. No matter how your baby enters the world, your birth story matters.

Empowering Your Path to Parenthood

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Choosing a doula is a deeply personal decision, and it’s truly an honor to be considered as part of your journey. Below are some frequently asked questions to help you feel more informed and supported as you explore your options.