Frequently Asked Questions

Britta Bushnell, Transformed by Birth_edited.jpg

What is a doula?

A doula is a trained and experienced non-medical professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to a pregnant person before, during and after birth.

A doula is a support directly for the birther, and their partner(s) (if applicable). Doula's are not medical professionals, however they can serve as a "middle person" between the healthcare workers and yourself.

Why should I hire a doula?

The benefits of hiring a doula are limitless, and choosing to do so is prioritizing your own well-being, and the well-being of your baby, through your transition to parenthood.

Research shows that hiring a doula can:

Reduce the risk of an emergency cesarean (39%), assisted births (forcepts + vacuum), or need for augmentation.
Increase the likelihood of a spontaneous vaginal delivery by 15%.
Decrease the need for medical pain management.
Improve the likelihood of high APGAR scores after birth and reduce the risk of low birth weight (4x less likely)
Reduced labor duration.
Reduce the likelihood of birth complications for themselves or their baby (2x less likely).
Significantly increase the likelihood of birth satisfaction as reported by the birther.

*stats from Evidence Based Birth*

What does a doula do?

A doula provides continuous emotional, physical and informational support, as well as advocacy.

Emotional Support:

Continuous, non-judgemental and supportive presence
Words of encouragement and reassurance
Helping you view your experience in a positive light.
Support with feelings of worry, overwhelm, disappointment or self-doubt.
Ensuring that you and your support(s) are taken care of
Mirroring and active listening

Physical Support

Understanding of the physiology of birth and providing physical support to assist the birthing process.
Use of massage, counter pressure or other physical comfort measures to support you in your labor journey.
Creating a calm, peaceful environment that is in tune with your wishes and promote the flow of oxytocin in the birthing process.
Applying hot/cold compresses, assisting with any of your physical needs.
Helping with your desired or preferred pushing positions.

Informational Support

Advocating for your wishes and rights
Translating medical jargon and providing information on options/interventions to ensure you are able to make an informed choice.
Helping you prepare for prenatal appointments with information on what you may expect throughout your pregnancy.
Understanding the physiology of birth, and the stages of labor to support you in feeling in control, and informed.

What does a doula NOT do?

Doula's are not medical professionals,
and therefore they do not:

Offer personal advice, just evidence-based facts so you can make your own informed choice.
Replace or substitute for a doctor, midwife or other healthcare professional (ie. nurse, lactation consultant)
Speak for you. I will advocate on your behalf, however I do not make medical decisions for you or intervene in your clinical care.
Pressure you into a specific decision based on my own personal beliefs or preferences.
Replace your partner(s); I work alongside you as a continuous support to help you feel empowered and in control.
Complete clinical exams such as fetal monitoring or cervical checks.

I would love to have a doula, but I am not sure I can afford it. What can I do?

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:

The BC Doulas for Aboriginal Families Grant Program - https://bcaafc.com/dafgp/families/

*I am registered*

The Doula Services Association of BC - Volunteer Doula Program

https://www.bcdoulas.org/volunteer.html