However, you may not be aware of what a doula is, what services they may provide, or how doulas collaborate with other health care professionals of the birth and postpartum team?.
In this blog, Mama Doula Canada will explain what a doula is, as well as provide a deeper explanation of their doula service and suggestions on how to choose a professional doula.
Keep reading to learn more.
Who is a doula?
During pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period, a doula is a professional who is trained to give physical and emotional support to pregnant/birthing people and help the new families. They are pregnancy, labour and postpartum companions whose mission is to assist families in having safe, healthy, and enjoyable labor and parenting experience.
Unlike an OB/GYN or midwife, a doula does not have medical training; instead, they are there to serve as a soothing voice of experience, assist with relaxation and breathing exercises,provide guidance on labor positions, making sure their wishes are acknowledged and respected.
A doula can also serve as a facilitator and advocate, holding space for their clients to voice their wishes and preferences to the medical teams, or translating medical words, and explaining procedures so they feel more confident to make decisions. This type of support usually leads to less medical interventions during labour and more satisfactory birthing experiences.
And when they get home with their brand new baby, the doula is also there, to ensure some deserved rest moments,and tips to encourage them to navigate this journey with confidence.
Now that you know the role of a doula, you might want to learn about our services.
1. The wonder weeks mama doula postpartum care
With ongoing support during the first six weeks after delivery, this is the most comprehensive postpartum service package on the market and offers care and help to understand the baby’s needs and set healthy and sustainable choices regarding soothing, caring, feeding, sleeping, and resting for parents.
This package is composed of twenty nights and twenty-two-day shifts, in a combination of alternated day and night shifts shared by a doula’s duo, so that you have support every day if that is your wish.
2. Early morning postpartum care
We offer flexibility for families who need extra time before the sun rises to care for older kids or stretch sleep to regain energy.
We can provide five hours of professional support in caring for you and your baby, so you can rest, sleep, and get replenished for the day.
3. Overnight postpartum care
This is an eight-hour session of essential night support for families seeking specialized baby care with the main purpose of helping parents to recover from sleep deprivation.
By observing the environment, understanding the family’s habits and preferences, and the newborn behaviors, a professional doula can also help parents with tips to establish a consistent routine and healthy sleeping habits for the little one.
4. Whole care support for labor and birth
This service includes two prenatal consults, in-person support during labor and birth, one postpartum visit, and private group chat support up to six weeks postpartum.
Consider this package if you:
a. Are first-time parents or experienced parents that would like to have extra support
b. Are seeking comprehensive information about pregnancy and birth
c. Feel like physical and emotional support will help you to be relaxed and confident during labor and birth
d. Wish to feel calm, positive, and ready for the postpartum period
5. Blended care labor and birth support
Two ONLINE prenatal consults, in-person support during labor and birth, one in-person postpartum visit, and unlimited support via WhatsApp from the contract’s signature up to six weeks postpartum
Consider this package if you:
a. Are first-time parents or experienced parents that would like to have extra support
b. Seek comprehensive information about pregnancy & birth
c. Feel like physical and emotional support will help you to be relaxed and confident during labor and birth
d. Wish to feel calm, positive, and ready for the postpartum period
e. Prefer to have less in-person contact before delivery
What should I consider when choosing a doula?
A. State clearly your expectations
When enlisting the services of a doula, make sure you state clearly your expectations about what you want for your pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.
B. Look for references
The best way to find a doula is through word-of-mouth referrals. Start by asking your health care practitioner as well as family and friends for recommendations. Remember to listen to your gut and choose a professional who speaks and acts based on scientific evidence.
B. Is trustworthy and dependable
A doula will be with you during the most intimate experience of your life, so it’s important to make sure that the doula you choose knows and respects your core values, priorities, and goals.
For more information about doula services, reach out to Mama Doula Canada. We are a team of multi-language birth and postpartum doulas in Canada, established in 2018. We provide services for people through fertility struggles, pregnancy, labor or birth, and postpartum. Ranging from education-based workshops and classes to in-person care or support during the birthing journey, so they can feel empowered and enjoy every moment. To learn more about our services, please click here or get in touch with our team by clicking here.