what does a birth doula do, really?

If you've been researching birth doulas, you've probably read that "doulas provide physical, emotional and informational support during pregnancy and childbirth". Amiright?

But what does doula support ACTUALLY look like on the big day (or days...sorry) of birthing?

physical support

I might do things like help you into different labour positions, wipe your brow, apply warm packs to your back, squeeze your hips (trust me, it feels good), remind you to breathe, offer water, massage your back, catch vomit, get you a Popsicle, offer acupressure, walk the halls with you or snap mediocre photos.

emotional support

I may help your partner feel confident in supporting you, offer words of encouragement, be a shoulder to cry on, offer a gentle hand on your shoulder, be a calming presence, tell jokes (only during the "jokes are still funny" part of labour, of course), listen, offer reassurance or watch Friends with you during early labour.

information support

I will be there to answer all your questions, hold space so you can make decisions, inform you about possible interventions, help you decide when yo go to the hospital, assure you that everything is normal (or alert you when something might not be), help distinguish between stages of labour and time contractions.

patient, calm & fun to be around!

"I did not have a doula for my first birth, so I can attest to the HUGE difference it made having Justine there with me for the birth of my second son. There were some unexpected complications when my labour began - despite that, I felt completely supported and in control of my own birth which is exactly what I had hoped for this time around. Thank you so much Justine for your comforting guidance and support. You are so patient, calm and fun to be around!"

doula care perks

I offer 3 different birth doula packages to best tailor to my client's individual needs, and each package consists of a different combination of the perks below.

The Packages

consultation

This complimentary consultation is a chance for you to get to know me and determine if I would make a good fit for your birth team.

regular prenatal visit

During these 1-hr visits, we can discuss your birth preferences, review what to expect during labour & simply get to know each other a bit better.

prenatal education visit

During these 2-hr visits, we will go through my complete series of childbirth education classes, including visual aids and interactive activities.

postpartum visit

During these 1-hr visits, I can sit with you while you process your birth experience and answer any questions you may have about infant feeding, sleeping, postpartum recovery and adjusting to life with baby.

phone & Email support

I will be available throughout your pregnancy to respond to questions, to chat, or to listen to your concerns. I can be reach by phone, text or email during business hours.

MOTHERBOARD BIRTH

Motherboard Birth lets you research, create and share a visual birth preferences list in real-time. 1-year membership valued at $50.

on-call

I go on-call starting at 38 weeks and stay on-call until baby arrives earth-side. This means that during this period I do not leave the city or make big plans in preparation for your call saying it's go time!

40-page ebook

This 40-page eBook is complete with all the information that we review in class, tips, tricks, and much more! Basically Sparks notes for the course. Written by yours truly.

EARLY LABOUR SUPPORT

I'm not just there in active labour! I can come to your home in early labour to answer your questions and help you decide when to go to the hospital.

birth support

Once labour has started and you feel like you need support, I will meet you wherever you are, home or hospital. I will provide continuous labour support until after baby arrives, however long it takes.

backup doula zoom

You don't want a stranger at your birth, amiright? But sometimes life happens and I can't be there. That's why every client gets a meeting with their lovely backup doula!

postpartum support

I will remain with you for about one hour after baby arrives earthside, to assist with the first latch, get snacks, and help you get comfortable.