Introduction to Doula Support

What Does a Doula Do?
Understanding Birth and Postpartum Support

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This blog post is the first in a series looking at what doula care is and does. The aim of this blog post is to give an overview of what care looks like. Subsequent posts will provide an in depth look at the care I personally like to provide the clients that I work with. 

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The Essence of Doula Support

Imagine embarking on a sacred journey through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum with a knowledgeable guide by your side. That's exactly what a doula offers – a nurturing presence to support you through one of life's most transformative experiences. But what exactly does a doula do, and how can we work together to create the birth experience you desire?

A doula is a person of knowledge, offering emotional, physical, and informational support during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. We're not medical professionals, but rather companions who hold space for you, advocate for your wishes, and provide comfort throughout your journey into parenthood.

PREGNANCY SUPPORT

During pregnancy, a doula can:
- Help you create a birth plan aligned with your desires
- Offer evidence based prenatal education and resources
- Provide emotional support and a listening ear

Doulas work with you to explore relaxation and visualization techniques that can serve you well during labor.

BIRTH SUPPORT

When labor begins, your doula becomes your rock:
- Offering comfort measures and pain management techniques
- Encouraging and empowering you through contractions
- Facilitating communication with your medical team

Doulas empower you and your partner, ensuring you feel heard and supported throughout the entire process.

POSTPARTUM SUPPORT

After birth, a doula continues to nurture:
- Assisting with newborn care and breastfeeding
- Providing emotional support during the transition to parenthood
- Offering practical help around the house

Doula’s are also trained to screen for postpartum mood disorders, ensuring you have the support you need during this vulnerable time.

It's important to understand that while doulas offer comprehensive support, we have a specific scope of practice. We do not:

• Perform clinical or medical tasks
• Make decisions for you or your partner
• Speak to medical staff on your behalf (unless explicitly asked)
• Replace the role of your partner or other support person

Instead, we work alongside your medical team and your partner, enhancing communication and ensuring you have all the information you need to make informed decisions about your care.

Speaking of partners, doula support generally extends to them as well. Partners will be guided in providing effective support, offered respite during long labours, and will be provided emotional support if they feel overwhelmed. Many partners find that having a doula allows them to be more present and involved in the birth experience allowing for more intimacy between the couple during labour which can have incredibly positive effects on the birth. Hello Oxytocin!

 

The Magic of Doula Care

Research shows that having a doula can lead to more positive birth experiences, reduced interventions, and improved outcomes for both mother and baby. Studies saw a 39% decrease in the risk of Cesarean birth, a 15% increase in the likelihood of a spontaneous vaginal birth, and a 10% decrease in the use of any pain medication. Doula-supported births also tend to be shorter, with labours averaging 41 minutes less than those without doula support. We bring a calming energy to the birth space, helping you tap into your innate wisdom and strength.

A doula is there to support you in creating the birth experience you desire, whether that's a home water birth or a planned cesarean. Their role is to empower you with knowledge, validate your choices, and help you feel heard and supported every step of the way.

 

So what do I offer as a doula?

As your doula, I offer all of the things above but I can also bring a touch of magic and ancient wisdom to your birthing experience, helping you connect with the sacred energy of birth and your own innate power.

YOGA

As well as a doula I am a certified perinatal yoga specialist. I pre and post natal classes out of Midtown’s Tiny Tots (745 Mount Pleasant Road) every week. These classes include:
- Educational topics from a certified doula on things pertaining to pre and post natal
- Breath work and meditation to help work with contractions during labour, promote relaxation during pregnancy and reduce anxiety often seen in postpartum
- Safe and beneficial asana practice that will strengthen, prepare and heal the body

WEAVING MAGIC INTO BIRTH

As your magical birth companion, I bring:
- Guided visualizations to help you envision a positive birth experience
- Breath and energy work to balance and align
- Ritual facilitation such as burying the placenta.

Depending on your level of woo, I can also include any of the following:

CRYSTAL HEALING

I carefully select crystals to support you throughout your labor:

Example
- Rose quartz for unconditional love and emotional healing
- Moonstone to enhance intuition and promote a smooth labor
- Black tourmaline for grounding and protection
Crystals can be placed around your birth space or held during labor to harness their energies.

SACRED SMOKE

If you’re wanting a home birth, with your permission, I use carefully chosen incense or herbs to cleanse and bless your birthing area:

Example
- Sage for purification and new beginnings (This will be sourced from indigenous peoples to help persevere this sacred herb. These smoke cleansings are not a smudging, I am not indigenous and do not perform indigenous ceremonies)
- Lavender for relaxation and peace
- Frankincense to invite spiritual awareness and protection
The gentle aroma can help create a serene atmosphere, transforming any space into a sacred birthing temple.

ANCESTRAL CONNECTION

I'll guide you in connecting with your female ancestors, drawing upon their strength and wisdom:

Example
- We can create a small altar with photos or objects representing your lineage
- I'll lead you through meditations to invite their loving presence
- Together, we can craft a special prayer or mantra to honour their support
This practice can be deeply empowering, helping you tap into the collective wisdom of generations of birthing women.

By incorporating these elements, we can create a birth experience that honours the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of bringing new life into the world.

Remember, these practices are always optional and tailored to your comfort level. My goal is to support you in whatever way feels most aligned with your vision for your birth. Let's work together to create a truly magical and empowering birth experience that celebrates you as the birthing goddess you are.

Are you ready for your birth journey? Let's connect and explore how doula support can transform your experience. Reach out to schedule a free consultation and let's begin this sacred journey together. Your body, your baby, and your birth – supported with wisdom, compassion, and a sprinkle of magic.