This is a post answering some Frequently Asked Questions I get about hiring a doula through pregnancy, labour and postpartum. I hope this answers some starter questions for you but if you want to know anything else, please don't hesitate to contact me
How much does a doula cost in Toronto?
Typically, doula packages range from $1500 to $4000 in Toronto
Are doulas covered by OHIP?
Unfortunately doula care is not covered by OHIP
Are doulas covered by insurance in Canada?
With doula support becoming increasingly demanded, insurance companies have started to add doula care to their coverage. There are insurance companies specifically for reproductive care (like Carrot Fertility) and companies like Sun Life are adding coverage to their Health Spending Accounts (HSA) for doulas certified with specific companies. Just be aware that women have been supporting women in birth since for a millennia and you do not need to be certified to be a professional, reputable and amazing doula so using coverage may limit your options. But it does help make this care more accessible!
Are doulas regulated in Ontario?
As mentioned above, being a doula is not a regulated profession. Women with wisdom have been helping their fellow woman birth for as long as we can remember (a lot of the women trialed for witchcraft were midwives, doulas and women who supported childbirth) and there is a lot of fear around this new 'trend' of being certified. While yes it can provide some comfortability for those hiring that they are working with someone who has past a knowledge test, 1. It doesn't mean you're going to get someone who is experience (that only comes with doing, not being able to recite theory) and 2. a doula's main responsibility is to support the mother during pregnancy, birth and labour, (wherever and however the woman choses is best for her) and to advocate for her rights and desires during this transformative time. When we introduce certification, regulation and requirements, we standardize the scope of practice and, especially in birth, one size doesn't fit all and birth cannot be standardized. We see all too often in this line of work that the standardization of care in labour can actually cause more problems and can very easily lead to abuse and trauma.
How long does a postpartum doula stay with you?
This completely depends on your own specific needs and the doula themselves. A birth doula for example will stay with you until a few hours after birth and generally provide a follow up session for a few hours within 2 weeks of birth. A postpartum doula however will generally provide consistent care for up weeks or months after baby and anywhere up to 1 year postpartum.
How do I choose between doulas?
Deciding on a doula is a really personal decision and depends on several factors. Price, availability and scope of practice (what kind of care they will provide eg light housework, breastfeeding help, overnight care) are all good factors to be considered when choosing your doula. But the biggest factor from my point of view is connection. You will be hiring this person to be in your birth space, to provide very personal care during the most vulnerable time in your life. You want to feel as comfortable and safe with that person as possible. So make sure you interview your doula well! Ask questions about things that are important to you. There are no such things as silly questions when speaking with a potential doula. The right doula for you will understand that any questions you ask are to ensure you're bring the right person into your space.
Can doulas deliver babies in Ontario?
Little me get a little woo-woo for a second here. No-one but you can deliver your baby. Not a midwife, not a doctor, not a doula. You and your body deliver your baby, medical professionals and emotional supports are there to ensure you and baby are ok during and after.
But to answer this question more directly. No. doula's are not medical professionals and are not allowed to 'deliver' babies. A doulas responsibility and scope of practice is to support you emotionally, physically and educationally and to advocate for your birth plan and desires for your birth.
Are doulas worth the money?
Absolutely! Having a baby is a long and tiring journey (they call it labour for a reason!) and having someone to make you feel strong, powerful and capable and to remind you of this throughout your labour is so empowering. The mind gives up LONG before the body (the body knows it can do this!) and if you're looking for as little intervention as possible, having someone to help your mind in the marathon will give you the best changes of avoiding c-section.
A common misconception is that doulas are just for those seeking a natural birth but this couldn't be further from the truth. Even if you want interventions like an epidural, a doula is knowledgable in how to work with your epidural to help reduce you having further interventions. They can help you understand medical procedures, facilitate communication with your healthcare team, and ensure your birth preferences are respected as much as possible within the medical context.
And on top of all this, doulas are a great support for partners! You may be the one going through labour but 2 parents are being born that night and that is generally a monuments, scary and nerve wracking moment for everyone involved. Having someone knowledgable and calm and 'on your team' can help partners relax and step out of advocator role and into a more intimate, supportive and involved role.
Is a postpartum doula worth it?
Yes. 100%. The newborn days are hard. They are filled with hormones, bleeding, sleep deprivation, routine changes, crying (you and baby), a drop in productivity, changes to relationships. It's hard work! But it doesn't last forever, and having a doula to help during these early days can help ease the transition. First time mum's can have a lot of anxiety and fears as they navigate this scenario for the first time and really, Google is no place for a new mum, it only serves to scare and confuse (trust me!) and new again mums are startled by the challenges that come with having to navigate the newborn days with toddlers or older children. Having an extra pair of hands around to help can be life (and mind) saving.
If you're someone who struggles with mental health issues or have any concerns regarding postpartum conditions such as depression, rage, psychosis etc., having someone around who has knowledge and/or experience in seeing the signs of these conditions and has resources for getting help should something start to show up, can be a huge comfort for new parents.
There are many reasons for doulas having value and being worth their rates. This list is not exhaustive. If you're being drawn to having a doula, then chances are you will see the benefit.
I hope this post has been helpful and has given some insight into the value of doulas, what you can expect to pay for doula support and how to find a doula that's right for you. Feel free to leave a comment if you have other questions so others can get the answers too!
