Doula Services

What is a doula?

A doula is a trained professional who provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to a mother before, during, and after childbirth, during miscarriage and grief, and even during abortion, to help her achieve the healthiest, most satisfying experience possible.

How does a doula differ from a midwife?

While both doulas and midwives support women during childbirth, their roles are distinct. A midwife is a medical professional who can deliver babies and provide medical care. A doula, on the other hand, focuses on providing emotional and physical support and does not perform medical tasks. 

 

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.

 

Are doulas regulated in Ontario?

Birth doulas are not regulated by the government in Ontario, meaning there is no official regulatory body overseeing their practice. However, many doulas choose to become certified through professional associations.

 

Can doulas deliver babies in Ontario?

Let 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. 

I have a scope of practice page with a little more info on that.

 

Do I need a birth doula?

The decision to have a birth doula is personal and depends on your individual needs and preferences. A doula can provide valuable support, especially if you desire continuous emotional and physical assistance during labor and delivery.

 

What are the benefits of having a birth doula?

Having a birth doula can lead to a more positive birth experience. Benefits include emotional support, reduced stress and anxiety, fewer medical interventions, and assistance in advocating for your birth preferences.

 

I want a medicalized birth (with epidural and drugs); do I still need a doula?

Yes!, a doula can still be beneficial even if you plan to have an epidural. They provide support before the epidural is administered, help with positioning and comfort measures, and offer emotional support throughout the process.

 

What does a postpartum doula do?

A postpartum doula assists families in the early days after birth by providing support with infant care, breastfeeding guidance, household tasks, and emotional support to help the family adjust to their new roles.

 

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. Standard is 2- 4 months

 

Is a postpartum doula worth it?

A postpartum doula can be extremely helpful in easing the transition into parenthood by providing support and education, which many families find valuable during this period.

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. 

 

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.

Birth Preparation Classes

What topics are covered in birth preparation classes?

Classes typically cover labor and delivery processes, pain management techniques, birth plans, partner support, and postpartum care. They aim to empower expectant parents with knowledge and confidence.

When should I start taking birth preparation classes?

It's recommended to start classes in the second or third trimester, around 28-32 weeks of pregnancy, to ensure you complete them before the birth.

Yoga

What are the benefits of prenatal yoga?

Prenatal yoga helps improve flexibility, strength, and endurance needed for childbirth. It also promotes relaxation, reduces stress, and can alleviate common pregnancy discomforts.

Do I need prior yoga experience to join prenatal yoga sessions?

No prior experience is necessary. Our classes are designed to accommodate all levels and focus on safe practices for pregnancy.

When is it safe to start postnatal yoga after childbirth?

You can typically start postnatal yoga after receiving clearance from your healthcare provider, usually around six weeks postpartum for a vaginal birth and eight weeks for a cesarean section.

Do I need previous yoga experience to join a postnatal class?

No prior yoga experience is necessary. Postnatal yoga classes are designed to accommodate all levels, including beginners.

Can I bring my baby to postnatal yoga classes?

Yes, my postnatal yoga classes welcome babies, especially those of pre-crawling age. This allows you to bond with your baby while participating in the class.

Financial and Insurance Questions

How much does a doula cost in Toronto?

The cost of hiring a birth doula in Toronto generally ranges from $1,500 to $4,000. This often includes pre- and post-birth visits, labor support, and additional services depending on the doula's offerings.

 

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!

I hope this FAQ has answered your questions about our services. For more information or to book a service, please use the contact form