FAQ

Why Choose a Doula?

The acceptance of doulas in maternity care is growing rapidly with the recognition of their important contribution to the improved physical outcomes and emotional well-being of mothers and infants.
Research shows that infant health problems are significantly reduced with the presence of a doula.
Research also shows that having a doula present helped women have:
 
   30% less narcotics use
   40% less Pitocin use
   25% shorter labours
   50% fewer cesarean deliveries
   60% fewer epidurals
   40% fewer instrumental deliveries

Studies have shown that the physician/doula team often result in better and more positive outcomes than a physician working alone.
Doulas recognize birth as a unique experience in a woman's life. Her role is to nurture and protect the woman's memory of her birth experience. A doula understands the physiology of birth and recognizes that women in labour have unique emotional needs. A doula provides an objective viewpoint, advocacy and assistance to the woman so she is able to make decisions that are good for her. A doula also facilitates communication between the labouring woman, her partner and clinical careproviders.


Who performs clinical duties?
All clinical duties are performed by doctors, midwives and nurses. The doula does not perform any clinical duties.


I already have my partner to support me.....
Doulas support and respect the special role of the father/partner as she tends to the continuous needs and wants of the mother and her family. Studies show higher rates of father/partner participation when a doula is present.


What if the doula gets sick or she has two clients in labour at the same time?
Most doulas work with at least one back-up doula. You will meet with the back-up prenatally. You have as much choice over your back-up doula as you do over your primary doula.


Are references available?
Yes.  You can see what my Clients have said on my Clients page and I will be happy to provide the hard copies of the references upon request.


At what point in my pregnancy should I contact a doula?
Doulas can be hired as early as the first trimester and as late as the ninth month of pregnancy. As long as there is time to meet at least once before the labour and birth.


Is a doula like a midwife?
The doula does not perform the tasks of a midwife. The midwife is a primary caregiver who is trained and responsible for the clinical aspects of birth, although she also provides emotional support.