Frequently Asked Questions
What is your role as a doula in our birth experience?
As a birth doula, I see my role as being a mentor and a guide. I incorporate both my Lamaze and Birthing From Within training into my doula practice. I believe that birth preparation is an integral part of the service that I offer. It prepares the woman/couple for birth and also for the transition to parenthood. I am present during the labour and birth to mentor and guide the woman/couple by helping them to stay focused in the birth process, to provide needed information and emotional support. My intent is to support the woman/couple in creating a positive and healthy birth experience. I provide breastfeeding support following the birth.
If we hire you as a doula will you replace my partner at the birth?
No one can replace your partner, as the person who knows you so well and loves you so deeply his/her support is invaluable. I am there to support your partner as well as you so both can be fully involved in the process.
Do you support women who choose to have a medicated birth?
Birth is a very personal life experience . My role as a birth doula is to provide information so women/couples can make the choices that are right for them and then I support their choices.
What if I hire you and then find out I have to have a cesarean birth?
As a birth doula I help you prepare for birth and the transition to parenthood. Part of that preparation is to develop skills that will enable you to deal with unexpected outcomes such as a cesarean birth. A cesarean birth involves major abdominal surgery. Both you and your partner will benefit from having me with you during the surgery. I will help you both stay focused in the birth process, provide information and emotional support as well as breastfeeding support in the recovery room. If your baby needs to be separated from you, your partner can go with the baby and I will remain with you to provide emotional support.
Isn't Lamaze about learning to breathe your way through labour?
Lamaze birth education focuses on increasing women's/couples confidence in being active participants in their birth process. Women/couples have the opportunity to learn many strategies, breathing being one of them, to facilitate a positive and healthy birth experience.
Will birth preparation benefit me if I choose to have a medicated birth?
Yes! Birth preparation not only prepares you for birth but for the transition to parenthood. These interactive sessions will provide you with the opportunity to gain confidence, knowledge and skills that will enable you to make informed choices during your pregnancy and birth process that are right for you. Partners gain knowledge, build skills and the confidence in providing the vital support needed during pregnancy, labour, birth, breastfeeding and postpartum.