Birth Doula (Labour Support) Service

A preliminary interview does not obligate you in any way. I will meet with you and your partner (if you have one) or other support person so that we can find out more about each other and the kind of work I do, and the role you see your Doula playing in your birth. I also bring a copy of my Letter of Agreement for you to look over and sign when you are ready.

Once you have made the decision to hire a Doula, we set up two more prenatal appointments. At these meetings we can discuss your wishes for your birth in more detail, including your philosophy around pain medications and other interventions. We'll talk about coping methods you already use, and discuss new ones you might want to adopt. We'll talk about how you and your partner work together under stressful conditions and what we can do for you to help facilitate that work. We can talk about positions for late pregnancy and labour, and try out the birth ball and massage tools.

“Thank you so much for your support and expertise around J's birth. Your knowledge helped us prepare well for the labour - our friends and family couldn't believe how calm and confident we were prenatally!”

I invite my clients to work out a draft birth plan, and to discuss any questions raised by the plan. I can recommend books and articles to read, and help you sort through the information in your hands to help you make the decisions that will work best for you. It's important to understand that Doulas are not midwives or doctors. We won't tell you what you should do. We can provide you with the tools to make good decisions, but we can't ever make them for you. I can't speak for you in the hospital, but I can help you find your voice.

I'm also available by phone for any questions that come up, or just for you to check in with after midwives/doctors appointments. It's good for us to keep up to date with any changes in your health or pregnancy.

I'm on call 24/7 for your birth. I ask clients to call when they think they may be in labour so we can discuss what happens next. Your Doula joins you at the point that you feel like you'd really benefit from an extra pair of hands, whenever that may be. I usually come to clients' homes during labour, but will meet you at the hospital if that is your preference when the time comes.

I stay with you throughout the labour and birth, and for the first 1-2 hours after the birth to help get breastfeeding established and ensure you, your partner and your baby are settled in together. I will stay with you throughout your birth experience even if that involves an epidural or unexpected caesarean section.

We meet again at least once after the baby is born, to see how you're settling in, to discuss your experience of childbirth, and to admire your baby.

I will arrange a back-up Doula for you in case an emergency prevents me from attending your birth. I encourage you to speak with or meet your back-up Doula if you choose. I draw on a network of Doulas I know and trust for back-up services.

My fee for Birth Doula services is $950. If you wish, you may check my Availability page before you contact me.