A doula provides emotional and physical support as well as information to someone on their journey to parenthood. A few concrete examples are:

• emotional support if experiencing conception difficulties
• comfort measures during labour and birth
• Providing information about postpartum depression and anxiety

No, a midwife is a medical professional that make sure the baby and person giving birth are safe and healthy. A doula cannot perform any medical tasks such as pelvic exams or administering medications. A doula can physically support someone with nonmedical comfort measures only.

This is a personal decision and only you know how much support you need. That being said, research shows that there is benefits to having continuous support from a doula during childbirth. Some of those benefits are:

• 39% decrease in the risk of Cesarean*
• 15% increase in the likelihood of a spontaneous vaginal birth*
• 10% decrease in the use of any medications for pain relief*

I would also like to add that needing and asking for support at any point during your journey to parenthood shouldn’t be seen as a weakness or you not being a good parent. We forget that there was a time when an entire village used to raise every children and support families. It is normal to need help and support and you should not let modern society reinforce the belief that it is bad to ask for help.

*from Evidence Based Birth : https://evidencebasedbirth.com/the-evidence-for-doulas/

I accept to travel to offer in-person doula services in Invermere, Revelstoke, Banff and Canmore. If your location isn’t included, please contact me to discuss the possibility of me traveling there. A traveling fee could be charged for support too far outside of Golden.

I also can support people worldwide virtually (Yay for technology!)

The answer is quite simple: as early as you can! Here are a few reasons to book earlier than later:

• More time to get to know each other and form a relationship.
• One of the key to a positive birth or postpartum experience lies in preparation.
• It gives you an opportunity to spread the cost on a longer period.
• Pregnancy also requires emotional and physical support
• I only accept a few clients each months – Your spot is only secured once you paid the deposit

If you are worried about possibly changing your mind, I offer a full refund of the deposit if you cancel before the end of your first trimester (12 weeks).

When you book a postpartum support package, you also have to pay a deposit to make sure I have sufficient availability for the period you expect to receive support for. I suggest meeting at least once during the pregnancy to create a postpartum plan. After your baby is born, you can contact me to start receiving the support when you need it. I will send you my availability and you can pick when you want me to come. This can be done weekly or monthly depending on your needs until all the hours included in your package are used.

I also accept last minute bookings if my availability allows. Price will be discussed on a case by case basis depending on how much prenatal support can be provided.

No, the doula is there to support both the person giving birth and her partner. The partner will most likely also be on a roller coaster of emotions during the birth. The doula can take some of the pressure off the partner and allow them to fully sink in and enjoy the experience. The doula can also guide the partner to support the person giving birth by showing them how to perform comfort techniques or how to get involved in caring for their partner while they birth.

I wrote a full blog article about this : click here.

No, I support everyone no matter the outcome for the birth. It is your birth and your decisions; I am only there to make sure you are informed and feel empowered and supported.

No, I do not believe ”breast is best”. You are encouraged to make the decisions that work best for your family and I will support you in that. Though there is much benefits to body feeding, I do not believe there is a way of nourishing your child that will make you a better parent or is the definition of success. A successful feeding story is whatever you feel is working for you and that you feel informed and supported.

Were you just on my service page and wondered what the TENS machine included with the birth package is ? It stands for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation. You place electrodes on your back and the pulses act as a pain relief. It is a very effective and versatile drug-free pain management tool. The best part is you are in control of it and can play with the intensity of the pulses as you please. It’s safe for the baby and the one I lend is specific for labour. It’s the Elle Tens+ 3-in-1 .I provide new electrode pads for each client.

I do not use a rebozo for support pregnancy and birth or for postpartum ceremonies and practices. It isn’t part of my culture or traditions. I don’t believe it is my place to use one or that at this point I would be able to do it in a way that respects and honour its traditional origin fully.