Home
About Us
Membership
Doula Services
Classes & Workshops
Upcoming Events
Resources
Shopping
Contact Us
Site Map
 

What is a doula?

A doula is:

 

Does a doula take the place of the father ?

 

A doula does not replace or interfere with the father; rather she enhances the father’s role. A doula can actually bring a couple closer together. This is a challenging time for both mother and father. Fathers worry they are not doing enough and find it difficult to see their partner going through the birth process and unable to take away the physical pain. A doula helps him to care for and support his partner by giving suggestions for comfort techniques, position changes, providing encouragement and reassurance, and giving needed breaks during a long labour.

Fathers often become overwhelmed and easily frustrated when the simple comfort techniques taught to them don't work, and a doula can help offer the right suggestion at the appropriate time, helping him use his support skills better.

A doula has attended many births with couples and gained the knowledge needed to help each couple achieve the desired birth experience. She helps the father to be more involved as the nurses cannot be with the birthing woman at every moment. The doula enhances the experience so that parents receive the information they need to make informed decisions. In essence, freeing up the father to provide un-interrupted emotional support to his partner, and not having to play the role of advocate, liaison, educator etc...as well as provide support.

 

What's involved?

 

I like to meet with you at least five times before your due date in order to establish a sense of your desires for your labour and birth and to develop a rapport with both yourself and your partner.

The initial visit is usually in the comfort of your home. During this visit we meet one another and outline the services that I offer. This is also a time for us to ask questions of one another and see if we are compatible. If you wish to continue with Irie Birth Labour Support, I will send you an information package and set up the next appointments. These visits include a discussion of such topics as your birth ideals and what might be expected, a walk through labour, possible and realistic signs of labour, resources available to you, your expectations of my role, comfort measures and the chance to continue getting to know each other.

I'm then available to you 24 hours a day, from 2 weeks before your due date until after the birth of your baby. During the last weeks of pregnancy I stay in close touch with you and offer advice and empathy as you prepare for your birth. In the event that you begin labour before 38 weeks I will make every effort to be available to you. At the time of labour I am available to offer my continual emotional, physical and informational support until after the birth of your baby. Once you are home with your baby I am available for support and advice with any newborn issues you may have.

The final visit will come approximately 1-2 weeks after the birth of your baby. We will discuss the labour and birth and fill in any blanks you may have. This is a time to admire your baby as well and offer any community support you may require for topics such as breastfeeding or the post-partum blues.