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Doula
Services
Childbirth
Doula :: Postpartum
Doula :: FAQ
:: Comfort
Measures
“My husband
and I had a wonderful experience with Angela as our Doula,
she was easy to talk to and was always available for my questions
and
concerns. Angela encouraged me to have a birth plan ready for
the birth of my
first child, and respected my decisions within it. Having Angela
during my
labour was great, she was very tuned in to my needs and what I
was
experiencing. Angela helped my husband help me deal with the labour
pains by
suggesting different methods of comfort at different stages of
my labour. Having
Angela with us during labour made the birth of our child a memorable
one, and we would definitely use her services again for our next
baby!" - Caroline, Steve and Jaiden Peace
What is a doula? The word
doula originated in Greece and today refers to a professional
who provides emotional, physical and informational support to
childbearing women and their families during pregnancy, birth
and postpartum.
As a birth doula, I assist
women and their partners in having an informed and positive birth
experience. I support their choices and provide continuous comfort
and reassurance in the non-clinical aspects of care, at home or
in the hospital.
As a postpartum doula, I
assist mothers and their families as they adjust and gain confidence
in their new roles. I support the mother in caring for herself
and her baby, as well as provide assistance with household chores
and care of siblings.
Why hire a doula? Studies have shown that
doula-assisted labours tend to be shorter with less need for technical
aid, and result in greater maternal satisfaction. In April 2003
Health Canada issued a report on Family-Centred Maternity and
Newborn Care, affirming that the support of a doula results in
positive outcomes.
For more information on doulas,
I recommend the following resources:
Gurevich, Rachel. The Doula Advantage: Your
Complete Guide to Having an
Empowered and Positive Birth with the Help of a Professional Childbirth
Assistant. Roseville, CA: Prima Publishing, 2003. ISBN: 0-7615-0058-8
Klaus, Kennell and Klaus. The Doula Book: How
a Trained Labor Companion
Can Help You Have a Shorter, Easier, and Healthier Birth,
2nd Ed. Cambridge, Mass: Perseus Publishing, 2002. ISBN: 0-7382-0609-1
DONA. Doulas: Making a Difference.
VHS. 14 mins.
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