What is a doula? Do I really need one?
A doula is a trained professional who provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to their client before, during, and shortly after childbirth to help them achieve the healthiest, most satisfying experience possible. Countless scientific trials examining doula care demonstrate remarkably improved physical and psychological outcomes for both pregnant, birthing, and postpartum people and their baby. Doulas have a positive impact on the well-being of the entire family. You don't necessarily need a doula, but most people want one!
Can't my partner or best friend be my doula?
If your partner will be with you during labor, they are already fulfilling a very important role. They are the person in the room who knows you, and your preferences, best. They are bringing an amazing tool to your labor - their love and support. But they are not your doula. A doula is an impartial third party that can support both of you during your labor. Most partners will experience a range of emotions during labor, from joy and excitement to fear and nervousness.
Can't my partner or best friend be my doula?
If your partner will be with you during labor, they are already fulfilling a very important role. They are the person in the room who knows you, and your preferences, best. They are bringing an amazing tool to your labor - their love and support. But they are not your doula. A doula is an impartial third party that can support both of you during your labor. Most partners will experience a range of emotions during labor, from joy and excitement to fear and nervousness.
Many will forget all of the helpful tips or tricks they learned in birth class when the pressure is on. It is very difficult for someone to fully support you when they are managing their own intense emotions in a stressful setting! A doula can help you both navigate your emotions and guide you through any unexpected changes to your birth plan, allowing your partner to be fully present with you as your partner instead of as your birth attendant.
Your partner is the expert in you. A doula is the expert in birth. Together, we can create an amazing platform of support to make sure you've got an incredible support team around you as you prepare to meet your baby.
What does a doula do and not do?
Doulas nurture and support the birthing person throughout labor and birth. Their essential role is to provide continuous labor support, no matter what decisions the client makes or how they give birth. Importantly, the doula's role and agenda are tied solely to the birthing person's agenda. This is also known as primacy of interest. In other words, a doula's primary responsibility is to the birthing person - not to a hospital administrator, nurse, midwife, or doctor. A doula will focus on providing you with physical, emotional, and informational support throughout your labor. This may look like a labor massage or assisting with water therapy; providing you with reassurance, encouragement, and emotional support; or providing evidence-based information or guidance for decision-making during your birth. Your doula will also help you advocate for your needs and preferences, ensuring that your voice is heard and respected at all times.
A doula is not a medical care provider. We do not offer medical advice or provide clinical treatments, make decisions for you, or pressure you to make a particular choice for your care. Doulas do not take over the role of your partner, nor do we perform clinical tasks like monitoring your blood pressure, checking your baby's heart rate, or catching your baby.
What if I choose to have an epidural, or am undecided?
Doulas support ALL births. Doulas do not have any agenda and offer non-judgmental support. A doula's job is to help you make choices that are right for you - what those choices end up being are not important, so long as they are yours. Doulas are trained to support all kinds of births - at home, in the hospital, with midwives or doctor, medication free or with pain medication, vaginal or caesarean.
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We are on Indigenous land in Treaty 6 territory. Land occupied, travelled, and cared for by Indigenous peoples since time immemorial. This place – ᒥᐢᑿᒌᐚᐢᑲᐦᐃᑲᐣ, amiskwacîwâskahikan, Edmonton – is a traditional meeting ground, gathering place, and travelling route of the nêhiyawak (Cree), Anishinaabe (Saulteaux), Niitsitapi (Blackfoot), Métis, Dene, and Nakota Sioux.
The histories, languages, and cultures of these peoples enrich our shared heritage. We are all bound by the spirit and intent of Treaty. Too often these agreements between nations are excluded from the stories we tell about the past, this place, and ourselves. We must be truthful about what has happened in our communities and make meaningful decisions about who is included, who is represented, and how we reflect.
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