FAQs

Answering Your Questions

FAQ: FAQ

What is a doula?

A doula is a person who supports women and their families during pregnancy, birth, and the postnatal period. Most have completed training in pregnancy and birth and have a wide range of backgrounds. Doulas provide continuous emotional, physical, and informational support to families during the birth of their child.

A doula is not a medical professional. They do not perform medical tests or make diagnoses. Doulas do not judge you for your choices or let their personal values get in the way of providing you unbiased support. They do not replace your birth partner, but work to support you both to have a positive experience.

What is the evidence for a doula?

According to the 2011 Cochrane Review, Continuous Support for Women During Childbirth and other Evidenced Based Birth studies have shown that birthing persons who have a doula present during labour and birth are

More likely to have a spontaneous vaginal delivery
More likely to have a shorter labour
Less likely to give birth with vacuum or forceps assistance
Less likely to have a caesarean birth
Less likely to need any pain medication during the labour and birth
Less likely to develop postnatal depression
More likely for the birthing person and their partner to describe the birth as a positive experience

What areas and hospitals do you cover?

I am based in East Toronto and attend births at homes, birth centres, and hospitals that I can reach within 60-90 minutes. These include, but are not limited to:

Toronto Birth Centre
Michael Garron Hospital
Mount Sinai Hospital
Sunnybrook Hospital
St. Michael's Hospital
North York General Hospital
Etobicoke General Hospital
Mississauga Hospital
Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital
Brampton Civic Hospital
St. Joseph's
Credit Valley Hospital

When should I book a doula?

As soon as possible and when you are ready. I can get booked well in advance of due dates, but am happy to be there for you if your due date is in a couple of weeks, days, or a week ago.

Do you attend home and hospital births?

Yes. I am here to support your choices and, if you aren't sure, will help you find the information you need to make a decision that is right for your family.

Do you offer emergency doula support?

Yes. I am here to support you, no matter your stage in pregnancy. Please call or email as soon as you can to discuss how I can help.

How do doulas support the non-birthing parent or other birth partners?

A common misconception is that a doula will replace other non-birthing parents or birth partners, As a doula, I am here to support you AND your birth partner. I will never try to replace your birth partner or push them aside. I work alongside your birth partner to provide support and reassurance, freeing them up to focus on you or have a much needed washroom break without worrying about leaving you alone.