A birth doula is a support person who provides one-on-one, personalized care during pregnancy, labour and postpartum. A doula is an important part of the birth team, providing information, hands-on care and continuous support in labour in order to look out for the well-being of each client.

The one-on-one support that a doula provides is irreplaceable. Working together with your medical provider, a doula brings professional support with a personal touch. Your doula can help you understand your birth options so you can make informed decisions, can help you achieve a particular goal, and provides a level of care that is irreplaceable. Evidence shows that the benefits of having a doula include: fewer cesarean births, better breastfeeding outcomes, less need for pitocin, less need for pain medication, shorter labours, more positive birth experiences and lower rates of postpartum mood disorders.

Doulas provide care that is different from your medical care provider. While your medical team focuses on the clinical and medical aspects of the birth, doula support is relational - you build connection and trust; it is continuous - your doula supports you during pregnancy and then from early labour through to the birth of your baby; it is one-on-one - your doula is there just for you, providing hands-on comfort when you need it most.

Definitely not! In fact, doulas provide information and encouragement that often help a birthing person’s partner or other support person feel more confident in their involvement with pregnancy, labour and birth and the postpartum period. Plus, many couples say they feel closer to each other after going through birth with a doula by their side.

The ‘More than labour and birth’ class will definitely help you prepare for labour and birth - and that includes a VBAC. However, if you want more specific learning that might help you be more successful in your goals, you might want to consider either a private or semi-private class where we can spend more time on what matters most to you.

Whether you’re planning to birth at home, at the clinic or in the hospital, each class option that is offered will help you feel more comfortable with labour, more aware of your own birth plans and - hopefully - less fearful and more confident as you prepare to meet your little one.

I believe so deeply that a doula makes a difference, that I offer The Gentle Doula’s services on a sliding scale, based on what you feel you can afford to pay (from $850 to $1250). The same full service care is provided to everyone, regardless of fee.