Birth Beginnings Childbirth is a profound rite of passage a woman remembers for life.

Doula What is a Doula? "I felt like I needed someone there to comfort me about what was going on with my pregnant body. To reassure me that things were normal. Whenever I had questions she was there - a true wealth of information. She was always available." - Jocelyn A Doula is professionally trained in childbirth to offer physical and emotional support, information about the birth process, the available technologies and alternatives. A doula does not replace the woman's partner or care providers. She will not make decisions or speak for her clients. She does not project her own values and goals onto her client, or discourage the woman from her choices. A Doula does not perform any clinical tasks, therefore allowing her focus to stay entirely on the birthing woman and her partner. A Birth Doula is hired by you to work with you and for you. A Doula... Offers one-on-one support for a woman and her partner in labour Stays with the woman throughout labour Helps the woman to achieve the birth of her choice Compliments the woman's partner and clinical care providers Recognizes birth as a key life experience Suggests positions and techniques for comfort and progress Encourages and validates feelings Helps parents to understand their options Provides information "Continuous support from a doula during labour provides physical and emotional benefits for mothers and health bonuses for their babies" – Harvard Health Letter Advantages of Labour Support OBSTETRICAL OUTCOMES 50% decrease in cesarean section 25% decrease in the length of labour 30% decrease in the use of forceps 40% decrease in the use of oxytocin 60% decrease in the use of epidurals 30% decrease in the use of pain medications(narcotics) Combined Results of Six Randomized Controlled Trials of Labour Support Summarized from Mothering The Mother, by Klaus, Klaus, Kennell, 1993 Frequently Asked Questions Q. My partner is going to be with me, why would I need a doula? A. A doula can never replace the love and support that her partner can provide. You are bound to experience a wide range of emotions at your birth. You may feel excited, anxious, or potentially fearful. Birth Beginnings will help you cope with all the fears and anxieties you and your partner may have. A doula is sympathetic, as well as informed. I can be a quiet and calm presence offering both of you reassurance. Your birth partner is generally more involved because the pressure of the unknown is removed and both of your needs are being met. The doula gives the birth partner helpful suggestions about what comfort measures work best during the different stages of labour and birth. Because this is an intimate experience between you and your partner there will be times when your doula will stay in the background to allow privacy.  In the event of a long or difficult labour the doula can give the one-on-one attention the mother needs, while the partner takes a break or rests. A doula will help both the mother and partner to relax, and help to ease their concerns therefore allowing them both to enjoy this remarkable experience. "Our doula was specific in asking what my participation level was, and what I wanted."- Chad, first time dad Q. Childbirth is painful; I have no intention of doing it without drugs. Will a doula support me in this? A. Remember a doula does not project her own values and goals onto her client, or discourage the woman from her choices. This is your birth. My goal is to see that you have a fulfilling and happy birth experience, whatever that means to you. A doula is still very important in a medicated labour. There are many times when you will need that assistance. Remember a doula is not only there for the birth but also during your prenatal and postpartum period. Doulas provide continuity of care. "Michelle was always very open, very receptive and respectful for our feelings about the birthing process. Her experience and expertise were invaluable." –Dana, first time mom Q. Are doulas covered by OHIP? A. No. However, I feel that every woman deserves a doula regardless of socio-economical status. I work on a sliding scale and payment plans are available. I also have gift certificates, which make excellent Baby Shower gifts. My Birth Package Includes: An initial consultation There is no charge for this meeting and it may take place at your home or at a meeting place of your choice. It is a time for you to ask questions, gather information and decide if I am the doula for you. Two prenatal visits To discuss your hopes, and concerns regarding your labour. We will go over labouring at home and in the hospital, comfort measures and coping techniques for dealing with the pain, positions for labour and delivery, and when to call me. On-call availability Beginning two weeks prior to your estimated due date. Unlimited phone and e-mail contact 24 hours and day, seven days a week, for any concerns or questions you may have. Unlimited access to my lending library A wealth of pregnancy, birth, postpartum information. One-on-one support for the duration of your labour I come to you whenever you wish and stay with you throughout your birth. During your labour my goal is to help you relax and focus, ensure that your birth plan is adhered to as much as possible, help you make informed decisions, support your loved ones, and maintain a quiet and calm birthing environment. I will stay with you up to two hours after the birth to make sure that you and your loved ones are settled in comfortably with your new baby. One postpartum visit This visit occurs around three weeks after your delivery to offer support and referrals when necessary.  If you require more support additional visits can be arranged. A birth story with photos A keepsake of the day of your child’s birth. The Virtual Doula Some couples prefer to keep their birth very private and intimate but find great comfort in knowing that they have somewhere to turn for information and ideas. Though I won't be there to massage your back or offer you ice chips, having a virtual doula is like having an information lifeline 24 hours a day, seven days a week. During your pregnancy up to six weeks postpartum, you may call or e-mail me with your questions, and concerns. Doulas not only know what helps during labour, they also know when it helps and how to do it. Your virtual doula will come to your home and give you hands-on preparation for labour and delivery. You and your partner will learn about the various tools used for natural comfort measures. We will practice various positions for labour, rehearse relaxation, breathing, and techniques to help make your labour more comfortable and rewarding. Birth partners are shown how they can be as involved as they wish, so that the birth experience is positive for both of you. During our second visit we will discuss your wishes, feelings, and expectations regarding labour and delivery. We will do an exercise to help you determine what your top four birth priorities are and discuss what can be done to increase the chances of them happening. A doula is also a source of information about ways to handle your labour. Medical attendants don't always have time to discuss all the options available. A doula can help you understand what options are available, and what each options consists of. This can help you make better informed decisions. During labour and delivery I will be available by phone for any concerns that crop up be it guidance, a friendly reminder, encouragement or reassurance. Knowing that you have support and encouragement every step of the way provides much relief to expectant and new parents so that they can relax and enjoy the journey they have embarked on. E-mail me to find out more. My Doula Experiences Pregnancy Induced Hypertension Gestational Diabetes Four weeks predate 14 days postdate Inductions: Prepidil, Cervidil, Pitocin Pain Medication: Epidurals, Nitrous Oxide, Nubain, Demerol Hypnobirthing and Hypnobabies Big babies Labours 90 minutes-36 hours Cesarean Section Vacuum Extraction Forceps Vaginal Breech Delivery Rh negative Lupus Group B Strep Homebirths Hospitals Credit Valley (Mississauga) Joseph Brant (Burlington) McMaster (Hamilton) Milton District (Milton) Oakville Trafalgar (Oakville) St. Joseph's (Hamilton) Trillium Health Centre (Mississauga) What can you get for the expecting mom who has everything? The gift of a shorter, more satisfying birth experience. How? With the gift of a doula. Gift certificates are available in any denomination. Don't your loved ones deserve the care and support a doula provides.