
Birth Planning &
Doula Services
What is a Birth Plan?
A birth plan is an outline of your preferences for labour and delivery. It can be presented as a formal document which can be used as an effective communication tool between yourself, your care provider, and your labour support team.
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Your birth plan may include information about the people you would like to be present at your birth, whether or not you wish to receive pain relief, the type of relaxation and comfort measures that you would like to utilise, and your preferences regarding the use of medical procedures and interventions on both you and your baby during the labour and birthing process.
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I understand that preparing for birth can be quite overwhelming, so I am here to support you each step of the way. Even if you are unsure what questions to ask, I will help you navigate your way through pregnancy so that you feel well-informed, positive and confident by the time your are ready to give birth!
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Remember, just as with any plan you make, it is sometimes necessary to make changes or to deviate from your original plan if something unexpected arises and this may also be the case during your labour. We will go over a number of scenarios during your birth planning consultation to help you feel more prepared shall your plan need to change.
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Every birth is beautiful in its own special way, and I look forward to supporting you throughout this wonderful journey.

Birth Planning Consultation +
Custom Birth Preferences Document
Assistance with creating a personalised birth preferences document to share with your medical & birth support team.
Your birth plan will outline your desired birth preferences and the type of care you would like yourself and your baby to receive during labour, birth, and immediate postnatal recovery.
Doula Support
What is a Doula?
The word doula originated from the ancient Greek meaning “female servant” or “woman caregiver”. It refers to a person who provides physical and emotional support to an expectant mother before, during, and after childbirth.
What does a doula do?
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Understands the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of a woman in labor.
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Discusses topics related to pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum period.
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Assists the woman in preparing for and carrying out her birth plan.
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Provides continuous support to the birthing mother throughout her entire labor.
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Recognizes that childbirth is a special event for both parents and encourages the laboring woman’s partner to be involved to the extent that he/she feels comfortable.​
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Acts as an advocate for the laboring mother and facilitates communication between her, her partner, and medical personnel.
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Displays professionalism with medical personnel and helps maintain a peaceful labor environment.
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Encourages the laboring woman to ask questions regarding her care, and assists her in finding adequate information in order for her to make an informed decision.
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Suggests various comfort measures and relaxation techniques.
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Provides physical and emotional support, along with positive encouragement.
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Remains with the mother after delivery until the baby has established a good latch.
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Offers postpartum support and breastfeeding assistance.
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Adheres to patient confidentiality in accordance to Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA) regulations.
Benefits of having a doula...
BENEFITS FOR MUM
Greater satisfaction with birth experience
Higher self-esteem
Less anxiety
Less likely to experience postpartum depression
Greater maternal satisfaction and bonding with their babies
BENEFITS FOR BABY
Improved Apgar scores
Fewer admissions to NICU
More likely to be breastfed
Increased bond between mother and baby
Shorter hospital stays
When continuous labour support is provided by a doula,
a woman can experience:
31% decrease in the use of Pitocin
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28% decrease in the risk of Cesarean delivery
12% increase in the likelihood of spontaneous vaginal birth
9% decrease in the use of any medications for pain relief
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14% decrease in the risk of newborns being admitted to NICU

Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A MIDWIFE AND A DOULA?
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Midwives are medically trained birth professionals who assess and monitor both mom and baby throughout pregnancy, childbirth and after baby has arrived.
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A midwife's duties include, but are not limited to, the following:
Prenatal medical care
Medical care during labour & birth
Monitoring both mom and baby's vital signs (e.g. blood pressure, temperature, baby's heart tones, etc.)
Performing vaginal examinations to assess cervical progression and position of the baby
Delivery of the baby
Postpartum medical care of both mother and baby
Newborn exam
Charting & record keeping
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Doulas are non-medical birth professionals who help educate expecting mothers and families during pregnancy, and provide physical and emotional support during labour and childbirth.
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During labour, while the midwife addresses the medical needs for both mom and baby, a doula can provide mom with comfort and support each step of the way.
CAN I HAVE A DOULA IF I AM HAVING A HOSPITAL BIRTH?
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Absolutely! A doula can provide support to mothers in all types of birth settings including home, hospitals, and birthing centers.
CAN I HAVE A DOULA IF I AM PLANNING ON RECEIVING AN EPIDURAL?
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Yes! If a mother wishes to receive an epidural during labour, it is best to wait as long as possible in order to prevent further medical procedures and interventions. Doulas can be especially helpful in providing physical and emotional support, along with controlled breathing techniques and recommendations for positioning to help moms reach their desired goal before receiving an epidural.
CAN I HAVE A DOULA IF I AM PLANNING A SCHEDULED CAESAREAN DELIVERY?
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Yes! Most hospital allow only one person to be in the delivery room with you, and this is will most likely be your birth partner. However, if your doula is your main support person, she can definitely be by your side during the delivery. Whether or not your doula will be present for the actual delivery, she can help educate you during pregnancy, be at the hospital during your delivery, and provide immediate postpartum support and breastfeeding assistance after baby has arrived.
HOW CAN A DOULA HELP IF I ALREADY HAVE AN AWESOME BIRTH PARTNER?
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A doula understands that childbirth is a special event for both parents, and encourages the partner to be involved in the birth as much as he/she feels comfortable. With that said, your partner will need support too!
Labour is unpredictable and there is a possibility that obstacles may arise. Therefore, having a trained birth professional such as a doula with you during your birth can help alleviate worry and concern by offering continuous emotional support and suggestions on how to best navigate your way through various situations.
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A doula can be especially helpful during really long labours as she and the birth partner can tag team when either person has to take a break to rehydrate, grab a bite to eat, use the restroom, and check in with family members in the waiting area. It is important for the birth partner to take care of him or herself as you do not want them passing out at the most crucial time - when you are giving birth!
IS IT WEIRD HAVING A STRANGER IN THE ROOM WITH US DURING OUR BIRTH?
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Prior to hiring a doula, you will have the opportunity to attend a complimentary consultation in which you may ask as many questions as you like in order to decide if she will be a good fit for you and you partner. Once you have selected the doula that you feel comfortable with, you will typically meet with her at least two more times before your birth to talk about your birth preferences, practice breathing and relaxation techniques, and discuss what her role as your doula may look like. Each visit will help you become better acquainted with your doula, and when it comes time to supporting you at your birth, she will be a familiar face.
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Sometimes you may not have the option of having your selected care provider at your birth depending on call schedules and other various circumstances, and you most likely will not have met any of the nursing staff either. It is possible that your doula may be the only person you are familiar with during your birth, especially in a hospital setting, therefore you may find comfort knowing that she will absolutely be there to help advocate for you and support you in your birth choices.
WILL I BE ABLE TO HAVE INTIMIATE MOMENTS WITH MY PARTNER IF I HAVE A DOULA?
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Of course! Your doula understands that having your partner close can produce all of those wonderful hormones that make you feel safe, secure, supported, and loved, which are all extremely important during the birthing process. Your doula will give you as much time as you desire for intimate moments with your partner and will happily leave the room if asked, or simply if not needed. When you are ready to have your doula return to your side, she will be right there for you.
DO I STILL NEED A DOULA IF I ATTEND CHILDBIRTH CLASSES?
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Childbirth classes provide an abundance of information and tools to help you prepare for the labour and birthing process.
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Doulas provide additional support during the actual event. They will advocate for you, help you find the best positions to labor in according to how you're feeling in the moment and based on baby's position, they will help ease your mind during times of uncertainty and provide the positive encouragement that you need. Your doula will provide as much physical and emotional support that you need each step of the way.
WHAT IF I CAN'T AFFORD TO HIRE A DOULA?
Every woman deserves to have a doula regardless of her financial situation. Some options that you may wish to think about if you would like to hire a doula but are on a strict budget include:
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Organizing a payment plan with your doula ahead of time
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Setting up a baby shower/gift registry that includes a funding option to put towards doula services
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Hiring a doula intern who may provide services at a lower fee
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Giving birth is one of the biggest events that you will endure in your lifetime. Having a doula present can make all the difference in helping you achieve the type of birth experience that you desire - one that you will remember for a lifetime.

"Whenever and however you give birth, your experience will impact your emotions, your mind, your body, and your spirit for the rest of your life"
~ Ina May Gaskin