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Q. How do I know if I actually need a doula?
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When families and I interview each other, I always ask them two questions: Do you believe that the way you birth matters? Is it important for you to feel as prepared, knowledgeable, empowered, present as possible? If they answer yes to either or both of those questions, then I genuinely believe they’d benefit from having me at their birth. My presence and skill-set is meant to help you step into your own power and enhance the experience, regardless of where or how or with whom you choose to birth. Hiring a doula is a deeply personal choice and only you know if this is right for you (and when you find the one, you’ll know).
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Q. How do you work with my partner?
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My specialty is birth and your partner’s specialty is you; both of our focus is completely on caring for you, getting you what you need and making sure the experience is everything you want. During the prenatals both you and your partner share how you envision the birth, and when it’s go-time I make sure your partner feels included and integrated in the labour.
Another way to say it? Your partner is Batman and I’m Robin, meaning that they’ll always be your hero and I’m the side-kick who helps make them look good. |
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Q. And if I don’t have a partner? Or if I'm planning on having my mom or other people there?
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I’ve been the sole support person for lots of birthers and also been to births with both sets of grandparents and all the siblings in a room -- regardless of who is or isn’t in the room, my priority remains the same: you. I always show up armed with your birth plan, tons of experience with all kinds of labours and the intent of making this experience as magical as possible; there’s no wrong or right way to do this, and I make sure it feels good every step of the way.
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Q. What’s the difference between a doula and a midwife? Or a doula and a nurse?
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Both midwives and nurses are medically-minded care providers, meaning that they take care of the clinical part of your pregnancy, birth and immediate postpartum. Midwives, OBs and nurses are the ones who do cervical checks, monitor the fetal heart rate, and care for the general health of both you and baby.
Although a lot of my care is done in the birth space, I’m often the first person by your side when you’re in labour and I’m there for you in the postpartum period long after you say goodbye to your nurse, midwife or OB. I become your pregnancy BFF as we build our relationship in the months and weeks leading up to labour, I tend to your emotional and physical needs as you birth your baby and then I’m a pillar of support and love as you figure out this whole parenthood thing. Short answer: midwives and nurses care for your health, I care for your well-being. |
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Q. Do I need a doula if I know I want an epidural?
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Whether you’re planning on doing this with or without an epidural, you don’t need a doula; it’s more about if you want support from someone who knows birth inside-out. Hindsight is always 50/50; if families knew exactly how their labour was going to happen then each could make the best decision for them, but pregnancy and birth is often one surprise after another; I help families handle each as they come in a way that aligns with their values and desires.
Re: the epidural though, I almost think that’s when a family could most benefit from my support. Epidurals increase the likelihood of having an instrumental delivery or cesarean so I help you maintain good positioning so labour continues to progress, make sure you’re asking the right questions so you understand what’s happening every step of the way, coach you through pushing with limited-sensation and of course I help with that first latch and get you settled with baby after delivery. |
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Q. At what point should I hire a doula? And when do we actually start working together?
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It’s never too early to start working with me. I take a limited number of clients per month, so booking earlier means guaranteeing support. Also the sooner we connect, the more I can get to know you and the more I know you, the better I can support you.
As soon as you sign the contract and send the deposit, I am on-call for you 24/7. I help you with anything and everything (choosing a care provider, finding prenatal exercise you actually like, baby registries, how to handle weird or crappy pregnancy symptoms, etc.) and then as of 30 weeks we start the birth and postpartum prep. Our prenatals cover all you’d expect from working with me: your birth plan, how to manage early labour, newborn prep and how to handle the demands of the fourth trimester. |
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Q. What does on-call 24/7 really mean?
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It means I’m here for you 24/7. Literally.
My phone is always on and I’m always a call or message away. For anything. At any time. If you need a sounding board, I’m here. If you’re worried or something doesn’t feel right, I’m here. If you got some great news and want to share or celebrate, I’m here. And if you need me in-person, I’m there too. |
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Q. What if I end up with a cesarean?
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Whether it’s planned or a surprise, I help you navigate the often complex and emotionally-charged reality surrounding a cesarean birth. Although the birth may now have become medically-managed, it’s still a deeply personal and transformational experience and I make sure you have all the information and support in place so it’s still as empowering and fulfilling as possible. Each birth comes with its own set of challenges and blessings, and a cesarean birth is no different; I’ll be there to answer your questions, help you process and recover, and thrive as a new parent alongside your newborn.
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Q. What if I need extra help after baby’s born?
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I’m always a message or call away so *please* know you’ll always have someone there when you need them. Whether you choose to add on postpartum hours before or after baby has arrived, you can check out my postpartum packages here.
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Q. What hospitals do you work at?
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I serve St. Joseph’s, Mount Sinai, Toronto Birth Centre, St. Michael’s, Michael Garron, Credit Valley, Queensway, Etobicoke General, Humber River, Mississauga Hospital and Brampton Civic. And if I really love you, I’m willing to travel to Milton District, Oakville Trafalgar Memorial, Georgetown and both Lakeridge Health hospitals. And home births. I love home births.
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