Birth Doula Services
Whether this is your first baby, or you’ve done this before, giving birth, as natural as it may seem, is often accompanied by a bit of fear and anxiety. In fact, that’s the reason many of us at Edmonton Area Family Doulas became doulas. You see, we have a deep desire to instill strength and reduce fear for birthing individuals. We don’t want you to be afraid, and we know that with the right support, that’s possible. In fact, probable!
For the best understanding of our birth doula support we’ve broken it down into the 3 modalities it includes and how YOU benefit from each.
Your Birth Doula Support During Pregnancy
Once you have engaged the supportive services of Edmonton Area Family Doulas, you will meet with your team of two doulas twice during the remainder of your pregnancy.
These meetings will reinforce your relationship with your doulas while establishing your birth wishes and a comprehensive plan for them to support you during your labour and birth. Your doulas will be on call for you 24 hours per day, 7 days a week. No question is too big or too small to ask your doulas. Take comfort in knowing that support is just a phone call away!
Your Birth Doula Support During Birth
Once labour begins, your on-call doula will be prepared to join you at home or at the hospital. This will be based on your preference and need. Your doula will support you in the following ways:
Educationally - Your doula will explain each phase of labor as it unfolds. They will help normalize the process for you and your partner in real-time. If interventions become necessary, your doula will be right beside you to share the benefits, risks and alternatives to consider. All of your choices will be fully supported.
Physically - Your doulas in-person presences will reduce fear and instill strength. Their ability to utilize their hands for comforting massage, pressure, and counter pressure will relieve discomfort and enable relation. Their vast knowledge in labor positions for labor progression will offer the tangible tools to speed up labour and enable your comfort.
Emotionally - Labouring and giving birth to a child is often accompanied by intense emotion. We don’t always know if what we are feeling is “normal” or not. This experience is unique to each individual who experiences it. Your doula will be the sounding board to your emotions enabling your peace of mind and progress.
Your Birth Doula Support Post-Birth
Once you have given birth and gone home from the hospital, your doula will schedule an at home visit with you. During this visit they will facilitate a discussion based on your needs and desires. Parenting philosophies and wishes will determine the direction of the conversation and your doula will offer suggestions and strategies for your rest and comfort, as well as infant feeding and soothing. Additional postpartum support may be scheduled for days or nights by contacting Edmonton Area Family Doulas.
