Hello!

A common question we receive is whether your partner will feel left out, and it’s a perfectly valid concern. Many people mistakenly think that doulas take the place of a partner, but our true purpose is to support both of you. Doulas provide an additional layer of support, enhancing the care you receive while honouring your partner’s invaluable role. Your partner understands you like no one else, and while they may feel uncertain about how to support you during labour and birth, they possess a profound awareness of your fears, preferences, and desires. We work with your partner by offering encouragement, guidance, and suggestions as needed, reminding them to stay hydrated and take breaks, among other things. Even if your partner has witnessed birth before, they too deserve support and the reassurance as they navigate this journey alongside you.

While both doulas and midwives are trained birth professionals and support prenatally, throughout your birth experience, and into postpartum, they each play a very unique role.  A doula is a non-medical support person who provides emotional, physical, informational, and advocacy support. Specifically at a birth, doulas are often found doing hip squeezes, refilling your water bottle or feeding you ice chips, providing guidance and reassurance (to you and your partner), as well as repeating affirmations that help you feel calm and empowered. A midwife is a medical professional; their primary focus of care is the health and safety of you and your baby. At a birth, this might include: monitoring you and your baby’s vital signs, completing cervical exams when needed, administering medication if necessary, and catching your baby.

The earlier you start your search for a doula, the better. It is generally recommended to secure your doula by the beginning of your third trimester. If you tend to experience anxiety, bringing a doula on board earlier in your pregnancy may be particularly beneficial as it allows ample time to build a trusting relationship, ensuring you feel supported and understood throughout your perinatal journey.

A nurturing and supportive presence is vital during the perinatal period, making it essential to find a doula who truly resonates with your values, preferences, and needs. Take the time to research and connect with several doulas, ask about their experiences and philosophies, and listen to your intuition as you make this important choice.