Doula Services

The transition to motherhood is a very momentous part of a woman’s life, and I believe it is so important to make that process, from pregnancy right through the postpartum period, a positive and enriching experience for mom, dad and babe!

Background:

My passion for supporting women in their childbearing years stems from the birth of my own two boys, and my experiences through my pregnancies and deliveries. I believe that the Doula is an invaluable asset to an expectant mother, and wish to be able to help support other families through the process!

I have a particular interest in women who are in the situation of needing to induce labour due to medical necessity, or overdue, and have been wishing to avoid medical interventions. While this is not something you necessarily plan for in early pregnancy, I feel it is particularly important to have adequate, optimistic professional support throughout this process.For more information, or to set up a free consultation, please email me at:  juliane@mommagoose.ca

What is a doula?

The word “doula” comes from the ancient Greek meaning “a woman who serves” and is now used to refer to a trained and experienced professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the mother before, during and just after birth; or who provides emotional and practical support during the postpartum period.

Studies have shown that when doulas attend birth, labors are shorter with fewer complications, babies are healthier and they breastfeed more easily.

A Birth Doula

* Recognizes birth as a key experience the mother will remember all her life

* Understands the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of a woman in labor

* Assists the woman in preparing for and carrying out her plans for birth

* Stays with the woman throughout the labor

* Provides emotional support, physical comfort measures and an objective viewpoint, as well as helping the woman get the information she needs to make informed decision

* Facilitates communication between the laboring woman, her partner and her clinical care providers

* Perceives her role as nurturing and protecting the woman’s memory of the birth experience

* Allows the woman’s partner to participate at his/her comfort level

A birth doula certified by DONA International is designated by the initials CD(DONA).

Research evidence shows that the quality services of a postpartum doula can ease the transition that comes with the addition of a baby to a family, improve parental satisfaction and reduce the risk of mood disorders.

A Postpartum Doula

* Offers education, companionship and nonjudgmental support during the postpartum fourth trimester

* Assists with newborn care, family adjustment, meal preparation and light household tidying

* Offers evidence-based information on infant feeding, emotional and physical recovery from birth, infant soothing and coping skills for new parents and makes appropriate referrals when necessary

A postpartum doula certified by DONA International is designated by the initials PCD(DONA).