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Working together to facilitate an empowered, satisfying birthing experience.

 

What is a doula?

A birth doula is a trained professional support person who provides physical, emotional and informational support to birthing families during pregnancy, birth and early postpartum.

Why would someone see a doula?

People hire doulas for a variety of reasons. Some hire doulas because they are afraid of pain during childbirth or having a traumatic experience. They may be unsure of how their partner will act during labour and whether they will know what to do to support them. Some people hire doulas because they want a natural childbirth and want to do anything and everything in their power to achieve that. Some people just want someone there to reassure them and be a calming presence that can help create a beautiful environment. For some they want someone who is an expert on birth to help coach them during labour and help them understand what is happening. And yet some know that birth is beautiful but can be intense at times and know that additional support is crucial to feeling empowered.

What symptoms would be addressed by a doula?

I would say that we are really aiming to reduce fear of birth, educate people on what to expect, provide reassurance and give them strategies to use during labour. Fear, anxiety, unknown.

What would an appointment look like?

I offer free consultations to get to know you, find out about your upcoming birth and see if working together is a good fit.

How does it work?

Upon hire you have access to unlimited text/email/call support. We schedule 2 prenatal meetings to get to know each others in the third trimester, and then I am on-call for the birthing family from 38-42 weeks (or until they have their baby).

Who developed this approach?

Women have been attending births as support people for years. There are now trainings and courses that teach people how to be doulas, and it has become a profession of its own.

For more information about what birthing support would be like by hiring a Doula, please reach out to Lori at lori@gaiamamawellness.com or check out her website www.gaiamamawellness.com.