Frequently Asked

Full spectrum doulas are non-medical community care workers who provide informational, emotional, and physical support to their clients. Often, we think of doulas supporting clients through labour, birth and through the initial postpartum period. A full spectrum doula does this and supports people throughout the full spectrum of their reproductive experience. Full spectrum doulas provide emotional, physical, and information support people who are trying to conceive, pregnant, or postpartum, regardless of the outcome. This support is also extended to those who are creating their families through surrogacy or adoption. Full spectrum doulas are aware of the intersections of identity that any one person holds, including, but not limited to, gender, race, lived experience, family structure, etc. They are also prepared to support their clients if circumstances change part way through a pregnancy, as we are ready to support clients through loss and abortion, as well as a full-term birth.

Doulas do not provide any kind of clinical or medical care, diagnosis, advice, or treatment. Their steady presence and support complements the care provided by the midwife, who takes on the clinical role. While a doula is there for you emotionally, physically, and may suggest different comfort measures and labour positions, your midwife can order pain or anti-nausea medication. Both will help explain what is going on and answer any questions. If you’re giving birth at a hospital, your midwife (or nurses) most likely will not be present for your entire labour. Midwives, Obstetricians, and other clinical care staff most often have additional patients to care for during their shift. The presence of a doula to provide unwavering support can be very helpful. Midwives and doulas work together to provide physical and emotional support for the birthing person and their family.

A doula's presence often complements and enhances the partner in their supportive role rather than acting as a replacement. Doulas support both the birthing person and their partner or companion to become involved in the birth to whatever extent they feel comfortable. Doulas also allow partners to be more present for the birthing person by taking care of some of the mediocre tasks such as fetching water and/or food, blankets, wash cloths, etc.

At the end of the day, the doula may be experienced in birth, but the partner/companion is experienced in the birthing person. No one else in the birth space can replicate the connection and innate understanding between them.

I received my Full Spectrum Doula, Childbirth Educator, and Full Spectrum Lactation Educator certifications and training through Birthing Advocacy Doula Trainings (BADT). I am also a Certified Breastfeeding Specialist and HOURS Program Member (Pathway 1 IBCLC Candidate) with Lactation Education Resources.

Plenty of people receive epidurals for pain management, some planned and some unplanned. A doula is able to support the birthing person planning on receiving an epidural the same as one who is not. Many hospitals will only begin to administer anesthesia when a labouring person is at least 5-6cm dilated. A doula offers support before, during, and after it is administered. Often times, people who have a doula are able to cope with their pain for a longer amount of time before an epidural, lessening the chances of a needed c-section, or interventions such as forceps/vacuum. After the labouring person receives an epidural, a doula can help them and their partner make informed decisions, and help the labouring person with comfort measures and optimal positioning. Epidural or not, a doula serves as emotional, physical, and informational support.

If the labouring person has a c-section, a doula is often able to accompany the labouring person, calming them and their partner before the surgery, which often brings about all kinds of emotions. During the procedure, whether the doula is able to stay with the birthing person is up to them and the hospital staff in the operating room. Often times, only one person is permitted in the operating room with the birthing person, so the choice must be made about who they would prefer to be present. After the c-section, when the partner can choose to stay with the baby, a doula is able to stay with the labouring person so they are not alone, keeping them updated on the process as well as providing informational, physical and emotional support. A doula is also able to help document the experience, take photos, and assist with nursing if applicable. 

Most importantly, doulas do not speak on behalf of their clients and they do not tell them what to do. Doula advocacy during birth takes the form of informational support and being a watchful eye in the room, making sure the birthing person's personal autonomy and preferences are respected. Doulas aid in the flow of communication between hospital staff and their clients by ensuring that all necessary information is understood. They encourage their clients to share their birth plan openly, and gently support the explanation of any medically necessary interventions that come up. Doulas advocate for their clients while maintaining a respectful and positive rapport with doctors, midwives, and nursing staff. 

In the event of an emergency or illness which coincides with the day a person goes into labour, I always have 1-2 back up doulas on call. I have a thorough list of wonderful doulas who I know personally and would trust at my own birth.

This is an extremely rare occurrence and not one to worry about. I have never left a birth unattended for any reason. If any such event unlikely occurred, all fees paid would be refunded in full and additional postpartum support would be offered free of charge.

Yes, I am fully insured and carry both commercial general liability and professional liability insurance.