Frequently Asked Questions

What is a birth doula?

A doula is someone who offers emotional, physical, and informational support throughout labor and delivery. She does not replace your partner. A doula enhances the partner’s ability to support you in the most effective ways possible. A doula is with the laboring couple as an advocate and supporter, offering knowledge of techniques to make the labor process a more positive experience. Doulas help with labor positions and comfort measures, offering a nurturing touch to help you have the most empowering birth possible.

Utilizing a Doula at your Birth has Shown to:

  • Shorten labor by an average of 98 minutes
  • Decrease the chance of cesarean section by up to 51%
  • Decrease use of pain medication by 30-60%
  • Help father/partner participate with confidence
  • Increase success in breastfeeding
  • Increase satisfaction with overall birth experience
  • Reduce the use of forceps/vacuum by 57%
  • Reduce the use of pitocin by up to 71%

Does the doula help you through the whole time you are pregnant or just in the delivery room?

Most doulas begin working with the parents six months prior to the delivery of the baby. If you hire your doula earlier, you will have more time to ask questions and be prepared for the delivery of the baby. When interviewing a birth doula, consider the following questions provided by Doulas of North America:

  • What training have you had?
  • Tell me (us) about your experience with birth, personally and as a doula.
  • What is your philosophy about childbirth and supporting women and their partners through labor?
  • May we meet with you to discuss our birth plans and the role you will play in supporting me (us) through childbirth?
  • May we call you with questions or concerns before and after the birth?
  • What care providers have you worked with? In what hospitals have you attended births?
  • When do you try to join women in labor? Do you come to our home or meet us at the hospital?
  • Do you meet with me (us) after the birth to review the labor and answer questions?
  • Do you work with one or more backup doulas (for times when you are not available)? May we meet them?
  • What is your fee? Is any part of your fee refundable if you do not attend the birth?
  • Can you provide references? (Be sure to check the references.)

What kinds of options do I have during delivery?

Different options will depend on the location of delivery (ie. hospital or home birth) and the actual conditions during labor. You could have options of walking, using birth balls, squatting bars, massage, visualization exercises—the list is quite long, and is better discussed with a doula in person.

What happens if I end up having a C-section?

If you were to have a cesarean then you have the option of having the doula stay with you while your partner would go with the baby. Most hospitals will let both the partner and the doula into the operating room, unless it is an emergency c-section and the mother is under general anesthesia.

I am interested in hiring a birth doula for my labour. What kind of services can I expect?

  • 2 prenatal visits where the doula will get to know you and your partner; provide information, resources, and emotional support; help you create a birth plan and fully prepare you for what to expect during birth
  • hands-on support during active labour and delivery up to two hours after your baby has arrived
  • 1 postnatal visit one month after delivery to debrief birth process
  • 1 month after delivery of continual online and telephone support

I would like to hire a birth doula.  What do I do now?

Call Serenova Childbirth Services at 905-597-2100. Or fill out the Contact form online.

What is a postpartum doula?

Postpartum doulas work with parents after the birth of the child. They similarly offer emotional, physical, and informational support. Doulas respect the right of parents to raise their children in their own way and work in consultation with all members of the family. Common tasks include educating the new parents about infant care and newborn characteristics, assisting with household chores, meal preparation, providing breastfeeding support, running errands and referring clients to suitable resources.

Utilizing a Doula Postpartum has Shown to Result in an:

  • Increased chance of successful breastfeeding
  • Reduced chance of infant dehydration and hospitalization with health complications
  • Less chance of maternal postpartum depression
  • Less maternal exhaustion, frustration, and apprehension during early weeks
  • Reduction in unnecessary calls to pediatricians
  • Greater understanding of newborn emotional and physical needs and behavior
  • Earlier bonding due to more confidence
  • Happier baby due to a better understanding of the infant’s emotional/physical needs & behavior

How long does a postpartum doula spend with a family?

In general, the span can be anywhere from one or two visits to over three months. There are a number of factors that come into play in determining the duration of doula support. These include the birthing experience (C-section, vaginal), the number of new babies (one, twins, triplets), the financial capability to pay, the presence or absence of partner support, siblings, the baby’s personality.

Does a doula do anything medical?

No, a doula does not do anything medical, no vaginal exams, temperatures, IV’s, nothing medical. The doula will not give a medical diagnosis or administer medication. Doulas can refer clients to appropriate medical services.

Do all doulas charge the same amount?

Generally doulas tend to stick to around the same amount. The price varies depending on what region of the country you live in and the experience and demand of the doula. In this area postpartum doulas charge between $20-$30 CAD/hour and birth doulas can charge between $500-900CAD for each birth. Families with immense financial needs may negotiate for reduced fees during the first in home consultation. It is the belief of Serenova that every woman who needs a doula should have one.

Do doulas have training?

Not all doulas have formal training. There is also no one governing body overseeing qualifications, so it is important to check into credentials and experience when choosing your doula. Here are some potential questions you should ask your doula during the initial interview:

  • What has been your experience caring for newborns?
  • What kind of training have you had in newborn care?
  • What do mothers need to know about their babies during the first few weeks of their newborn’s life–how does that change over the next few months?
  • How do you help the mother and newborn in the first few weeks—and the first few months of their baby’s life? What is a typical day with the mother and her newborn?
  • Can you tell us about your experience helping mothers breastfeed their newborns? Were their any difficulties and how did you help resolve them?
  • Can you be flexible if we need extra hours or if we need to change working hours or days?
  • How do you keep track of feeding and sleep patterns or problems?
  • What has been your experience caring for multiples? How is this different from caring for single babies? What do I need to know about caring for our twins (triplets) to make the first weeks and months easier for all of us?
  • What has been your experience caring for medically fragile newborns—premature infants, babies with genetic disorders or other special needs? How is this different from caring for healthy babies? What do I need to know about caring for our medically fragile baby to make the first few weeks and months easier for all of us?

My partner will support me. Why should we use a doula?

Your partner is the best person to provide emotional support during your labor, delivery, and afterwards. No one knows you better or cares more. However, in many cases, the partner may not have experience with newborn care, and is also managing challenges adapting to parenthood. A doula knows this and can help both parents relax during the early days and weeks. Parents who are expecting twins or do not have extended family to support them will find a doula invaluable.

I’m expecting twins. What can I expect from a doula?

Similar to parents with one child, a doula can be immensely helpful during the first few weeks as mother and baby get used to life together. Listed below are a few ways in which a doula can assist and empower a mother and the new family:

  • Help care for infants. More babies require more hands around the house
  • Teach about infant care and characteristics
  • Help with organizing the household so that there is better access to materials needed for infant care
  • Help with older siblings so that they feel loved and cared for
  • Help parents to get some sleep during the day and possibly overnight
  • Prepare simple and healthy meals to keep them going
  • Provide breastfeeding support
  • Offer praise and encourage
  • Offer suggestions of baby slings, baby-wearing and other strategies to increase bonding and make life easier for the parents

Do you offer gift certificates for services?

Yes, please call our phone line at 905-597-2100 to order certificates. Or you may also pay online through the Gift Certificates registry. Doula services are an excellent baby shower present. Consider registering with us.

I am interested in hiring a postpartum doula. What do I do now?

  • Call for an initial free phone interview (905-597-2100) to determine the extent of your needs and the dates in which you will require a doula. Or fill out the Contact form online.
  • After the interview, there will be a prenatal consultation (1.5 hours usually) where the doula will work with you to determine your birth and/or postpartum plan and get acquainted with your household members. At this time, they will discuss with you fees, payment options, and dates of service.
  • Closer to the due date, the doula will meet with you again to discuss feeding options, household organization, and newborn characteristics. The postpartum plan will be reviewed again at this time.
  • After the birth of the baby, the doula will provide support as needed in your home.

What kind of massage therapy services do you provide?

We have pre-natal and post-natal massage therapy services that are available in the comfort of your own home. Our registered massage therapists are trained to provide relief for common pregnany and postnatal concerns, including sore muscles and tired limbs. Please call 905-597-2100 to make an appointment. Fees: $90/hour