Labour & Birth Support
Studies show that birthing parents that have a doula present during their labour are less likely to need an epidural and other medical interventions, such as C-sections. In a hospital setting, where nurses and doctors may change shifts, a doula stays by your side, offering emotional and physical support, as well as support after your baby is born.
As a mom of three, I can attest that having that support during labour and after your baby is born can really go a long way in helping you feel more relaxed and supported.
Birthing parents who have doulas present have also been found to be more satisfied with their birthing experiences.
What do labour and birth doulas do?
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Are knowledgeable about pregnancy and the labour and birthing process
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Help you prepare for labour and to advocate for yourself
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Provide educational, physical and emotional support
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Help your partner feel more empowered to care for you during labour
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Ensure your partner is able to eat, use the washroom, etc without worrying about leaving you alone
Every family is unique
Mama Llama Lactation’s doula support includes meeting prenatally, so that we can get to know one another before your baby arrives. You will also receive support during active labour, and after welcoming your beautiful baby into this world!
My labour & birth support packages
A la carte options are also available. Please get in touch with me for details.
Book a complimentary 30 minute appointment today to see what service is right for you!
FAQ
Common labour & birth support questions. Answered.
Question: What are the some of the key advantages of using labour and birth support? Answer: Studies have shown that birthing persons that have a doula have decreased medical interventions including a lower rate of c-sections. Birthing parents that have a labour and birth doula show greater satisfaction with their birth experience. At the end of the day, this is what we all want - a positive birth experience!
Question: Do you replace my partner? B: I believe that the birthing process is a special time for both parents. Sometimes partners want to help the birthing parent but are unsure of how to do so. I work with both you and your partner leading up to the birth to help both of you feel closer and empower your partner to know how they can help care for you during labour. I respect that partners are involved and present during labour and birth, and as such, I do not replace your partner during this process, but rather ensure that you are both cared for. If your partner needs to step away to eat, use the washroom or take a break, they can do so without feeling guilty for doing so, knowing that you are being supported in their brief absence.
Question: What is included/not included? Answer: Doulas do NOT provide any medical care. As a labour and birth doula, I will not make decisions for you and your family or replace your partner/ support person. We usually start working together when the birthing partner is around 30-32 weeks pregnant and I will be on call for you from 38 weeks of pregnancy onwards. I will be there to help your partner/ support person feel involved and empowered to support you through your birthing experience. I will assist you in ensuring you ask the right questions to make informed decisions about your care.
Question: If I hire you, does that mean I do not need a midwife/doctor? Answer: Doulas are non-medical professionals who do NOT provide any medical care or deliver babies. For this reason, you would need to be under the care of a midwife/doctor during pregnancy and to deliver your baby. A doula can be present to help support you physically and emotionally, and to help your partner be more involved in the birthing process.
Question: When should I look for a doula? When would we start working together? Answer: Once you decide that you would like to work with a doula, start searching for one early - this could be during your first or second trimester. Although we can have the complimentary phone call at any time during your pregnancy, we would not begin actually working together until your third trimester, when you are around 30-32 weeks into your pregnancy.
Question: How would I know that we are a good fit? Answer: It is important to find a doula that you are comfortable working with. If you would like to see if we are a good fit, please feel free to contact me for a complimentary 30 minute phone call where we can get to know each other and you can ask any questions that you might have.