Ottawa Valley Doulas
Collaboration, Cooperation, Education
"Whenever and however you intend to give birth, your experience will impact your emotions, your mind, your body and your spirit for the rest of your life."
-Ina May Gaskin
A Birth Doula
Recognizes giving birth as a key life experience
Understands the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of a person in labour
Provides emotional support, physical comfort measures, and an objective viewpoint.
Helps the birthing person get the information they need to make informed decisions
Provides guidance to help the birthing person explore and define their birth preferences
Stays with the birthing person throughout labour
Facilitates communication between the labouring person, their partner, and their clinical care providers
Allows the birthing person’s partner to participate at their comfort level
Studies have shown that when doulas attend birth, labours are shorter with
fewer complications, babies are healthier and they breastfeed more easily.
A Postpartum Doula
Offers education, companionship and nonjudgmental support after the birth of your baby
Shares evidence-based information on the care, feeding, soothing and development of your newborn.
Offers information on emotional and physical recovery from birth, and coping skills for new parents. Makes appropriate referrals when necessary
Assists with newborn care, family adjustment, meal preparation and light household tasks
