What is a doula?
A doula accompanies people in labour in order to help ensure a safe and satisfying birth experience. Doulas will draw on their knowledge and experience to provide physical and emotional support. In addition, we share information and non-clinical advice to the birthing person and their partner.
I serve families in the Greater Montreal area, West-Island, Laval, Rivière de Prairies (RDP) and the South Shore. I am familiar with hospital settings, birth centres (maisons de naissance) and homebirths with midwives. I am proud to work with families of every possible configuration, be it same-sex couples, single-parents, surrogates and others.
I encourage potential doula clients to meet me beforehand at a café to see if we are a good fit. After all, I will be accompanying you for the (second) most intimate moment of your life. Book a free coffee consultation
What can you expect from me as a doula?
I will be on call for you, arrive at your home or the hospital when you need me, and remain with you continuously until after the baby is born. As your doula, I will meet with you and your partner several times before the birth to show you techniques and comfort measures and talk through what you can expect in labour. My job is help you and your partner to navigate the hospital system and feel confident, well informed, supported, and more than prepared to welcome a new life into the world. As well, I will fully support you, judgement free, however you want to give birth. I like to make birth a positive experience and encourage families to enjoy labour. It is a birthday party, after all!
Why get a doula?
If the idea of having an experienced person join you and your partner and provide continuous support as part of your birth team isn't reason enough to get a doula, here are some more concrete reasons from the wonderful folks at Evidence Based Birth
- 15% increase in the likelihood of a spontaneous vaginal birth
- 10% decrease in the use of any medications for pain relief
- 39% decrease in the risk of Cesarean
- Shorter labours by an average of 41 minutes
- More likely to rate their childbirth experience positively