What is a doula? How is a doula different from a midwife?

 

A doula is a support person for a birthing person and their family during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. Doulas also support families welcoming children through adoption and surrogacy. We are trained in a variety of skills and bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to your perinatal journey. Our responsibility is to you: your wishes, your experience, your family. We provide continuity of care, accompanying you through this huge transitional moment. Our support can be hands-on, educational, emotional, spiritual, and practical. Doulas do not provide clinical or medical care. Read more about doula support here. 

 

Midwives are highly trained, respected members of the medical perinatal care team. They provide clinical care throughout pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. Their care is covered by MSP and they are available to support your birth at home or in the hospital. Their care is the medical equivalent of a maternity doctor (GP-OB), but their philosophy is rooted in the midwifery model of care. Read more about midwifery in BC here. 

 

Doulas work alongside whatever care provider their clients have: midwife, GP, or obstetrician. 

 

When should I hire a doula?

 

My preference is for people to hire me around the start of their third trimester. This gives us time to do our prenatal visits and get to know each other. Booking earlier is great too! With the state of perinatal care in our city, more and more families are reaching out early in pregnancy to secure doula support. 

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Is doula support covered by insurance? 

 

Doula support is not covered by provincial MSP or private insurance (unless you have an amazing insurance plan I haven’t heard of!). 

 

What if I can’t afford a doula?

 

If hiring a doula is cost prohibitive, here are some suggestions: 

• Ask friends & family to create a doula fund for you, rather than gifting you material things 

• If your employer offers a gift for parental leave, consider asking them to support you in having a doula. Particularly if your employer is wanting you to return to work quickly, having their support to hire a postpartum doula might make a big difference!

• Pay in installments. While I require an initial payment, I am usually flexible about creating a payment schedule to make the cost more manageable for you. 

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If you are low-income or BIPOC, you may be able to receive care from Nesting Doulas, the Doulas for Aboriginal Families Grant Program (DAFGP), or Birthing Families Foundation. All of these programs have amazing doulas ready to support you. 

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I’ve already given birth to or adopted my baby. Can I still get postpartum doula support?

Absolutely! While there are advantages to doing sessions in preparation for baby’s arrival, sometimes you just don’t know how much support you’ll need until you’re in the thick of it. I would love to connect with you and offer you some relief and support.