When I am asked what I do for a living, I often get the same reaction:
Cue blank stares upon stating "I'm a doula!" or "Oh! So you're a midwife?"
Nope!
So, let's clear up the confusion!
What is a Doula?
We are trained and experienced professionals, who are available to provide emotional, physical and informational support as you (the birthing person and their partner/family) go through the transition of labour and delivery and into the postpartum period.
I am also a skilled Perinatal/Pediatric Massage Therapist, Perinatal Reiki Practitioner, Childbirth Educator and more!
What does a Doula do?
We understand the physiology of birth, the processes, tests, and procedures of labour, delivery and the postpartum period. We assist in creation of birth plans.
We provide continuous support throughout
active labour and birth. We provide or find the information you are seeking. We facilitate communication between you, your partner and your health care providers. We encourage and allow your birthing partner (father, mother, friend, etc) to be involved, informed and participating at their comfort level.
When I am your doula, you can also expect a fierce advocate, a loving companion and a passionate educator on all journeys!
I have a unique lens on the perinatal period that has been shaped by my own birth experiences, living as a solo parent for many years and having experienced poverty and trauma at various times in my adult life.
My focus is on inclusive, full spectrum care and honouring all paths to parenthood!
What doesn’t a Doula do?
We do not perform any clinical or medical tasks (including blood pressure, vaginal checks, monitoring fetal heart rate or providing clinical care.)
We do not replace the partner of the birthing person. We support them, along side of the birthing person, so they also feel informed, supported and cared for during the labour and delivery. We do not make decisions on your behalf. We provide information and support so that you and your partner can make informed and confident decisions. We do not judge. Your birthing experience is yours. We support you in your choices. Our role is always to provide information, and support, both physical and emotional, with the utmost of respect for your decisions.
My Birth Philosophy at Amber Dawn Holistic Wellness:
I believe in positive birth experiences.
I believe in your right to information and your right to informed choice.
I believe in you and your ability to birth your baby.
I believe in advocacy and recognizing the flaws in our medical and societal structures that can be harmful to many birthing people (and working to change them!)
I believe that you have the right to choose how you would like your birth experience to be. (Obviously recognizing the unpredictable nature of childbirth as well.)
I know that continuous labour support has proven effective in shortening labour times, reducing caesaran rates and pain medications used. Not to mention, leaving the birthing person with a feeling of a more positive birth experience!
Why should you hire a Doula?
Regardless of your birth plan, whether it is all unmedicated or medicated or a planned caesaran, we are here for you!
We believe that every birthing person should have a doula, before, during and after labour. We are invaluable in supporting both you and your partner throughout the whole experience and ensuring that you feel safe, comforted and empowered.
So often in life, we are expected to figure out what we’re doing, where we’re going and how to get there, all on our own.
At Amber Dawn Holistic Wellness, I want to bring back the village model of care, where you have wisdom, compassion and support available to you during this transitional time and before and after!
We know that birth is sacred. Let's honour that together.
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