The word doula comes from ancient Greek and is often translated as “one who serves.” Doulas are trained professionals who provide emotional, physical, and informational support during major life transitions.

• Birth doulas: Support birthing people and their partners before, during, and after childbirth with comfort measures, guidance, advocacy, and education.

• Postpartum doulas: Assist families after birth with newborn care, feeding support, household tasks, and emotional support as parents adjust.

• Perinatal doulas: Support individuals and families throughout pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period, providing comprehensive care across the entire perinatal journey.

• Full-spectrum doulas: Provide support for all reproductive experiences, including pregnancy, birth, miscarriage, abortion, adoption, and family-building choices.

• End-of-life (death) doulas: Offer guidance, advocacy, and compassionate presence during the dying process.

Across all types, doulas provide continuous, non-judgmental, compassionate support during significant life transitions, helping individuals and families feel informed, empowered, and cared for.

Midwives are clinical, primary caregivers; they provide medical support and have at least four years of clinical training.

Doulas specialize in providing non-clinical, physical support through comfort measures such as gentle massage, guided breathing, and position support and provide education and information to the parents so that they can make informed choices about their care.  Doulas do not have the training or the legal right to give advice, diagnose, or prescribe.

Doulas work as part of the maternity care team, alongside your midwife, doctor or nurse.

I provide continuous support throughout pregnancy, birth, and the early postpartum period. I stay with you through the entire birth process, from active labor until after your baby arrives.

During pregnancy, I help you prepare by discussing your preferences, exploring your options, and providing information so you can make decisions that feel right for your family. I’m available for questions and ongoing connection as your birth approaches.

During birth, I stay by your side, helping you stay grounded and present while supporting your partner and helping you to advocate for your preferences.

In the postpartum period, I provide space to process your experience, support feeding, and help with the adjustment to life with your baby. My goal is to ensure you have consistent support and guidance throughout this transition.

Birth is new territory for most people, and even the most supportive partner may not know what to expect or how best to help in the moment.

A doula supports both you and your partner. I don’t replace your partner or take over their role, but work alongside them. By offering guidance, reassurance, and practical support, I help your partner feel more confident and less overwhelmed, so they can focus on being present with you.

With a doula, your partner doesn’t have to hold everything on their own. This often leads to a calmer birth environment, clearer communication, and a more supported experience for everyone involved.

Research shows that people who have doula support often report greater satisfaction with their birth experience and stronger partner connection.

I provide support before, during, and after a planned cesarean birth.

Before birth, I can help you prepare and discuss preferences that may make the experience feel more intentional and supportive, such as early skin-to-skin, feeding support, and partner involvement. I also help you feel informed and confident going into surgery.

On the day of birth, I offer continuous support while you wait for surgery and help you stay present during your baby’s arrival. This may include emotional reassurance, taking photos if desired, and staying with you as long as I’m able.

If complications arise and your baby requires additional care, I remain with you while your partner accompanies the baby, helping maintain communication and steady support.

After birth, our postpartum visits offer space to process your experience, receive feeding support, and access referrals as needed. I support all types of birth and aim to help create a supported and positive cesarean experience.

Doula training and certification can vary widely, but often includes:

• An intensive workshop covering pregnancy, labour physiology, comfort measures, and basic feeding support
• Observation or participation in prenatal education
• Attendance at a number of births, with feedback from care providers
• Completion of written birth reflections or reports
• Required reading and self-study

Training programs themselves can vary significantly. Some are short, weekend-long workshops, while others are more intensive certificate programs that take place over several months.

Many doulas also have additional training or experience in areas such as childbirth education, feeding support, massage, nutrition, or complementary therapies. These skills are not always part of formal doula training.

It’s important to ask your doula about their specific training, experience, and scope of practice especially if they offer additional services beyond standard doula support.

The number of visits varies depending on the package you choose. Most clients receive prenatal visits, continuous support during labour and birth, and postpartum visits, along with ongoing phone or text support. If regular meetings and consistent connections matter to you, this is something to bring up in your initial meeting.

My birth package includes two prenatal visits and two postpartum visits, with flexibility to add more or adjust appointments to best support your family.

Unfortunately, no.

In B.C., doulas practice privately, hired directly by clients.  Fees are entirely dependant upon the individual doula.

Some private extended health insurance plans cover doula services. Great West Life and Blue Cross will cover doula care from your Health Spending Account, if your plan provides one.

The BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres offer a Doulas for Aboriginal Families Grant:

https://bcaafc.com/initiatives/doula-support-program/