Researchers found that overall, people who have the support of a doula have a;
 

• 39% decrease in the risk of Cesarean

• 15% increase in the likelihood of a spontaneous vaginal birth

• 10% decrease in the use of any medications for pain relief

• Shorter labors by an average of 41 minutes 

• 38% decrease in the baby’s risk of a low five minute Apgar score

• 31% decrease in the risk of being dissatisfied with the birth experience
  
  reference: www.evidencebasedbirth.com

Doulas LOVE working with partners to create a unified support team. We understand the pressure on partners to be the photographer, updater, knowledge keeper (the expert on everything you've read and taken in a childbirth class over the past 9months)...while also remembering to take a bathroom break and stay hydrated (phew, that's a mouthful!)
Doulas do a great job complementing the partners role, tag- teaming when you need a break, reminding you of comfort techniques and cheering you on as you do the hard work of supporting the one you love.

In short, a doula is a BFF/coach/personal google/maid of honour for all things birth, baby and mom. As a trained professional in supporting informed choice and personal autonomy, they empower families with evidence based information and become your biggest support person and number one fan.

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You can hire a doula at anytime, although hiring sooner in your pregnancy has some benefits. The more time you have with your doula, the more you get out of the relationship- Your doula is available to you throughout your pregnancy. This can be taking advantage of their knowledge and skills in decision making, informed choice, or general knowledge of what to expect throughout your pregnancy. It can be reassuring to know that you have a sounding board and support system when you need it. Part of your doula care includes prenatal visits, which are tailored to you…its a great time to practice comfort techniques, breathing, prepare a birth plan, ask questions and get to know each other. 

In the unlikely event that I cannot attend your birth due to sickness or emergency, I work closely with a backup doula that will attend in my absence. You will have the option to schedule a call or video meeting with your backup doula prior to your birth. 

A doula does not perform any physical exams or provide any medical advice. This is beyond our scope of practice. If you have any medical concerns, always speak to your care provider. If you have questions about any prenatal medical exams and procedures, your doula can be a great resource to get evidence based information or a sounding board to know what questions to ask your health care provider.