• A doula is an attendant for pregnancy, birth and the first few weeks home
• A doula "mothers the mother" and works for the woman (and her partner), not the hospital

• A doula is knowledgeable and experienced with pregnancy, labour, birth and mother and infant care
• A doula provides continuous physical and emotional support, offers the parents encouragement and information and helps with practical tasks
• A doula empowers the mother, helps her make informed choices and increases her confidence

Studies show a doula during labour has a positive effect on birth outcomes including:

• 50% decrease in cesarean section
• 25% decrease in the length of labour
• 30% decrease in the use of forceps
• 40% decrease in the use of oxytocin
• 60% decrease in the use of epidurals
• 30% decrease in the use of pain medications (narcotics)

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During pregnancy:

• for prenatal education
• for planning and preparation
• for in-home prenatal care if restricted to bed-rest
• for high risk pregnancies

During labour and delivery:

• for continuous emotional, physical and informational support
• to help father to support/care for mother
• help initiate breastfeeding

Postpartum for the first weeks after birth:

• for mother and infant care
• for breastfeeding education and support
• for information and encouragement
• practical help for mother so she can focus on and gain confidence in her ability to care for her infant

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• In your home and/or the hospital or birthing centre - in Halton, East Wellington and Peel

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• By preparing the parents-to-be for the childbirth process
• By working with the woman and her partner – one contraction at a time

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• First time mothers (who will want a doula the next time)
• Women without support, or whose partners may be unavailable
• Women with a high risk pregnancy, a previous difficult pregnancy or labour or childbirth loss
• Women with infertility issues, abuse, trauma or a death in the family
• Women who are very anxious or stressed

Every woman deserves a Doula
The woman, her baby, her husband and her family all benefit from a doula’s care.


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