A doula (also referred to as a labour attendant or labour coach) is considered the person who provides continuous physical and emotional support and assistance to a woman before, during and after childbirth. Having a different role than a midwife, OBGYN or RN, the doula provides important care from a non-medical aspect. A doula also helps the birthing partner and/or family by providing information, physical assistance, and emotional support. Having this continuous support during labour and birth is associated with improved maternal and fetal health and a variety of other benefits.
While the goal of an OBGYN or midwife is a safe childbirth, the goal of a doula is to ensure the mother feels safe, comfortable, confident, informed and supported before, during, and after the birth of her baby. Doulas cannot make or voice decisions for the birthing couple nor can they intervene the actions of the attending midwife, RN, obstetrician or other medically licensed professional active during labour and birth, but they can help the birthing couple ensure that they are active participants within their healthcare team every step along the way.
A mother who feels safe, comfortable, confident, informed and supported is able to relax and allow the natural process of labour and birth to happen in a healthy normal way.
Many studies have shown significant benefits of having a doula present during labour and birth:
Benefits to mother
- Shorter labours
- Lower rates of intervention use during labour and birth
- Lower rates of epidural use
- Lower C-section birth rate
- Higher levels of reported satisfaction
Benefits to baby:
- Lower rates of fetal distress
- Lower rates of low APGAR score at 5 minutes after birth
- Higher rate of breastfeeding initiation
- Lower admittance rates into the NICU
EeVon Ling is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor, certified Hypnotherapist, certified HypnoBirthing Practitioner, trained Naturopathic Doula as well as a mother to 2 home-birthed daughters. She is a strong supporter of homebirths, low or no intervention births and educated and informed births.
“Birthing your baby is a healthy, natural and normal function of your body. I’ll be there to help you feel calm, comfortable and confident that you CAN do it!”
Get three professionals in one!
Naturopathic support: homeopathy, herbs, supplements, nutrition, acupuncture, moxibustion, massage
HypnoBirthing and Hypnotherapy support: benefit from a wide range of relaxation techniques
Labour attendant: benefit from her personal and professional experience throughout your labour and baby’s birth
Naturopathic services are HST exempt.
One 15 min “meet and greet” Complimentary
We meet at a mutually agreed upon public place
I explain my approach and birth philosophy and my potential role in your pregnancy, birth and postpartum period
I learn a little about you, your expectations and some of your birth preferences
You’ll receive forms and doula info package, however, you are under no obligation to register.
Prenatal services
HypnoBirthing class 365
5 week program of complete childbirth preparation and education plus learn and practice all the tools to achieve a relaxed, comfortable, safe birth. A must for natural and no/low intervention births!
For more information please visit www.myhypnobirthing.ca
HypnoBirthing classes + Attendance at birth 1000
Great value! Receive 5 weeks of comprehensive childbirth preparation and relaxation training for your baby’s birth + one 45 min pre-birth home visit + all the services of Attendance at birth
Initial new patient in-office appointment (60 min) 180
(This is not required for mothers who take HypnoBirthing classes)
General health assessment (pre-pregnancy health, pregnancy related, nutrition, supplements, stress, sleep, moods, energy etc)
Expectations surrounding birth
Birth plan/ preferences
Postnatal plan
Review comfort techniques
Pre-Birth home appointment (45 min) Included in attendance at birth fee
Home assessment (for home birth, laboring at home, and for baby’s arrival)
Address general questions and concerns
This should be scheduled at least 4 weeks prior to due date (36 weeks pregnant or earlier)
Attendance at birth 800
Includes 45 minute home preparatory visit (scheduled at 36 weeks)
Arrive at home/ hospital at mother’s request once labour has started
Continuous physical presence, emotional support and I may offer the following therapies:
Suggest and assist with positions
Homeopathy
Herbs
Hydrotherapy (hot and cold packs)
Massage
TENS
Assist with water pool (water temperature, positions)
Acupuncture, moxibustion
Help keep mother feeling calm, relaxed and confident and focused
Work with healthcare providers in supporting the birthing family
Provide physical, emotional and informational support for the whole birthing family
Includes 24/7 on-call/txt/e-mail support from registration until 30 days after birth
Postnatal appointments: After your baby is born, you may want some initial support/ help or be assured that things are normal or need special attention. Scheduling of postnatal appointments and appointment topics are general suggestions.
60 minutes at-home postnatal appointment 180
Suggested scheduling: Within 1 week after birth
Review birthing experience
General baby care (diapering, bathing, sleeping)
Breastfeeding
Screening for postpartum depression
Mother’s aftercare (perineum care, afterbirth sensations, nutrition, breastfeeding)
60 min at-home postnatal appointment 180
Suggested scheduling: anytime from 1 – 4 weeks after birth
Assess how family is adjusting
Address sleep, feeding, care issues
Mother’s aftercare and support system
Any additional naturopathic appointments as needed are at an additional cost.
References:
Hodnett ED, Gates S, Hofmeyr GJ, Sakala C, Weston J. Continuous support for women during childbirth. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2011 Feb 16;(2)
Kozhimannil KB, Attanasio LB, Hardeman RR, O’Brien M. Doula Care Supports Near-Universal Breastfeeding Initiation among Diverse, Low-Income Women. J Midwifery Womens Health. 2013 Jul;58(4):378-82.
Kozhimannil KB, Hardeman RR, Attanasio LB, Blauer-Peterson C, O’Brien M. Doula care, birth outcomes, and costs among Medicaid beneficiaries. Am J Public Health. 2013 Apr;103(4)
