What Is A Doula?**

The word Doula is now used to refer to a trained and experienced professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the mother before, during and just after birth; or who provides emotional and practical support during the postpartum period.

Why Choose a Doula?**

 Clinical studies have found that a doula's presence at birth;

• Tends to result in shorter labours with fewer complications.
• Reduces negative feelings about one's childbirth experience.
• Reduces the need for pitocin (a labour-inducing drug), forceps or vacuum extraction and cesareans.
• Reduces the mother's request for pain medication and/or epidurals.

Research shows parents who receive support can;

• Feel more secure and cared for.
• Are more successful in adapting to new family dynamics.
• Have greater success with breastfeeding.
• Have greater self-confidence.
• Have less postpartum depression.
• Have lower incidence of abuse.

 ** Taken from DONA International at www.dona.org

As a Birth Doula I am committed to providing the following quality support measures to my clients;

• I will meet with you and your partner at least once, preferrably twice, prior to the due date to discuss your "ideal birth".
• I will help your partner to participate in the birth at their comfort level.
• I will provide emotional support to you and your partner.
• I will provide physical support, including massage and positioning techniques during labour for both you and your partner.
• I will stay with you throughout your labour and delivery and provide support for breastfeeding after the birth.
• I will be available to you by telephone throughout your pregnancy.
• I will be available to you for support measures throughout your labour and will speak with you to determine when you would like me with you for those measures.
• I will help you to get the information you need before, during and after your birth experience so that you and your partner can be confident in making informed choices for your new family.
• I will provide you with pictures and a birth story to help preserve your memory of your birth experience.
• I will provide a follow up visit with you and your partner once you are settled in at home to discuss your birth experience, provide continued support, admire your new baby and show you a few infant massage techniques.

With Bridlewood Massage you have the added benefit of being able to choose us for your prenatal and family massage needs. This gives us the opportunity to build a unique relationship together before the birth of your baby. All massage services are offered independantly of Doula services and are billed as such. Your comfort, both emotionally and physically, is our main priority and you are encouraged to contact us with any concerns or questions that you may have. I am always available by email at cwahlers@shaw.ca. I will do my best to return all phone calls within a timely manner, but please keep in mind that while in massage appointments I may be unavailable for up to 1 hour at a time.

Doula Services Rates:$600.00 + gst