Frequently asked questions
Q. What is the difference between a Doula and a Midwife?
A. A Doula is your constant professional and emotional support for you, your family and works with your Midwife.
Your Midwife is your professional healthcare provider who specializes in the health and safety of you and your baby. Available in office/hospital prenatal visits, they check on you and your baby’s health and progress, provides clinical advise and refers out to medical specialists as needed. Reviews your birth plan, and provides recommendations based the safety of you and your baby.
Your Doula is available via phone, email 24/7 and on call when you go into labour. We provide education and information, provide prenatal visits and classes at home to help build confidence with your birthing preparations. A Doula invests in you and your partner to support your choices, encourages self-advocacy and self-empowerment.
Your Midwife monitors you and your baby during labour and delivers your baby. Provides immediate clinical care after your birth, performs abdominal palpation, vaginal exams, fetal monitoring, and labour progress. Midwives can also administer Nitrous oxide (GAS) for pain relief.
Your Doula provides hands on, individualised support and comfort during labour and birth. Dedicated to the comfort of the entire family after birth, giving you precious time to get to know each other.
Your Midwife will monitor your physical health for several hours after the birth and is available by appointment in the first 6 weeks after birth to monitor your recovery and your baby’s health.
Your Doula will customize in home postpartum care from day one and is available via phone 24/7 to provide breastfeeding help, newborn and family support. Your doula can assist with domestic duties and can remain with you up to 6 months post birth.
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Q. At what stage of pregnancy should I hire a birth Doula?
A. Anytime.
The right time to hire a Doula depends on you and your individual needs, family, health, and circumstances. We want to share information and prepare you for a positive birth at any stage of your journey.
You may be referred by a friend or your care provider at the beginning of your pregnancy or you can call for a Birth Doula anytime during your labour. It is best to do a little research in order to find the right Doula for you.
In my experience the opportune time to engage a birth Doula is around 24 weeks. We would then meet, get to know each other and share your thoughts and expectations on birthing and becoming parents. If we all feel a connection on which we can build a relationship focused on honouring your birth, we can proceed to the next stage.
When you have decided to connect with your Doula, and agreed to sign a contract, your Doula will be there to support, nurture and guide you from that moment on.
Q. What can I do to prevent tearing during birth?
A. There is so much advise on this subject and I completely believe in you preparing your body.
At the time of giving birth there are many factors that may arise, in which tearing naturally occurs, regardless it is amazing how quickly a woman’s body will heal.
The time at which tearing is most likely to occur is when your baby’s head and shoulders are being delivered. The key to preventing tearing in this moment is trusting your support team. Your experienced team, that you have brought together, will support you into positions and work to give you the information and inspiration you need. Trust everything you are feeling. If you have had an epidural it will vary how mobile you are and how much you are feeling.
Warm water over your vagina, perineum and rectum during labour softens the tissues. Remember, gravity is on your side so try positions that are comfortable and focus on opening your pelvis in downward positions. Squatting is awesome but it isn’t for every woman, especially if your energy levels are low. Lots of mums love hands and knees with various supports including a yoga ball. Standing with the support of your partner and Doula or lying on your side with leg support, warm compresses on your perineum when you start pushing and gentle massaging around the vagina and perineum with coconut oil will all help to preventing tearing.