As far back as history is recounted, women attended women in childbirth. They provided a ministry of education to young women about their bodies, having children and healthy pregnancies. Childbearing women relied on their close-knit community of women to assist them in labour, delivery and early care of their children. Today we call this support person, a doula. We are... advocates, labour coaches, and support partners for moms and their partners throughout the birth process.

why have a doula?
In addition to the added confidence and peace of mind your doula will provide, studies show that doulas positively impact the birth process by decreasing⁽¹⁾

overall caesarean rate by 50% length of labour by 25% oxytocin use by 40% pain medication by 30% the need for forceps by 40% requests for epidurals by 60% 1. Mothering the Mother, by Klaus, Kennell and Klaus

why choose Us?
It all comes down to synergy. The right fit. Your doula should not only appreciate, respect and support you in creating the kind of birth you want, but also be a source of inspiration and, yes, even humour.*

Whether you are an expecting parent, a new parent, or a veteran parent, the Halton Doula Group offers the comapassion, knowledge and dedication you and your family deserve.

Our doulas work on a shared-care basis - giving you the benefit of all our hands (should you need it!).

Your family will have a primary doula, whether that be Angie, Lisanne, Lorri, Ashley, Tammy or Deb.She will meet with you several times before the birth to get to know you and your partner, your birth wishes and to answer questions you may have about pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and early parenting.

Your primary doula will also be with you throughout your labour and birth, and will be there to support you, your baby and family after the birth.

The secondary doulas will provide back-up for your birth. They will play an active role in contributing to your overall childbirth experience through perinatal and postpartum support.

In addition, the Halton Doula Group is the only doula service in Halton that has its own International Board Certified Lactation Consultant working exclusively with us. Jean will meet with you before and after the birth of your baby to provide you with the latest in breastfeeding information, skills and techniques, and be there first hand for you should any hiccups arise. This has been helpful to moms with or without any breastfeeding experience. We'll get you get off to the best start possible!

*Quality of humour not guaranteed.

our birth support service

Your doula will support you through every stage of your childbirth process. We will assist you in knowing what your options are for your birth and work with you to reduce your fears, direct you to the information you need to make informed decisions and provide you with breastfeeding education and support before and after your baby arrives. Our services also include:

• 2-3 prenatal visits to get to know you and discuss:
  • putting your birth preferences/plan in writing
  • comfort and relaxation labour techniques including use of positions, total body relaxation, massage, birthing ball, etc
  • effective pushing techniques
  • identifying and working with your fears

• a prenatal visit with our lactation consultant (IBCLC) to discuss effective breastfeeding techniques, current research and screen for any possible challenges

• an invitation to our prenatal Childbirth Without Fear evening for clients

• a follow up appointment with a lactation consultant in your first week home

• unlimited breastfeeding support for the first month with your doula
  
• on call phone and email support for the month following the birth of your baby(ies) to answer your non-medical baby care questions

• your baby's birth story or birth notes

Please contact us for rates and more information..