Providing inclusive and informed pregnancy, labor, birth and postpartum support
About me
I am Samantha, a DONA trained Labor & Birth Doula and mama to two little firecrackers. Like many in the birth field, my passion arose from my own experiences with my two daughters. I love sharing information and supporting birthers, birth partners and the entire family as they experience bringing a baby earthside.
My goal as a doula is to help women feel empowered, informed, and strong, supporting them and their partners in one of life's most transformative experiences.
mission
To empower and encourage women and families to have positive pregnancy, birthing and postpartum experiences, through informed and inclusive support.
Pre-Natal support
Meet with me at any point in your pregnancy to discuss birth philosophies, pain management techniques and your ideal birth. I will answer questions that you have, and provide you with tools and information to prepare you for your labor and birth experience. In addition, I will support the birth partner to ensure that all needs are being met, and that you as the birther have a positive experience.
Labor & Birth Support
From early labor to the birth of your baby, I will offer inclusive, personalized support. Support will look different for each birther, but we will discuss the ways in which I can support you in our pre-natal meetings. From providing physical comfort measures, to encouraging words and affirmations, I will be with you. I will also serve as an advocate for you; providing information as it arises, and making sure you have a positive experience.
4th Trimester Support
The fourth trimester is the time after your baby has been born, and importantly, the time when you are settling into your role as mother; whether for the first, third or even fifth time. During this time I will offer breastfeeding support and do anything I can to help you and your family settle in with your new baby.
interested in hiring a labor & birth doula?
01
Connect with me at any point during your pregnancy. Whether it is as soon as you receive a positive test, or later in your pregnancy. Send me a message and we can connect to have a quick 15 minute call to see if we have similar philosophies on birth.
02
Schedule your first pre-natal meeting. During this time we will discuss my role as your doula, your reason for hiring a doula and my scope of practice. Additionally, we will discuss how your partner is involved and chat about intervention, pain and birth preferences.
03
Throughout your pregnancy we will have a subsequent pre-natal meeting (multiple if the need arises). I will share information as requested, and we will work together to build an ideal birth plan in preparation for your labor and birth. During this time, your partner may wish to connect with me independently to discover ways to best support you.
SUPPORT SERVICES & pACKAGES
poppy package
$500 + HST
What is included?
- 2 hours of pre-natal support
- Unlimited email support
- Support through all stages of labor
- Support through birth/immediately after
- 2 hours of post-partum support
violet package
$700 + HST
What is included?
- 4 hours of pre-natal support
- Unlimited email/text support
- Support through all stages of labor
- Support through birth & immediately after
- 3 hours of post-partum support
Add-Ons
Virtual pre-natal support $30/hour
Post-partum support $40/hour
Breastfeeding support $40/hour
Unlimited text add-on $60/hour
Partner Meeting $85/hour
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is a doula?
According to DONA International, a doula is "a trained professional who provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to a mother before, during, and shortly after childbirth, to help her achieve the healthiest, most satisfying experience possible
My partner will be with me. Do I need a doula too?
Hiring a doula is a personal decision, but women often find comfort in knowing that someone familiar with labor and birth will be there to support them, as well as the birthing partner. Doulas have knowledge of birth and labor, and offer wonderful support in the hours after birth.
I want a medicated, hospital birth. Will a doula be helpful?
A doula is there to support you in any setting, but may be especially helpful in a hospital setting. While an epidural will take the pain away, a doula can provide emotional support throughout to help alleviate a mother's anxiety or fear. Also, a doula is able to provide comfort measures before an epidural is given.
What if I don't want to breastfeed?
A doula's role is to support the birthing person and birth partners in any way that is desired. A doula will provide information as needed, to help the birther make an informed decision. If she does not want to breastfeed, a doula can help communicate that desire at the hospital, and support the mother in whichever choice of feeding she has made.
What if I have an emergency cesarean section?
In the event that you need to have a c-section, a doula can help with any questions that a mother or partner may have for the medical team. A doula can help maintain the birthing space in the lead up to the surgery, and can ensure the post-operative room is set up to support recovery. Depending on hospital policy, a doula should be able to offer support after surgery.
What are the benefits of having a doula?
A doula provides physical and emotional support, and provides evidence-based information and advocacy. Studies have shown that birthers with the support of a doula have a decreased risk of cesarean section, the use of pain medications and of being dissatisfied overall with the birth experience.
Those who have a doula during labor and birth report feeing more confident and supported than those who do not.
