Prenatal
Prenatal Doula
A prenatal doula is very similar to a labour doula except that a prenatal doula does not attend the actual birth. Prenatal doula's offer the same care prior to and after labour that a labour doula does, and will answer questions and address concerns that you may have during late pregnancy, early labour and during the first weeks postpartum. Prenatal doula's are for mothers that would like the unbias, evidence-based knowledge and support from a doula during her pregnancy and after baby is born, but would prefer to not have an additional person in her birth room.
Prenatal Doulas support families by:
– helping to prepare an individual birth plan (if desired)
– helping to prepare for home and hospital births (but does not attend the actual birth)
– helping you advocate for yourself with care givers
– answering questions, offering emotional support and options during the final weeks of pregnancy, early labour and the first few postpartum weeks
– 1-2 home visits in late pregnancy to discuss your desires, concerns, help prepare for baby, and more
– 1-2 home visits in the first few weeks to aid with breastfeeding, recovery, infant care and more
– offering phone, text and email support until 2 weeks postpartum
A doula does not:
– take the place of your partner
– perform any medical tasks
– make decisions for the mother or her support partner