Community Birth Program

Doula Support

Doulas (pronounced “doola”) are an age-old concept, but one that not many people are familiar with in today’s modern care system. Doulas are not medical professionals, but as trained childbirth attendants, doulas nurture, comfort and provide physical support to clients and their partners throughout labour – be it a hand to hold, some verbal encouragement or massage/counter pressure. Doulas can help your partner support you, not replace your partner.

Comprehensive, evidence-based healthcare reviews tell us that the benefits of hiring a doula include shorter labor, a significant reduction in birth interventions such as lower c-section rates, and happier, well nurtured parents. The research identifies doulas as individuals who are not your medical care provider (doctor, midwife or nurse) and are not family members. Doulas will meet with you prenatally to discuss your goals for labor & birth, review comfort measures & positions for labor, and will labor with you at home before it is time to go to the hospital. They stay with you for the duration of your labor & delivery, to help you welcome your baby.

See the evidence on doulas from Evidence Based Birth.

The support of a doula is not covered by MSP. To privately hire a birth doula in our area is in the $1200-$2000 range. The Community Birth Program values the support of doulas and is pleased to offer doula support to our families for a reduced fee. Some extended benefits plans may cover some or all of this fee under a Health Expense Account or Discretionary Medical Expenses package. We encourage you to inquire with your extended medical benefits provider.

What to Expect with Doula Support

  • You will have one prenatal visit with your doula - virtual or in-person

  • Your doula will be on call for you 24/7

  • Notify your doula when labour begins and do not go to the hospital before alerting your doula and the on-call pager

  • You and your support person will receive guidance via telephone when your labour starts

  • Your doula may come to your home in early labor to set you up with comfort measures and a TENS unit

  • Your doula will join you in labour when you are getting admitted to the hospital.

  • Once at the hospital, the doula will stay with you continuously until your baby is born, and then usually an hour or so after the birth.

  • You can expect one postpartum visit from your doula within two weeks of being home.

If you would like a doula to help with your care, you can fill out a form in our clinic and our doula coordinator will help find the best match.