Having a Doula

When we found out we were expecting, I knew I wanted a doula. A huge source of my worries about having a baby was the labor part, I was just so scared about labor, so I knew I wanted and needed extra support because I wanted to have a positive experience. There are so many horror stories out there surrounding birth, and I didn’t want mine to be added to that list. 

My husband didn’t really understand why I wanted a doula, since he would be there to support me during labor, but I knew it was something I needed and wanted in addition to his support, since neither of us have ever been through this experience before.. He eventually came around and understood that I was having a lot of anxiety about birth and wanted extra support. 

I interviewed with a few doulas before making my decision, and it was a tough choice, but ultimately I chose and am so happy with my choice! My husband let me do the choosing.

There are so many benefits to having a doula. From the time we hired her, we were in contact frequently and if I had any questions or concerns I could talk with her about them (and of course the doctor, too, if needed). I was able to express all my worries and concerns to her and she was very level headed and helped me through everything! 

When it came time for labor, my husband and I had an hour and a half drive to the hospital., I was in contact with my doula the whole time, and when things started picking up, I told her I wanted her to come in (which was at about 4:00AM). 

When she walked into the room I felt a strong sense of calm. She immediately came to me and started softly talking to me and massaging me. It was amazing! I could go on forever about it, but I’ll keep this post a little shorter. She was there with us until about 9:00PM (so for about 17 hours - my labor was a long one!), and it never felt like an inconvenience for her to be there that long. She comforted me, talked me through different options that I had, and helped guide my husband with what to do/how to comfort me during this time as well. I can’t say enough great things about having a doula, so if you are able to have one…I would highly suggest it!

I asked her a few questions as well to include here:

“Thanks so much for the opportunity to share!”

When did you become a doula?

“I began my Doula journey in 2015 after birthing my daughter in hospital with a failed epidural.”

How many births have you been to?

“I have attended well over 100 births and supported many more families with childbirth education and fetal positioning support.”

What is your favourite thing about being a doula? 

“I would have to say my most favourite thing about being a Doula is holding space for families as they grow and transform during their birthing year learning to be guided by their own intuition.”

Where (what areas do you serve) do you attend births? 

“I attend births in person within Edmonton and Area. I’ve travelled to Calgary and also have attended birth virtually across Canada as a “Doula on the shelf 🤣“.”

What else do you do other than birth doula? 

“I am a mama of 2 busy kiddos as well as a certified health coach and advocate for women! I am the President of the Doula Association of Alberta and work with a team to support birth workers and birthing families within the province.”

What inspired you to become a doula? 

“Realizing after birthing my daughter that there is a disconnect of evidence-based information and options given to birthing people for their journeys, I wanted to be able to support families in making informed choices with their care and support. I teach them about the anatomy and physiology of their birthing bodies so that they can have  knowledge of birth and be able to call upon their intuition and trust in their journeys.”

Thank you to my doula, Milly, for answering some questions for our post today! 

Remember, mama, you are doing an amazing job and it’s okay to ask for the help and support you need!