Doulas
What is a Doulas?
A doula (pronounced doola) is a greek word for woman servant or caregiver. They are also known as a birth companion and post-birth supporter, who is a non-medical person and assists a person before, during, and/or after childbirth, as well as her spouse and/or family, by providing physical assistance and emotional support.
The provision of continuous support during labour is associated with improved maternal and fetal health and a variety of other benefits, including lower risk of induction and interventions and less need for pain relief. These benefits are particularly significant when continuous support is provided by someone who is not there as family/friend or as medical staff (i.e. a doula). Additionally, a doula is sometimes hired to work with families beyond the postpartum stages, providing continued physical and emotional support, for as long as needed (sometimes, this support can be ongoing for several years).
These days most doulas will have completed some training to prepare them for the role. However, the title can be used by anyone. The goal of a doula is to ensure the mother and her partner feel safe and confident before, during, and after birth.
A doulas does not perform any medical procedures, and a doula is not the same thing as a midwife!
Where to find a Doula:
The Campbell River Family Network - Pregnancy & Parenting
Karen Maxwell Eddy - Comfort & Joy Childbirth & Post Partum Doula Services
Phone: (250) 650-2224; Facebook Page
Montana Hartle - Beautiful Births Doula Services
Phone: (250) 204-1583; Facebook Page
Jaz Wilson - Wise Womb Childbirth Services (Serving Campbell River; Quadra & Cortes Islands)
Phone: 1-250-935-0266; Email: wisewombbirth@gmail.com; Facebook Page
Aboriginal Doulas for Families Program
First Nations Health Authority
Jackie Jack, Aboriginal Doula Liaison, Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council
Toll Free 1-877-283-2012 / Cell (250) 202-0911
Email: jackie.jack@nuuchahnulth.org
Service Details
| Languages spoken | English |
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Categorization
This program was last updated on: 01 Aug 2017.
