Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to some of the questions I hear most often about doula support, birth preparation, postpartum support, and working together.
What does a doula do?
A doula provides emotional, informational, and practical support throughout pregnancy, labour, birth, and the postpartum period. My role is not to replace your healthcare provider, but to help you feel informed, supported, and confident as you make decisions that are right for you.
What is the difference between a doula and a midwife?
Midwives are regulated healthcare providers who monitor the health of both parent and baby, provide clinical care, and can deliver babies.
Doulas do not provide medical care. Instead, we offer emotional, informational, and practical support throughout pregnancy, labour, birth, and postpartum. Many families choose to work with both a midwife and a doula, as the roles complement one another well.
When should I hire a doula?
Many clients reach out during the second trimester, but there is no perfect time. Some people hire a doula early in pregnancy, while others connect much later. If you're considering support, it's worth reaching out as soon as you feel ready so we can discuss availability and whether we're a good fit.
Do you support hospital births?
Yes. I support clients planning hospital births throughout Toronto and the GTA. My role is to help you feel supported and informed regardless of where or how you choose to give birth.
Do you support home births?
Yes. I support clients planning home births with a registered midwife. Home birth preparation looks a little different than hospital birth preparation, and we'll discuss what support and planning may be helpful for your specific situation.
Do doulas attend cesarean births?
Yes. Doulas can support planned and unplanned cesarean births.
Support may include helping you prepare for surgery, providing emotional support before and after birth, supporting your partner, and helping you process your experience afterward.
Hospital policies can vary, so we would discuss what support may be available in your specific situation.
Do you support unmedicated births?
Yes. Many clients are planning an unmedicated birth, and I can provide education, comfort measures, positioning suggestions, and continuous support throughout labour.
Do you support epidurals and other pain management options?
Absolutely. My role is not to promote one type of birth over another. I support informed decision-making and will help you navigate your options based on your preferences and circumstances.
Even with an epidural, many clients find it helpful to have continuous emotional support, assistance with position changes, support for partners, and someone focused on helping them feel informed and cared for throughout the experience.
What happens during prenatal visits
Prenatal visits are an opportunity to get to know one another, discuss your questions and concerns, prepare for labour, explore comfort measures, review birth preferences, and make a plan for support during labour and the early postpartum period.
What support do you provide for partners?
Partner support is an important part of my work. I help partners understand what is happening during labour, offer practical suggestions, demonstrate comfort measures, and help them feel more confident in their role.
What happens when labour starts?
When labour begins, you'll reach out by phone or text. I'll help you assess what's happening, offer support and guidance, and determine when it may be helpful for me to join you in person.
Do you offer virtual support?
Yes. Virtual support is available for clients who prefer remote support or who live outside my in-person service area.
Virtual support can include pregnancy and birth preparation, labour and delivery support, decision-making support, postpartum check-ins, and ongoing guidance by phone, text, or video call.
Whether you're preparing for birth, navigating labour, or adjusting to life postpartum, virtual support can provide an additional layer of reassurance and connection wherever you are.
Do you provide postpartum support?
Yes. Postpartum support focuses on recovery, adjustment, emotional wellbeing, feeding support resources, and helping families feel supported during the transition to life with a new baby.
Do you support pregnancy loss and reproductive loss?
Yes. I provide compassionate, grounded support for individuals and families experiencing miscarriage, TFMR, stillbirth, infertility, and other experiences of pregnancy or reproductive loss.
What areas do you serve?
I provide in-person support throughout Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area. Virtual support is available across Canada.
How do I know if we're a good fit?
Choosing a doula is a personal decision. The best way to find out is to book a complimentary consultation. We'll have a chance to connect, discuss your needs, and see whether my approach feels like the right fit for you and your family.
Still have questions?
I'd be happy to chat. Reach out anytime to learn more about doula support or explore whether we'd be a good fit.