Birthing Mothers Doula Services is an associate of The Calgary Childbirth Education and Doula Association (CCEDA). Our members are hand picked for their professional expertise. Each member brings unique skills and characteristics, but all are screened to meet the CCEDA Professional Standards. We offer pre and post natal education, doula services, breastfeeding support and a host of other services in Calgary.
A professional labour support provider or doula is "a woman experienced in childbirth who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support"*1 to a couple at home and their birth place. Research indicates labour support has a positive effect on the outcome for women as well as a decrease in expensive medical interventions.*2
Effective support begins in pregnancy by the development of a caring, sharing relationship between the couple and the doula through prenatal classes and/or informal meetings. Effective support recognizes the couple as a team and encourages their relationship. Effective support provides continuity from home to place of birth and home again. The needs and wishes of the couple are recognized and respected.
Birthing Mothers Doula Services through The CCEDA Labour Support Team provides:
- research based information about pregnancy, labour, birth, breastfeeding, newborn health;
- emotional support such as positive affirmations regarding decisions and coping skills, visualizations, recognition of spiritual needs;
- early labour support for the couple in their home;
- continuity of support in the birth place;
- support in seeking information from and interpreting information received from other resources;
- physical support including such things as nutrition, liquids, ambulating, bathing or showering, massage, positions for comfort or for rotation and descent of infant, setting environment;
- back-up for couples who have contracted with a primary doula through the CCEA
- make decisions for a woman or her partner;
- assess fetal heart rate by auscultation or monitor;
- assess mother's vital signs;
- do vaginal exams;
- provide midwifery or medical service.
All doulas work within the guidelines of the by-laws and standards of practice set out by the CCEDA. All doulas are independent practitioners working under the umbrella of the CCEDA.
Once you have confirmed services through the CCEDA we will discuss your birth preferences (written or verbal), comfort measures and other techniques noted above.
Costs:
- Birth Doula Services, as listed above, $1000.00
As a group we are also able to offer the following: (costs not listed)
- Library, Our extensive library of books and videos related to childbearing is available to all of our clients.
- Lactation Consultation
- Variety of prenatal classes from introducing pets to adjusting to motherhood including Private Classes
*1 - Klaus, Kennell and Klaus, Mothering the Mother, 1993
*2 - Kennell JH. The physiologic effects of a supportive companion (doula) during labor, Birth Interaction and Attachment, 1982
*3 - Weiner, Clinical Manual of Maternal and Gynecologic Nursing, 1989
*4 - Please note that not all of our birth doulas will be able to provide this extra service