OUR VISION:

We believe that every woman has the right to a gentle, safe and supported birth. We are dedicated to enhancing women's birth experiences in the present so that future generations will also benefit.

OUR AIM:

• To provide physical and emotional support for the childbearing woman and her partner during and immediately after the birth of the baby;
• To make care affordable, regardless of ability to pay;
• To encourage choice based on knowledge of alternatives;
• To support the woman in her birth choices;
• To provide a continuous, professional standard of care;
• To assist childbearing women in linking with community resources;
• To help protect a mother's birth memory.

DOULA SERVICE: WHAT IS A DOULA?

If you are pregnant, know someone who is, or simply thinking of having children in the future, you may want to consider having a Doula at the birth. The word doula comes from the Greek and means 'woman caregiver of another woman'.

A doula provides emotional and physical support to the birthing woman and her partner and remains by the woman's side during the entire labour. She can assist with methods of pain relief such as relaxation techniques, tension-releasing breathing, position changes, visualization and appropriate touch and massage. She provides nurturing, helpful and objective support and facilitates the involvement of any family members chosen to be present at the birth. She does not, however, perform any medical procedures.

Besides labour support, most doulas also provide some prenatal and postpartum services such as assistance in preparing for the birth, establishing a birth plan and supporting the breast feeding relationship.

Various trials have shown that doula support before, during and after labour can decrease the length of labour, the use of oxytocin, pain medications and epidurals, and the number of forceps deliveries and caesarian sections. Some other benefits of a doula may be improved breast feeding and decreased postpartum depression.

FEES FOR SERVICE

Fees for doula services range between $300 and $600 depending on unique expertise/services included. Most Doulas will work on a sliding scale.

A typical doula package includes:

• A free introductory information session
• 2 prenatal and 2 postnatal visits
• Attendance/support during entire home or hospital birth
  

For individual quotes, please contact one of our Doulas at their respective numbers or emails listed below.

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OUR DOULAS
Certified with Doulas of North America

"When choosing a Doula, the right personality match can be more important than any other factor and, therefore, we encourage women to interview a number of us before making their decision."

Linda Baril 890-0681
casita.linda@hotmail.com

• Certified Doula and Doula trainer (DONA International)
• four joyous births, two in hospital, two at home
• reflexologist/instructor
• prenatal instructor with Valley Prenatal

"I have a strong belief in the power of women and their miraculous bodies. I am continuously honoured to guide women/couples through this transition into parenthood."

Jordan Guignard 338-4177
jordan.doula@gmail.com

• certified with DONA International
• mother of two, both natural home births
• breastfeeding counsellor
• prenatal breastfeeding facilitator

"Recognizing the uniqueness of every family, it is my goal to empower women, nurture and support them in their own exceptional birth experience."

Monica Hofer 335-1414
Drumdeva@gmail.com

• certified with DONA International
• mother of two, both joyous home births with midwives
• certified therapeutic herbalist and reflexologist
• breast feeding counsellor
• Prenatal Instructor with Valley Prenatal

"I envision gentle births for babies, see birth as an empowering experience for women and believe in putting trust in the miracles of nature."

Michelle Hughes 898-7547
info@comoxvalleyacupuncture.com

• mother of two, hospital births, both natural
• labour support and postpartum care
• Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine with advanced training in obstetrics and gynecology

"As a doula I aim to provide comfort, support, and a sense of empowerment to the woman and her partner during the birthing process and beyond."

Stephanie Janzen 338-5980
sjanzen@telus.net

• Doula candidate, DONA International
• Certified hypnotherapist
• mother of two, one hospital birth, one home birth

"I believe every pregnant/birthing woman should be supported and cared for so that she can put her energy into nurturing herself and her baby. I look forward to supporting expectant parents through this amazing process."

Cindy Matheson 337-2329
chtm@telus.net

• Doula candidate, DONA International
• mother of 2, both caesarean births
• one VBAC attempt

"Having had caesarean births for both of my children I understand the highs and lows that may be encountered and the importance of creating positive memories from those experiences. My goal is to provide knowledge, support, and comfort so the mother has a positive birthing experience."

Leah Taylor 218-3796
leahbirthdoula@hotmail.com

• Doula candidate, DONA International
• Mother of two, both natural hospital births
• work well with midwives, hospital staff and partners
• have experience supporting women through both short and long labours

"Pregnancy and childbirth are two of the most beautiful and empowering experiences in a woman's life. It is an honour to provide women with intuitive, competent and gentle support so every birth is a cherished experience for moms, babies, and their families"

Sabine Schill 336-2073
wateringcan@shaw.ca

• certified with DONA International
• mother of three, different hospital births
• physical therapist and massage therapist
• speaks English, German and French

"Giving birth is like gardening: with some knowledge and love it's amazing what will grow."