A Doula is a trained professional who provides physical, emotional and educational support to a new mother and her family during pregnancy, labour and into the postpartum period. The word “doula” (pronounced DOO-la) is a Greek word meaning “woman servant or caregiver.” A doula believes in mothering the mother, enabling a woman to have the most satisfying childbirth experience that she can.

Booking a consultation is the first step toward hiring a Doula. There is absolutely no obligation as the purpose of the consultation is to clearly review your wants and wishes with what we at Family First Doula Service do and how we can help you to achieve them. More importantly, we are also able to better assess your family’s specific needs and put together an individualized birth support team that works best for you.

Studies show that the underlying reason for a woman’s positive outlook when it comes to her birth experience is the ability to control her body during labour and influence the environment in which she labours and gives birth. Ultimately, when a woman has been listened to and her birth wishes have been respected, she will tend to walk away from the experience feeling empowered and ready to shift into her new role as mother.

A Doula does NOT provide any medical advice or perform any medical procedures at any time. A Doula assists in gaining information about client’s care provider’s recommendations.

One of the biggest benefits of a Doula is the fact that she is a professional birth/postpartum support person. She has been trained in the art of birth support and educated in the care of the newborn, as well as the recovery of the postpartum mother.
A Doula has a keen eye for what a labouring or new mother needs, is able to remain calm and focused even if things go slightly off the intended birth plan, or if problems arise during the initial postpartum period. A Doula also guides and encourages the father or partner as they go through the birth experience and becomes a new parent.

22% increased rates of breastfeeding at six weeks postpartum 15% higher self-esteem 12% reduction in anxiety 13% reduction in Postpartum Depression at six weeks postpartum. A reduction in the risk factors of Postpartum Depression, which affects approximately 10 to 20% of all new mothers. Using a Postpartum Doula is a very effective way to reduce your risk factors from developing PPD by having care within the home for the first six weeks.