I provide my services as a naturopathic doula in Nanaimo and surrounding areas (Ladysmith to Parksville/Qualicum Beach). I became a birth doula because I have always had a strong passion for pregnancy and childbirth. It is commonly perceived that birth is something to fear and that it is too painful to do without intervention. My goal is to empower women to trust their body’s ability to birth naturally and provide the education needed to make informed choices about their birth experience. Natural childbirth is intense, hard work but it is also one of the most powerful, life changing experiences you will ever have. All women should have the support to choose to birth naturally, in their own way, and at their own pace.
A Doula's Role
As a Naturopathic Doula, I am a trained and experienced professional who assists women before, during and/or after childbirth, as well as her partner and/or family by providing information, physical assistance (pain management) and emotional support utilizing Naturopathic modalities.
As a naturopathic doctor, I'm able to provide prenatal care including help with nutrition, supplement recommendations, and various techniques for easing the challenges of labour. Working with a naturopathic doula gives you the added benefit of working with a medical professional educated in the physiology of birth and equipped with tools to aid in common challenges of birth and labour, including baby position, stalled labour, avoiding induction, and pain management.
Studies show that women given support in labour:
Are more likely to give birth spontaneously
Are less likely to use pain medications
Are less likely to have a c-section
Are less likely to have assisted deliveries with forceps or vacuum
Are more likely to be satisfied with their birth outcome
Have slightly shorter labours
Have greater breastfeeding outcomes
Have increased self-esteem
Suffer less postpartum depression
Have babies that are less likely to have low five-minute Apgar scores
Naturopathic Labour Support Package Includes:
Complimentary meet and greet
Two one hour prenatal appointments
Used to develop birth plan, help prepare family for the birth and go over any questions and/or concerns.
Discussion of breath, movement, and relaxation techniques for pain management and the doulas role in labour and birth
May also include nutritional support, safe herbal and homeopathic suggestions, natural labour induction methods, gentle support to turn a breech baby
4 weeks of on call doula care - availability by phone at any time of the day/night to answer your questions or attend your birth
Continuous care during labour and birth
From whatever point in labour (whether early or active) that parents feel that they could use my support
Providing physical and informational support
Working with all other healthcare providers and family members to ensure as positive birth experience as possible
Help to make birthing area safe, calm, welcoming space with minimal distraction
Provide support to partner or other parent to ensure they feel informed, helpful and taken care of
Support to labouring parent to feel calm and focused
One postpartum home visit
Review the family’s birthing experience, go over any questions and concerns, provide basic breastfeeding and lactation support
May also include nutritional support, safe herbal and homeopathic suggestions, basic pediatric care
Fee: $900
Naturopathic care through labour and birth is covered by most extended benefit plans under naturopathy.
This package has a $450 non-refundable deposit for reservation of labour care. Payment plans are available.
Please contact me directly through my contact page to inquire about availability or with any questions you may have.