What a Doula IS NOT
A Doula is not a medical professional.
We cannot make diagnosis, write prescriptions, or preform medical tasks such as vaginal exams or fetal assessments.
We do not replace your health care practitioner, whether that be a doctor, or a midwife.
What is a Full Spectrum Doula?
To keep this somewhat short, the absolute BEST description I have ever heard of a Doula was from one of my doula training teachers (hey hey JB! Love Over Fear And Wellness & Birth)
"Non Medical, Health Care Adjacent Community Care."
And this is exactly what we are! We work alongside your medical professionals (unless you are having a freebirth) to care for your needs. Each individual will have different roles to be filled by your doula!
FULL SPECTRUM means that I support clients going through a variety of reproductive situations including:
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pre-conception
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pregnancy
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birth
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postpartum
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loss
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termination
Here are some specific ways a doula supports clients through these phases of life.. this is definitely not an exhaustive list!
Pre Conception
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Make an action plan for bodily and mental care of person getting ready to concieve
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Talk through fertility options such as IUI, IVF, Surrogacy, and more
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Help process emotions and experiences
Pregnancy
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Help establish a birth plan, roles during birth, talk about fears
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Provide resources and education
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Be a point of contact / get assurance if you should contact health provider or not (ie: water breaking)
Birth
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Provide hands on comfort techniques
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Provide education about medical and non medical pain relief, help you make decisions in labour
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Advocate for birth wishes
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Keep area tidy, help set up, keep siblings entertained
Postpartum
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Diapering, Feeding, and sleep support
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Organization and light cleaning
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Meal prep / snacks
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Sibling care, baby care, overnight care
Loss / Termination
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Help finding non judgemental resources / providers
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Attendance at appointments / medical services
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Experience and grief processing