Doula / Midwife Recommendations in the GTA?
ByI am looking for a doula / midwife to attend my birth. However, I am not into anything “weird”. I am not into hypnosis, herbal medicine, yoga, etc.
Just want a nice, experienced woman to help me during the birth process at my local hospital.
All the websites I have found are too “touchy / feely” for me.
So, any recommendations?
Some of our local midwives will also act as doulas. They do both.
You are the right, the question wasn’t too clear.
Yes, our local doulas all advertise alternative medicine, meditation, acupuncture, etc. as part of their support practice. I don’t want any of it. I am rather at a loss to understand why this is. I haven’t seen this in any other area.
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- I am thinking about training to be a Doula in my area…..?
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- Are you pregnant and thinking of using a Doula. Here’s how a Doula service can help you
- do you know where I could find an inexpensive birth doula in Hamilton, Ontario Canada???
2 Comments
May 5th, 2010 at 1:32 pm
I had a doula and a mid wife for my first daughter. It was a great experience the only thing is that what you are asking well they are 2 total diffrent people. A doula is a lady who comes to your home and is there to awnser all your calls and be there to support you through out your whole pragnacy when you think you are in labor she comes to your house and times the contractions and is there to tell you if its time to go to the hospital or if its a false labor and trust me they know!! Now a Midwife she is there instead as a doctor she is there to deliver the baby they try for you to go natural they make sure you dont tear as much they try to have a delivery they try anything before they go for the c-section. I am currently 28 weeks pregnant and this time i also am having a midwife but no doula they are expesive but worth it for your first pregnacy because they really do calm you down and feel like you are going to be okay!! I would choos a midwife over a doctor ANY DAY!! i am petite 5′0 and 115lb so its important to have a person who will know how to treat your body. You can choose a miwife by caling your local doctors and telling them that you are pregnant and want a midwife not a doctor they will reffer you to one and from there you deside what you like. I have never heard of “wierd” things going on with midwifes or doulas so good luck and congrats.
*mother of 2 year old girl and 28 weeks pregnant.
May 5th, 2010 at 2:20 pm
Speaking with doulas in person can be very beneficial in selecting one. Many people advertise skills they have or services they offer, but this doesn’t mean they will use those techniques if you do not want them to. Just be very clear and upfront about your expectations regarding their role at your birth, and discuss your ideal birth with them.
Interview several doulas (this may mean meeting them in a public place over lunch, no strings attached) and see if you find any you feel compatable with and who will honor your wishes by helping you achieve the birth you want. Finding the right doula is often about having a good personality match as well as a similar philosophy of birth. Don’t settle for one you aren’t sure about. A doula can make or break your birth experience.
For what it’s worth, I attended a doula training workshop and I don’t consider myself very “touchy-feely” at all, though I am very familiar with and knowledgeable about the normal birth process and common hospital practices. In my training program, we had varied backgrounds and philosophies, so I’m sure you can find someone who can guide you through the type of birth you want.