Frequently Asked Questions

A full spectrum doula is a non-medically trained community care worker who offers support to people during the full spectrum of pregnancy – from preconception, to birth, to abortion, to miscarriage, to adoption, to postpartum.

A full spectrum doula can assist with all types of birth – medicated, unmedicated, vaginal, cesarean, home or hospital birth. A doula can assist with individualized, non-judgemental care in all types of birth. 

While there are never guarantees for birth outcomes, evidence has shown that, overall, people who receive continuous support are more likely to have a spontaneous vaginal birth and less likely to have pain medication, negative feelings about childbirth, and Cesareans. In addition, their labours are shorter and their babies are less likely to have complications at birth or be admitted to a NICU. In these studies, the best results occurred when the continuous support was provided by a trained doula —someone who was not a staff member at the hospital and not part of the birthing person’s social network. *

* https://evidencebasedbirth.com/the-evidence-for-doulas/ 

Please see the services page for examples of practical assistance a doula can provide.

A doula does not replace a support partner. A doula can help to ensure that a partner/ support person feels involved throughout, as well as provide education to them, along with the birthing person. A doula can assist in providing various emotional and physical types of support during birth, so that the partner/support person can be available to support in the way they desire.  A doula can provide a calm energy and reassurance to both the partner and the birthing person.  The specific type of support will look different for each and every family based on their needs, but these will be discussed in advance, and respected through the birthing process. Ideally, doulas and partners can work together to make up a labour support team.