FAQ's

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What training and experience have you had? We are both DONA International certified birth doulas, and CAPPA certified Childbirth Educators. We have attended many births including natural, medicated, induced, assisted, VBAC, and cesarean deliveries. Sadly we have both personally experienced pregnancy losses. We both volunteer our time to the Terra Association (for teen mothers).

2. What is your philosophy about childbirth and supporting women and their partners through labor? Although we believe that natural childbirth is best, we also believe that every woman should make that choice for herself, and we will support her in her decision should she choose to use medication. Our goal is to make childbirth a rewarding experience for both mother and partner, and we can help partners participate in the way they wish, while making sure the mothers needs are met.

3. When do you try to join women in labor? Do you come to our home or do you meet us at the place of birth? We join the woman as soon as she feels she needs doula support, whether it is at home or at the hospital. We will not leave a mother without doula support once active labor has begun.

4. May we meet with you to discuss our birth plan and the role you will play in supporting me (us) in childbirth? Once you have decided to hire us, we like to meet with you two times before the birth. The first time we will discuss your birth plan, and any questions or concerns you have regarding the birth. The second time, we will review comfort techniques and positions, so you are familiar with them during birth.

5. May I (we) call you with questions or concerns before or after the birth? Yes, definitely! We love talking about pregnancy and birth and encourage keeping in touch with us during your pregnancy so that we know what is happening with you. If you have any questions before or after your baby is born, please don't hesitate to call us.

6. Do you meet with me (us) after the birth to review the labour and answer questions? The doula who attended your birth will meet with you about 1 - 2 weeks afterwards to give you a birth story and photos, receive feedback, answer any questions, and of course, admire your baby.

7. Do you work with one or more backup doulas for times when you are not available? May we meet her/them? Since we provide shared-care doula services, the chances of you needing a backup doula are very small. However, we do have backup arrangements with other Edmonton area doulas for times when one of us is unavailable. You will receive profiles of available backup doulas, and you are free to contact them before you go into labour so that you have a good idea which doula suits you best. You will always be informed if a situation occurs where backup support is necessary.

8. What is your fee, what does it include, and what are your refund policies? We prefer to discuss our fees with you in person. Our services include the initial consultation, two prenatal and one postpartum visit, 24 hour a day on-call availability from 3 weeks before your due date until you deliver, continuous care through labour, immediate postpartum assistance for 1-2 hours after the birth, and photos if you want them. Our refund policy - if we terminate services, or fail to attend your birth due to unforeseen circumstances, we will return the fees paid in full. If a doula does not attend because of rapid labour or failure to call, we will keep the retainer. We will also keep the retainer in the event of a planned caesarean section or if you cancel the contract.

9. Can you provide references? Yes, but to respect our clients privacy, we will not post them on-line. You can also read what our previous clients have said in the testimonials section of this website.