"Childbirth is an experience in a woman’s life that holds the power to transform her forever. Passing through these powerful gates – in her own way – remembering all the generations of women who walk with her… She is never alone." |
Suzanne Arms
Birth/Labour Doula Services
It’s always seemed a bit odd to me that we spend so much time and effort planning our wedding but not so much learning about and planning the birth of our babies. Can you imagine showing up at your wedding and not knowing who would be officiating, who your attendants would be or where you would be having the ceremony? That is sometimes what happens with a birth, you may not know which doctor will be there, the nurses will likely not be known to you and you may not birth at the place that you had originally thought. This can be a bit stressful to say the least.
A doula serves as a constant presence of support and an emotional anchor for the birthing woman and her partner. Just like a wedding planner, a doula can help you decide on birth wishes so that your birth team can know what you would like to see in your birth. They can prepare you and your support person for the birth by explaining procedures, helping you to stay relaxed, helping you to be an advocate for the type of birth you want. Additionally, they will be there every step of the way at your birth. They will help to prepare your birth room so that it is comfortable, and you feel safe. They will help your support person or people take a break, bring food and water, pillows, blankets, cool cloths, suggest breaks and positions that will help the birth progress. They will rub your back for hours if need be. They will offer encouragement and support and will join you in celebration when your new babe is in your arms. And you will wonder how you could have done it without her.
There is increasing evidence that shows that the way we begin our life is so important to our later development and happiness as children and adults. Let me be YOUR connection to all things birth related.
A doula serves as a constant presence of support and an emotional anchor for the birthing woman and her partner. Just like a wedding planner, a doula can help you decide on birth wishes so that your birth team can know what you would like to see in your birth. They can prepare you and your support person for the birth by explaining procedures, helping you to stay relaxed, helping you to be an advocate for the type of birth you want. Additionally, they will be there every step of the way at your birth. They will help to prepare your birth room so that it is comfortable, and you feel safe. They will help your support person or people take a break, bring food and water, pillows, blankets, cool cloths, suggest breaks and positions that will help the birth progress. They will rub your back for hours if need be. They will offer encouragement and support and will join you in celebration when your new babe is in your arms. And you will wonder how you could have done it without her.
There is increasing evidence that shows that the way we begin our life is so important to our later development and happiness as children and adults. Let me be YOUR connection to all things birth related.
Supporting Dads
Some partners are reluctant to have an outside person at their birth. They may feel they can handle everything on their own or that they will not be needed if there is another support person involved. However, most couples, after the birth, express how much they appreciated having an experienced support person, and how it contributed to having a more positive birth outcome.
During labour I support the Dads through informative communication, so they know better how to help their partner. I help explain what is happening at each stage and allow him to decide how comfortable he feels supporting his partner. By being sensitive and allowing him to decide the part he wants to play in the birth, I can actually help you work more closely together. We can spell each other off and I will make sure he gets a chance to take a break when he needs to or even catch a few z’s when it’s appropriate. Though I may know more about the birthing process, he knows more about YOU! When we work together as a team, we are giving you and baby the best chance of an optimal outcome.
During labour I support the Dads through informative communication, so they know better how to help their partner. I help explain what is happening at each stage and allow him to decide how comfortable he feels supporting his partner. By being sensitive and allowing him to decide the part he wants to play in the birth, I can actually help you work more closely together. We can spell each other off and I will make sure he gets a chance to take a break when he needs to or even catch a few z’s when it’s appropriate. Though I may know more about the birthing process, he knows more about YOU! When we work together as a team, we are giving you and baby the best chance of an optimal outcome.
My labour and birth support include the following - $900
- Complimentary consultation
- 2 or 3 prenatal visits
- 24/7 birth support (email and text) at 38 weeks
- Full in person labour support
- Immediate postpartum support
- 2 or 3 postpartum visits
- Meal preparation session
Susan helped my husband and me through the birth of all three of our children. The first two births were in hospital and she was a calm, patient and positive presence through some challenging and frustrating hospital care. She stayed with us the whole time and brought food, helped us stay calm and held my hand through the contractions. Having a second person in addition to my husband was so helpful. Our last birth was a home birth with a midwife and she was again wonderful and helpful. She has the ideal personality to be a doula. Very relaxed and supportive and so discreet, humble and respectful of the mother and father."
~ Shelagh and Mat
