Doula Services

‘The word “doula” comes from the ancient Greek meaning “a woman who serves” and is now used to refer to a trained and experienced professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the mother before, during and just after birth’http://www.dona.org/mothers/index.php

I am very excited to offer my service to expecting mothers in and around Lethbridge as of February 2016.

As your DOULA I can provide guidance and gather information throughout your pregnancy and delivery, I will meet with you and your partner/family at least twice prior to delivery. I will be ON CALL for you 24 hrs around the time of your expectancy, and offer my continuous presence during your labor. I will remain calm and provide comfort measures to help you (and family) relax during your pregnancy and labor as well as advocate your wishes and plans for your delivery. I will stay with you up to 2 hours post delivery helping with babies first latch if requested and providing comfort for the mother.

I received my DOULA training through Mount Royal University and attended a Breastfeeding for Doula’s course through ABC breastfeeding, I am certified through DONA. since Fall 2013. I have attended a course in Politics, boundaries and change in the doula industry and i now have over 25 birth experiences in hospitals, home births (alongside midwives) and I spent the Fall of 2015 at a birth centre in the South of India. I have experience supporting clients who have had natural vaginal births, with and without epidurals and other interventions and planned or emergency C-sections.

I do not perform clinical care and will not offer clinical advice. My services are completely confidential.

My goal is to support you and your family through this intense time, each birth is unique and what a woman and family need for birth assistance and preparation can vary. I am best at supporting clients who are interested in a ‘natural’ or ‘low intervention’ birth, circumstances can change, i am very understanding, non judgemental and supportive. My complimentary initial consultation is a good opportunity to get to know one another and make sure i would be a proper addition to your birth team.

Aside from DOULA support I can offer my knowledge as a herbalist and pre-natal yoga sessions if requested.

Sample of a Birth story book that i create from photos and daily events and gift to the family;-)

back sample of birth story

If desired I can  take memorable photos or video of the day, we own a NIKON D5100. If i can get enough photos of the birth, i can also chronicle the progression of labor and birth of your child and provide a birth book.

I will visit you in your home 1-2 weeks after baby is born, to offer support with breastfeeding and baby care.

My fee is $650, I do offer payment plans and/or discounts to those who are unable to afford this fee. The fee is my monthly doula income and covers the cost of my transportation and parking, childcare for my lil’ one, my business expenses, the book (birth story) I make & my further education as a Doula . This is my profession and passion:) What’s in a fee (click link) If you find this may be too much for your budget please contact me and we can see if it’s possible work something out (service swap:). A doula is a great gift that friends and/or family can share the cost of for a ‘baby shower’ present.

According to a summary of findings, doula-supported women were:

• 28% less likely to have a cesarean section

• 31% less likely to use synthetic oxytocin to speed up labor

• 9% less likely to use any pain medication

• 34% less likely to rate their childbirth experience negatively

Stats from Penny Simpkins’ Birth Doula Position Paper: The Birth Doula’s Contribution to Modern Maternity Care. Retrieved from Childbirth Connection “Best Evidence: Labor support”, 2011 www.childbirthconnection.org (retrieved 3/17/2012)

Please contact me at  victorianostrovia@gmail.com with questions and to set up an initial complementary meeting/interview:)

See my birthing posts for more information about Doulas and labor support.

Thank you for your consideration,

CD(DONA)

A pic from my first Doula experience, Mama was able labor naturally in the hospital from 5:00am until baby was born at 9:45am.