Your Doula:

- Recognizes that your birth experience is an important event that you will remember all of your life.

- Understands the many choices you have and can help you write a birth plan or a list of your preferences in giving birth and welcoming your baby.

- Provides emotional support for you before, during, and after your labor and birth.

- Provides or suggests physical comfort measures that your partner can give during labor and birth, such as back rubs, breathing patterns, and position changes.

- Gives you an objective view of your labor. A doula has the experience of many labors and can help you understand how your labor is progressing.

- Knows what to do during long or difficult labors. She can give many suggestions that help you cope and help your labor progress,

- Communicates with your birth partner. She helps him or her understand the labor process and can give him or her many suggestions on how to give support during labor and birth.

- Helps you and your partner communicate with your caregivers.

- Helps you and your partner get off to a great start as new parents.

- Gives you one-on-one attention. Her total role is to "be there for you" and help you have the best possible birthing experience.

-Takes pictures or video as desired

-Writes a birth story

-Assists with breastfeeding and provides postpartum breastfeeding support

We recommend that you interview a few doulas to find the one that you "connect" with the most. This will be a very intimate time for you and your partner and you want a doula you trust, that makes you relaxed, and gives you confidence. Doulas realise that they are not compatible with all couples, as everyone is so unique! Rachel and Erica provide doula support as individuals, not a team (unlike our classes!), but usually act as back-up for one another if an unforseen circumstance (illness, family emergencies, exceptionally long labor) arises. You can contact us to make appointments to meet with each of us individually for NO CHARGE.

ERICA SHELLEY, PH.D., DOULA

Over seven years ago Erica underwent her doula training with DONA (Doulas of North America) and stepped into the most wonderful journey of her life. She has been fortunate to be invited into the birth experience of many couples, experiencing both hospital and homebirths, and working with obstetricians and midwives. Her friendly, outgoing personality is a welcome addition to any birth experience. She understands that as your doula you will be welcoming her into the most poignant moment of your life and respects YOUR desires for YOUR birth. Erica has worked for private clients, as a hospital volunteer doula, and donates her time providing doula support for pregnant teens. Her current c-section rate for her clients is less then 5%.

RACHEL VANDEN BERG, BSc., ND

Rachel is a naturopathic doctor, wife, and mother of two young children. She has a solid medical background, a passion for teaching, and extensive experience with natural approaches to pregnancy healthcare. Building beyond her study of naturopathic medicine, she has completed courses in homeopathy, women's health, pregnancy and lactation consulting. She practices at Healing Path Centre for Natural Medicine in Uptown Waterloo.