Getting Doula Support for the “LAST NAME” Family
Doula Support:
Helping families with the support they need when they need it most
Read Their Story
I've already had a baby, and didn't have a postpartum doula, so why would I need one this time? The truth is I wish I had one with my first, we NEEDED one with our first! I still can't believe they send parents home with a newborn and no instructions. The fact that I didn't have one and know a bit better what to expect is exactly why I want Fiona there to support us this time.
Here are some challenges we faced that
a doula could have helped with :
↠ What support do I even need?
I remember being home less than an hour, in bed nursing Baby #1 and Dad was trying to help, "what do you need?" he asked. "I don't know!" I cried, I just felt like I was struggling with everything. I was tired and thirsty and hungry and sore. And I didn't know what or how to prioritize any of those needs. I was so focused on Baby’s needs.
↠ Nursing support.
I was stressed out because Baby #1 struggled to nurse those first 2-3 days. Despite having a lactation consultant visit me for all of 15 minutes in the hospital, I was still having a hard time keeping him latched, and just finding a comfortable position to sit up where he would stay latched for 30-40 mins. I had such a sore back, neck and shoulders by 4-5 days postpartum from my nursing hunch.
↠ Baby care.
Baby #1 cried during his first few baths until we figured out how to make him comfortable.
↠ Baby sleep.
Baby #1 was a mucousy and gassy at the beginning. We had to put risers on the top end of Baby’s bassinet to keep him slightly elevated...and that was just the beginning of our sleep struggles!
↠ Physical support.
Random headaches as soon as I'd start nursing? Turns out I was dehydrated!
↠ Self-care reminders.
Postpartum bleeding stopping and starting again 2 weeks later (probably because I physically overdid it at 5 weeks postpartum).
↠ Hands-on demonstrations.
Trying to use a wrap? I got so frustrated with YouTube videos.
↠ Baby behaviours.
PURPLE crying. Don't know what that is? Neither did I!
We had wonderful support to help with meals and trying to catch up on sleep, but a number of these issues go beyond family/friend support. If you know me, you already know I have a hard time asking for help. I know this time we will be better prepared in general, or at least FEEL better prepared. I also know there will be new challenges on top of the ones listed above. No two babies are the same, and this time we will be navigating a new baby with a toddler, with no way to predict how that might go. These are ALL things having Fiona's support will help with (and more).
We’re excited to meet Baby
How This Works
Learn About Doula Support
Doula support is personalized for every family. Below is a brief description of our care and it’s investment to show you how impactful your love contribution is to their smooth transition into a growing family of four.
Contribute monetarily
Send an e-transfer to donate@heartandwombcentre.com and be sure to mention Mom + Dad’s name in the memo.
You can check back here weekly for updates on how the Support Fund is going. Every cent of your contribution goes directly to giving this growing family the custom support they need.
The “LAST NAME” family gets the care they need
You’ve given them the best baby shower gift ever - in-home, personalized, physical and emotional support!
Doula Support
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Investment $1,921 ($1,700+hst)
Support includes: 2 Prenatal Planning Sessions + Attendance at Group Prenatal Class + At The Hospital Birth Support + 1 Postpartum Wellness Visit
Doula support during a birth is about guiding Mom + Dad both through the unpredictable events of labour. Doulas provide reassurance about expectations, and a glimpse into what could happen next, while offering suggestions on what can be done to cope with the intensities of it all. At Heart+Womb, we also believe that movement can efficiently create space for baby internally to best navigate the birth canal. We help partners ask tough questions and reiterate Mom’s preferences, values and wishes to everyone that enters the room.
We chat with families via telephone during the early stages of labour and then once physical support is requested, we stay with families until Baby’s have their first latch or feeding. We are a constant presence with only the family’s preferences as our top priority.
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Investment for an Individual Visit $180.80 ($160+hst)
*Once birth support is covered, funds will go toward after-birth support.
During these visits, families are able to get the support that they need with compassion, neutrality and mindfulness.
Visits always start with a check-in: How are you really doing? Creating space for families to share their last few days and begin to uncover what help may be needed. Once we know our priorities for the visit, we get right to it.
Feedings. Changings. Baths (for mom or baby). Naps (for mom, baby, dad or older siblings). Conversations about anything that’s been concerning. Sharing resources. Tidying up the kitchen, or nursery. Folding baby’s clothing.
The list can go on. Every visit is different because it depends on what the family needs in that moment. Four hours is the minimum because it’s usually enough time to support two feedings, and give the family adequate time to attend to their basic needs, like napping, a shower and eating.
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Investment for a bundle of 24 hours $904 ($800+hst)
*Any additional hours purchased would be at a discounted rate of $38.50.Ways Previous Families Have Used This Package:
Week One: Two 5-hr Visits
Week Two: Two 5-hr VisitsWeek One: Two 4-hr Visits
Week Two: Two 4-hr Visits
Week Three: One 4-hr Visit (or purchased more support)They get to decide how frequency and time of day they need in-home support. Whether we meet them at home once they’ve been discharged from the hospital, or we wait a few days, we can be there from the very beginning.
Meet Our Doula
Hi there.
My name is Fiona, and I’m the owner of Heart+Womb Doula Family Centre.
Here we keep Mom’s heart and womb at the forefront of our care. We believe care for the whole woman and the whole family unit is essential. Everyone is experiencing the pregnancy and birth. Everyone is going through a change. Each family member needs to know they’re important and will be cared for with mindfulness.
It’s with this holistic, approachable and empathetic lens, that I’ve been able to support over 100 families through pregnancy, birth and the first year after birth.
Don’t take my word for it. You can read some of testimonies from past clients here.
When I’m not supporting families, I enjoy interacting with nature, drinking white chocolate mochas, baking ‘healthy’ goodies and spending as much time as I can with my teenage son (while he still lets me).
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to connect. You can email me at hey@heartandwombcentre.com. And thank you for gifting Mom + Dad with the support they know they need.
