What is a birthworker/doula?

A trained professional who provides continuous physical, emotional, spiritual, informational support, and advocacy to a birthing parent and partner(s) before, during and after childbirth to help them achieve the healthiest, most satisfying experience possible. A doula is someone who honours and celebrates the holistic connection between mind, body and spirit during pregnancy, birth and postpartum. 

As your doula, I am dedicated to empowering you to take charge of your own health, rather than being a passive recipient of services. This is what person-centered care is about. I strive to understand and acknowledge the barriers to accessing care that Black, Indigenous, Brown, Asian, Queer, Trans and folks with disabilities experience. There is no "one-size-fits-all" approach to giving birth or going through this processes. Every birth is beautiful, natural and your body has all the knowledge it needs to carry you through this process. I am just here to support you in that journey. 

All services I offer are rooted in anti-oppressive and trauma-informed practices that are continually evolving to support the diverse needs of clients I work with. While I acknowledge that it is a privilege for me to educate myself on racism, rather than experience it - it is important for me to stay engaged in working towards unpacking how white supremacy shows up in my life and communities. I am happy to talk more with you about what I am doing to combat racism and inequity within my practices and life. 

More information on doula/birthwork support:

Evidence Based Benefits of having a doula include:

• Decrease in the risk of cesarean
• Increased likelihood of spontaneous vaginal birth
• Decrease in use of pain medication
• Shorter labours
• Fewer complications and medical interventions
• Increased satisfaction with birthing experience
• Greater success with chest/breastfeeding
• Decreased risk of babies having low Apgar scores 

Six Elements of Care & Support for the Birthing Parent include:

1. Physical Support
2. Emotional Support
3. Spiritual Support
4. Informational Support
5. Advocacy
6. Support for Partners & Family Members

I am proud to serve 2SLGBTQIA+ families, couples and single folks, older pregnant people, people with disabilities, non-monogamous/poly folks and more. For more questions feel free to contact me at marydorabh@gmail.com or book a phone consultation.