Naturopathic Doula Care

The term ‘doula’ comes from the ancient Greek meaning “a woman who serves”  and is now used to refer to a birth professional who is trained and experienced in providing continuous physical, emotional and informational support for mothers and their partners before, during and after birth. Research has shown that when doulas attend birth, labours are shorter with fewer complications, babies are healthier and they breastfeed easily.

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Role of a birth doula:

  • Assist and stand by both mother & partner in preparing for and carrying out their plans for birth

  • Provide emotional and physical support during labour

  • Help parents gather information to make informed decisions

  • Facilitate communication between partner and clinical care providers

  • They are trained to support births with both midwives and OB/GYNs in a home or hospital setting

As a Naturopathic Doctor & Birth Doula Antoinette provides prenatal care through nutrition and supplementation recommendations, as well as various techniques for easing the challenges of labour (i.e. acupuncture). Working with a Naturopathic Doctor gives you the added benefit of working with a medical professional educated in the physiology of birth and equipped with tools to aid in the common challenges of birth and labour – including baby position, stalled labour, avoiding induction and pain management.

Antoinette became a doula because she felt motivated to help, empower and facilitate a positive birth experience for couples with the least amount of medical interventions.  Antoinette works with couples before, during and after birth to develop their vision for birth and create a supportive environment for that to take place. Antoinette promises to listen and be present at all encounters so that you can feel comfortable and confident working with her. She believes all women should make decisions that are informed and that are best for both her and baby. Antoinette also believes the partner is the most important member of the birthing team and her primary focus is to be present to support both mother and partner in whatever way is right for them – that may be very hands-on, or with gentle direction to the birth partner in how they can support the labouring woman.

Antoinette began her doula training for Naturopathic Doctors while in Naturopathic Medical School. She can support at both hospital and home births. She is always very honoured and grateful to be a part of your birth experience.

Antoinette’s work as a naturopathic doula is covered by most extended healthcare benefits packages under naturopathy. Please contact your insurance provider to see what’s in your plan.