Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of a doula?

There are many studies that show the benefits of doula support. This one from Evidence Based Birth is great!

For birth doulas, the studies reflect:

31% decrease in the use of Pitocin*
28% decrease in the risk of C-section*
12% increase in the likelihood of a spontaneous vaginal birth*
9% decrease in the use of any medications for pain relief
14% decrease in the risk of newborns being admitted to a special care nursery
34% decrease in the risk of being dissatisfied with the birth experience*

Most importantly, doulas help normalize the whole pregnancy, birth and postpartum experience. While these above stats are showing a decrease in medical intervention, we are more than happy to support those who are %100 Team Epidural! If you're planning a c-section and want that added support, we are there for you. Our main goal is to support you in having a delivery you can look back on where you felt supported, heard, and left you with a feeling of satisfaction.

What kind of care do you offer?

At Coastal Fern Doula Collective, our mission is to provide unbiased, compassionate, and continuous support to expectant parents throughout their childbirth journey. We understand that each birthing experience is unique, and our role is to honour your choices and preferences, providing guidance without judgment.

Nonbiased Guidance: We believe in the power of informed decision-making. Our doulas are committed to offering you evidence-based information and options, empowering you to make choices that align with your values and desires. We are here to support your decisions, whether you choose a medicated or unmedicated birth, a hospital or home birth, or any other birthing plan that feels right for you.

Comfort Solutions: Comfort is a cornerstone of our doula support. We are trained in a variety of comfort techniques, including relaxation exercises, massage, positioning, and breathing techniques. Our goal is to help you find the physical and emotional comfort you need throughout labor and delivery, making your experience as smooth and positive as possible.

Continuous Presence: Your doula will be a steady and unwavering presence by your side, from the early stages of labor until after your baby's arrival. We are there to provide emotional reassurance, encouragement, and reassurance. We will work seamlessly with your care team, ensuring a collaborative and harmonious birthing environment. We will arrive when you feel like you need us, and will be there to support. If your labour continues past 24 hours, we will switch off, making sure you are supported without a break while we get a quick rest.

Personalized Care: We understand that your birthing journey is unique to you. Our doula services are highly personalized, tailored to your specific needs and preferences. We take the time to get to know you, your birth plan, and your expectations, ensuring that our support aligns perfectly with your vision for your childbirth experience.

Our commitment is to create a safe, supportive, and nurturing space for you to bring your precious new life into the world. With Coastal Fern Doula Collective, you can trust that you have a dedicated team of professionals who are passionate about providing nonbiased, comforting, and continuous support throughout your remarkable journey to parenthood

Do you provide any tools during labour?

There are so many tools and items we can bring to your labour to help assist with your delivery. Many of these items we will recommend that you purchase and bring to have on hand, as you can then bring them home with you as well. If you have extended medical, we suggest asking your medical provider for a prescription for a TENs machine which can assist during your labour in a distraction during harder contractions.

**What is a doula not?**

A doula is not a housekeeper, childminder, or taxi service. While we are happy to help with light housekeeping while we are there, or can hold your baby while you run to the bathroom, we won't be able to wash your baseboards for you. We do have a great housekeeper that we can recommend though!

Will a doula replace my partner?

Absolutely not! Your partner is going to know you so much more than we ever could. That said, even if this is your third birth, we can help support both you and your partner in ways that can benefit you both to have a positive birthing experience. We have extensive training on various ways to support, massage, position, and sooth you through this experience. We can teach your partner ways to squeeze hips or hold legs, and we will take away the distractions like refilling waters, so that your partner can be with you 100% of the time.

Is the cost covered by my medical plan?

If you have a Health Spending Account through work, and it is handled by SunLife, you can inquire and see if we can have your investment covered with your HSA funding. At this time, doulas are not covered by MSP in BC. We do offer payment plans and have a variety of payment methods available though to make things as easy as possible for you.

If you identify as Indigenous in BC, please check out BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres here: https://bcaafc.com/dafgp/
They will help cover the cost of a doula in BC up to $1200, and we have been approved by DAFGP.