Mothering The Mother With Doula Care In Mississauga

As a perinatal naturopathic doctors, we encourage the woman and her partner to become educated throughout the prenatal period regarding the many choices there are surrounding childbirth – primary caregiver, location, intervention, immediate post partum procedures and post partum care.  We can counsel the family in these decisions and educate the partner in ways in which he/she can best support the New Mom in pregnancy, labour and post partum.

Women who have the additional support of a woman during their actual labour, report positive outcomes as indicated in many research papers and books.  This role of “Mothering the Mother” is called a Doula.

One of the most special and unique parts of my job includes being a Naturopathic Doula, offering birth support to the mother. I’ve been very lucky to be a doula for many of my patients as well as I’ve had 2 wonderful doulas support me at the births of my babies.

What did you like best about having a doula?

What I liked best about having a doula present at my birth was that she was there for me 100%. All of her focus, care and kindness was there to support my journey in birth–I felt more confident and comforted. It was amazing!

What are the benefits of having labor support from a doula?

• 50% reduction in the cesarean rate
• 25% shorter labor
• 60% reduction in epidural requests
• 40% reduction in oxytocin use (for induction or augmentation)
• 30% reduction in analgesia use
• 40% reduction in forceps delivery
• Has NO adverse effect
• Fewer episiotomies
• Improved neonatal outcomes
• Better mother-infant interaction
• Greater maternal and paternal satisfaction

Information was obtained from Mothering the Mother: How a Doula Can Help You Have a Shorter Easier and Healthier Birth, Klaus, Kennell, and Klaus (1993).

Our Naturopathic Doctors are available to be on-call for support during the labour and birthing period. They provide continuous, uninterrupted care for the laboring woman and her partner, and help mothers participate fully in their experience by offering physical and emotional support and information about the birth process, available technology and alternatives in order to make Informed Decisions about the birth of their child(ren). Their attendance at a birth can also facilitate the partner in better supporting the labouring/birthing woman.  As well as providing assistance using the modalities such as Homeopathy, Acupuncture, and Herbs for concerns that may arise during labour or birth; i.e. stalled labour, malposition, hemorrhage.

Birth is an extremely intense experience – physically and emotionally.  We want to encourage the partner’s role in the process as well as enhance the experience for the birthing woman and baby.  A safe, loving, gentle environment for the new baby to enter is ideal.

If you or someone you know are pregnant and are interested in having a trained professional be there for mom and partner, please contact our Mississauga wellness clinic today.

Our Mississauga Naturopathic Doctors Dr. Aisling Lanigan, Dr. Kajal Chohan, and Dr. Kirsten Almon are trained and experienced Doulas.

Who delivered your baby?

Check out this great and interesting ted talk on birth from Dr. Tragash who is also a doula.