FAQ

What is a Doula?

A doula is a trained professional who offers emotional, evidence-based information, and physical support during pregnancy, labour, and the postpartum period. Unlike medical professionals, doulas don’t provide medical care but focus on helping families have a positive experience by offering reassurance, practical assistance, and guidance based on their expertise. They work alongside healthcare providers to support the birthing person’s needs and preferences.

What is a Postpartum Doula?

A postpartum doula is a trained professional who supports families after the birth of a baby. Their role focuses on helping new parents adjust to life with a newborn by offering emotional support, practical assistance, and guidance on infant care and postpartum recovery. They assist with tasks like feeding support, light housework, and meal preparation, aiming to ease the transition into parenthood and promote the well-being of the family. (Non-medical support)

What can a Doula offer that’s different from the support of Friends/Family?

A doula offers specialized support that goes beyond what friends and family can provide. With professional training in childbirth and postpartum care, a doula delivers expert guidance, continuous presence, and unbiased assistance throughout labour or the postpartum period. They offer emotional reassurance, practical help with daily tasks, advocacy with medical staff, and connections to additional resources. This professional support enhances the birthing and postpartum experience, complementing the care from loved ones. A Doula is fully in support of your birth plan and choices that you make during the entire process.

Serendipitous Doula strives to stay up to date on evidence-based research and latest information regarding childbirth and infants to ensure we are helping you have the best experience possible. Your Doula does not have any expectations of you, we are there for you. This alleviates the pressure of feeling they have to “host” off of parents.

How much support do I need?

Knowing how much support you need can be tough, especially for a new parent who hasn’t previously been through the process of labour and birth (and going home with a new baby). We would love to chat with you to learn more about your situation and provide options and examples of best practices.

Book your free consultation here. Additional hours of support from your Doula can be added at a later time if necessary.

When should I hire a doula?

You can hire a doula at various times based on your needs. It's ideal to engage a doula early in pregnancy to benefit from their full range of support. However, you can also hire a doula later in pregnancy or even closer to your due date. For postpartum support, hiring a doula before or immediately after the birth allows them to assist with the transition to parenthood. Securing a doula well in advance is best to ensure their availability and to establish a strong supportive relationship.

What if I have a cesarean birth?

During a cesarean section, a doula provides emotional support and helps you understand the process and what to expect. While they may not be present in the operating room, they offer reassurance to your partner or family members in the waiting area. After the procedure, a doula assists with newborn care, helps you get comfortable, and offers guidance on recovery, ensuring a smoother transition to parenthood.

How does a Doula support my partner?

A doula supports your partner by offering emotional reassurance and practical assistance during childbirth & postpartum. They help your partner understand what to expect and how to support you effectively, while also facilitating communication between you, your partner, and medical staff. By managing some of the logistical and comfort aspects, a doula helps reduce stress and allows your partner to focus more on being present and supportive. This collaborative support enhances the overall experience for both of you.