This week I had the pleasure of interviewing the incredible team at Helping Hands Doulas. They offer comprehensive support for you and your family every step of the way. I personally work with Helping Hands because I trust them to provide high-quality, experienced and evidence-forward care for all my patients. Read more below to learn their story and why I LOVE doulas!
Q: Tell us a bit about yourself and why you became doulas?
A: We are asked this question almost daily, and it doesn’t get old to share! So many people are interested in the path we decided, mostly because it is such a unique profession with lots of unpredictability.
We have been doulas for a combined 27 years between us, and have supported over 600 families during that time. Initially, our career path started as a fascination with birth and the importance of both feeling connected and supported through the biggest transition in parent-to-be lives. Many people focus primarily on the safe delivery of the baby. However, we also know that education and professional support can greatly change the experience of becoming parents.
The decision to partner and grow a team along the way stemmed from our drive to create sustainability in this career. Being on-call, to be available at a moment’s notice is one of the driving factors of burnout for doulas. Adjusting our practice to a shared-care model has allowed the dedication to this work with full commitment without affecting work-life balance.
Q: If people already have a midwife or obstetrician, why do they need a doula?
A: Your health care provider has the very important job of keeping both the expecting parent and baby safe throughout this journey. They are busy with vital tasks of monitoring, completing progress exams, charting and caring for multiple patients. Doctors and midwives greatly appreciate the support doulas provide, which helps to bridge the gap in our current health system.
Since doulas do not provide medical assistance, the focus is completely on the birthing parent and their partner to answer any questions they may have and to explain what is happening throughout the process. Keeping everyone calm and comfortable helps your medical staff do their job effectively.
Q: What do you love most about your job?
A: Being present at the time where a couple becomes a family. There is nothing that compares to that moment. We are truly honoured to support clients in such an intimate time.
Q: What do you think is the biggest misconception about doulas?
A: That doulas are only for those planning ‘natural’ births. In reality, doulas are for anyone that would like support before, during or after their baby is born. Our services are versatile for any hospital and adaptable to our client’s preferences. Whether a client would like an epidural, needs to be induced, is high risk, or is planning a cesarean, doulas are trained to help every step of the way.
Q: Do you work with other healthcare practitioners?
A: Absolutely! We love being the connector for our clients to help them find amazing practitioners and resources.
Q: At what point in their pregnancy should someone hire a doula?
A: The pricing for doula care doesn’t change when you make the decision in your pregnancy. So we suggest hiring a doula as soon as you know you would like the support. That way you have access to on-call care at any moment you have questions, new sensations or anytime you want to just chat. Plus, it is one more thing checked off your to-do list before baby arrives!
Q: Where can people connect with you?
A: You can find us online at helpinghandsdoula.com, or on our social channels @helpinghandsdoula! Join us for our monthly Meet the Team events. We would love to chat! Talk to us about setting up a complimentary consultation for more information.
