At Yellow Gazebo, our doula care is provided by our naturopathic doctor, Mai Heath. So in addition to getting the training and knowledge that an experienced doula can provide, Dr. Heath also brings with her the vast knowledge that a practitioner of naturopathic medicine can offer.
What does a doula/naturopathic doctor provide?
Doula means “woman who serves." Therefore, during your relationship Dr. Heath:
- assists you before, during, and after labour to help ensure a safe, satisfying, and positive birth experience.
- uses knowledge and experience as a woman, mother, naturopathic medical doctor, and doula to support your family on an emotional, physical, and informational level.
- provides the options of relaxation techniques, meditation, visualization, massage, positioning, herbs, acupressure, and homeopathy, when needed.
- communicates (as needed) with caregivers to ensure that you have the information you require to make informed decisions.
- can provide suggestions for labor progress, comfort, and perspective to you and your partner (if present).
- works and advocates for you, not your caregiver or hospital.
- will remind you if there is a departure from your Birth Plan, discuss your concerns with you, and help you identify key questions to help with your decision-making.
Antepartum
Prior to the birth, Dr. Heath will want to get to know you, your Birth Plan, your preferences regarding labour management, the use of pain medications, post-partum plans, and how you and she can best work together, and so on. Dr. Heath will also inform you of times when she is not available for labour support. To cover those times, she will gladly arrange a back-up doula.
So, you’re in labour!
You will be given Dr. Heath's direct cell phone number, and you will be advised to call her when you think you are in labour - even if you're not totally sure! She can answer questions and make suggestions over the phone, and will need about two hours to arrive at your home or the hospital. Except for extraordinary circumstances (e.g. labour goes beyond 24 hrs), her back-up or she will remain with you throughout labour and delivery, and in the event of an emergency Dr. Heath will call 911 for you.
Postpartum
After you give birth, Dr. Heath can remain with you for about an hour until you are comfortable, your questions are answered, and your family is ready for quiet time together. She is happy to help with initial breastfeeding, if necessary. Questions pertaining to care may be entertained for up to 2 weeks postpartum, with 2 15-minute phone calls included in the package. All questions and recommendations thereafter must be presented in an ongoing naturopathic care capacity.
Pricing and Details
The Doula Toronto Care Package at YG is $1,450. This includes:
- 2 pre-natal visits (each 45 minutes in length, occurring at the clinic)
- the labour (see above)
- 1 in-home visit post-partum
- where needed, up to two 15-minute phone calls within the first 2 weeks after giving birth
