Nurture Birth Doula Care
Emily Richardson
Services
Birth doula support
Free consultation
We offer a 30 minute 'meet and greet'. This time will give you and your doula the opportunity to get to know each other and to get a better understanding of your feelings about your pregnancy, and labour. We will go over the support services we offer as a birth doula and answer any questions you may have. If you feel you and your doula are a good match, we will then set up prenatal visits!
2 prenatal visits
Upon signing the agreement, you and your doula will schedule 2 prenatal visits consisting of 2 hours each. They will go over your birth wishes, concerns and fears and/or your previous birth experience(s). They will practice hands on physical comfort measures for each stage of labour, and get a feel for what may or may not benefit you. They will discuss medical procedures with you and what to expect. They will then cover many postpartum aspects regarding you and baby. We will supply you with an extensive list of mom and baby-related resources in and around Toronto/GTA, and a postpartum information package. A TENS machine is available for rent during your labour.
Phone & email support
For 2 weeks before your expected due date, your doula will be available to you 24/7 by email, text, or phone for any questions or concerns you may have.
During labour
Your doula will be there as a constant support system during your labour, with whatever birth you wish to have, whether you choose to deliver at home, a birthing centre or at the hospital. They support all birth choices. They will support you physically, emotionally and mentally and provide you with the tools and information to assist you in making the best decisions for you and your baby. They will help you to be your own advocate during your labour. They will help you AND your partner by allowing your partner to feel as involved in your labour as they wish.
Baby’s first feeding support
After baby arrives, I will stay by your side after delivery until everyone is comfortable, and support and guide you during baby's first feeding.
Postpartum follow-up visit
Following your delivery, we would schedule a postnatal visit at your home (within baby's first week) to go process your labour and your feelings towards your experience. We will discuss any fears or concerns you may have with a newborn and I will provide any hands on help you may need during this time. I will remain on call for support by phone for 2 weeks postpartum between 9-5pm. For more postpartum support, please see postpartum support page for packages.
Please ask about my healthy, home cooked postpartum meal & delivery options!
*This package is flexible. If you feel you would benefit from more than 2 prenatal visits, the hours and cost will be adjusted accordingly. If you feel you would benefit from more than 1 postnatal visit, please see Postpartum Support page for packages.
Please contact me for package fees.
As a doula, I DO NOT
Perform any clinical tasks:
Such as blood pressure, fetal heart checks, vaginal exams, or postpartum clinical care. As a doula, they will be at your side to provide physical comfort and emotional support.
Make decisions for you:
We will assist you by providing the information you need to make informed decisions and help you incorporate changes in birth wishes if and when the need presents itself.
Speak to the staff on your behalf:
Regarding matters where decisions are being made, your doula will discuss your concerns and suggest options, but it must be you or your partner to convey your wishes to the clinical staff.
Project any of my own beliefs onto your experience:
We will remain completely unbiased and open to your individual birth wishes. You doula is there to support you in every way.
"Emily is absolutely amazing! I’m not sure where to even begin, but my husband and I are so incredibly grateful for her guidance, support, wisdom, humour and kindness (the list goes on and on…) throughout our pregnancy journey. Initially, we were unsure of whether or not we were going to use a Doula – but within minutes of meeting Emily, we knew she was exactly what we needed. Emily played an integral role throughout the entire process, and as first time (anxious) parents, her warmth, positivity and “cool as a cucumber” approach put us at ease and truly made us feel empowered and in control. The birth of our daughter was beyond perfect in every way possible – we truly attribute so much of this to Emily’s support and involvement. Words can’t express how lucky we feel to have crossed paths with Emily – I highly recommend her services to anyone that is expecting, and I can say that without a doubt we will be using her for Baby #2."
Jaime, Mike & Baby Isabel