Doula Support Services

Birth Doula Support

Picture this: You’re in your birthing space, feeling like the superhero you are, with me as your trusty sidekick. Your playlist includes all of your favs, the room feels just right, and I’m there to squeeze your hips, ensure you stay hydrated, or remind you that you’re doing something absolutely amazing—because you are. Your partner, mother, or whoever else is with us can also breath a sigh of relief, because I’ve helped to prepare you all for exactly this moment. They know what they can do to help, and what not to do. Everyone, especially you, is relaxed and ready to welcome your new addition.

How we'll prepare:

  • Our prenatal meetings will include a variety of teaching methods, so the information really sticks. Perhaps you’re a visual learner, but your partner loves a good handout- I’ve got you both
  • We’ll chat about prenatal changes, tests, and common discomforts so you know what to expect
  • I’ll educate you on the signs and stages of labor, and what you can be doing at each stage
  • We’ll practice comfort measures and positions for labor and birth that will keep you comfortable and focused while helping your body to progress
  • You’ll learn all about interventions and the benefits and trade-offs so that you can make informed decisions
  • Together we will create a “Birth Plan” that reflects your ideal birth experience
  • You’ll learn all about best practices for greeting baby and that first hour of life
  • We’ll also discuss a plan for the postpartum period that includes infant feeding, postpartum adjustment and your family’s mental health
  • I’ll provide you with a Birth Story to help with processing the experience. It may just become your favourite read.

Just a heads up:

  • As your birth doula I cannot speak on your behalf, but I can help you find your voice so you can advocate for yourself
  • I won’t tell you what you should or shouldn’t do- you’re running the show!
  • I’m not here to replace your primary support people, but to support your whole team and fill in any gaps
  • I’m all about staying in my own lane, so I won’t be offering any medical or clinical advice.

Here are your options:

Package One

Perfect if you are expecting your first baby, are having a VBAC, or are expecting Multiples.

$1,525 + HST

  • Let’s meet for a free 30 min consultation before signing on the dotted line. I want to make sure that this is the perfect fit for you!
  • You’ll get your choice of 6 hours of in-person or virtual Birth Preparation as described above.
  • I’ll be available by phone, text, and email from the time we agree to work together and for four weeks after your baby is born.
  • I’ll join you at the onset of active labor and will stay around for up to two hours after the birth to help you get settled in your new role.
  • You’ll have access to my favourite books and resources from my lending library.
  • Those last two weeks before your due date will be a lot less stressful knowing that I’ll be on call 24/7 to answer any questions.
  • You’ll have access to a back-up doula on the off chance that I can’t get to you right away.
  • I’ll capture those beautiful moments between you and your support team, and those first photos of baby if you like, and if time permits.
  • You’ll get 4 hours of in person postpartum support to discuss infant feeding, postpartum adjustment and infant care.
  • I’ll make sure you’re connected with all the resources that you might need to ease your transition into parenthood.
  • I’ll leave you with a Birth Story that captures the details of your baby’s birthday.

Package Two

If this isn't your first rodeo, we've already worked together, or you're having a scheduled c-section this one's for you. You'll get all of the same support with a few less hours before and after baby arrives.

$1,375 + HST

  • Let’s meet for a free 30 min consultation before signing on the dotted line. I want to make sure that this is the perfect fit for you!
  • You’ll get your choice of 4 hours of in-person or virtual Birth Preparation as described above.
  • I’ll be available by phone, text, and email from the time we agree to work together and for four weeks after your baby is born.
  • I’ll join you at the onset of active labor and will stay around for up to two hours after the birth.
  • You’ll have access to my favourite books and resources from my lending library.
  • Those last two weeks before your due date will be a lot less stressful knowing that I’ll be on call 24/7 to answer any texts or calls.
  • You’ll have access to a back-up doula on the off chance that I can’t get to you right away.
  • I’ll capture those beautiful moments between you and your support team, and those first photos of baby if you like, and if time permits.
  • You’ll get 2 hours of in-person postpartum support to discuss infant feeding, postpartum adjustment and infant care.
  • I’ll make sure you’re connected with all the resources that you might need to ease your transition into parenthood. 
  • I’ll leave you with a Birth Story that captures the details of your baby’s birthday.

Birth Support Payment

  • Once we meet and determine that I’m joining your team, I’ll send along a contract for you to review that outlines all the details.
  • Sign, seal, deliver (with a $500 + HST non-refundable deposit) and I’m yours!
  • The remaining fees should be paid in full no later than our last prenatal visit.
  • Did you know that some insurance companies will cover the cost of a doula? Be sure to check with yours!

Have Questions? View FAQs or Contact Trena

5/5

“Trena is a one woman show – seriously. I had tremendous anxiety about the delivery and Trena eased every worry I had, as ridiculous and ‘out there’ as some of them were! Thanks to her I had a great birthing experience and look forward to having her by our side the next time around.”

~ Charlotte, Parent

Postpartum Support Services

Postpartum Doula Support


Picture this: It’s your first week home with baby and you feel rested, the fridge is full of healthy snacks and meals that are ready to go, and feeding is going well. Your new baby carrier is working like a charm, and you know baby is safe and secure because your Postpartum Doula walked you through baby wearing basics. You’re looking forward to the first bath because you know your doula will be by your side to give you that added boost of confidence. 

With over two decades of experience in supporting Halifax families as a Postpartum Doula, I know how overwhelming those early weeks and months of parenting can be. I also know that it doesn’t have to be so stressful. 

As your Postpartum Doula, my goal is to work myself out of a job by ensuring that you feel confident and prepared to tackle every aspect of your new role. 

What you can expect:

  • We can meet in advance of baby’s arrival to discuss your ideal Postpartum plan to make sure we are on the same page.
  • If baby is already here, no problem! Postpartum Doulas are skilled at determining how to best offer you support, sometimes before you even know that you need it!
  • There’s no postpartum topic that’s too personal, embarrassing, or awkward to talk about. I’m here to talk about all the things-big or small.
  • You may have questions about sleep (yours and baby’s), feeding, postpartum adjustment, and infant care, and I’m here to provide you with all the evidenced-based information.
  • I’ll be by your side to help you navigate diaper changes, that first bath, trying out your baby carrier, assembling your breast pump, or preparing formula.
  • No need to worry about snacks, meals, laundry, or light housework- that’s what I’m here for! You’ll be well cared for so that you can focus on caring for your baby.
  • If you’ve got other children or pets, I’m happy to keep them entertained so you can rest.
  • You’ll be in great hands even if something is outside of my scope of practice, because I’ve partnered with plenty of other community supports who are just a phone call away.

You should know that as your Postpartum Doula, I won't:

  • Tell you how to parent
  • Diagnose medical concerns for you or your baby
  • Replace your primary support people

Postpartum Doula Fees

Daytime Support: $40 +HST/hour (3-hour minimum)
Every family’s needs are different, and that’s what makes postpartum support so special! Need someone to fold laundry, whip up some snacks, or snuggle the baby while you shower or hang out with your older kiddos? Or maybe you just need a friendly listening ear. Whatever lightens your load, I’m here to help. Let’s chat about how I can best support you.

Overnight Support: $360 +HST for 8 hours
Nighttime with newborns can feel looong—especially when sleep deprivation kicks in. Whether you need someone to take over diaper changes and baby soothing so you can sleep, or you just want company during those late-night feeds (with snacks!), I’ve got you covered. Sleep is priceless, and everything feels brighter after a good rest! Let me help make your nights a little easier.

Have Questions? View FAQs or Contact Trena

Lactation Support

Lactation is a natural part of infant feeding, but it doesn’t always come as naturally as you’d think. What (and how) you feed your baby can be an emotional decision. As a certified Lactation Educator I’m here to help you reach your feeding goals and to support you in the early days and weeks of bringing your new baby home.

You’ll learn baby’s hunger cues, how to tell if they are getting eating enough, various positions that make it comfortable and easier for both you and baby, how to troubleshoot common discomforts and challenges, and when to seek medical help. I’ll be there to support you with pumping and supplementing if necessary as well. 

Whether you need help via Zoom, an in-home visit, or even while you’re still in the hospital, I’ve got you covered. You’ll also get ongoing phone support, access to a handy resource library, and referrals to a Lactation Consultant if needed. Let’s work together to make feeding your baby feel easy and enjoyable.

Fees

$40 plus hst per hour, minimum of 2 hours required if in person. Virtual options are available.

FAQs

You can check out this link for more information, or send me an email and we can set up a time to talk.

Absolutely! Let’s grab a coffee somewhere in HRM, or set up an online meeting. In fact, I encourage everyone to take advantage of my free 30 minute consultation to make sure it’s a perfect fit.

When I say that every expectant and new parent could use doula support, I’m not kidding. We will meet prenatally to talk about what to expect on your baby’s birthday, how support people can help, and we’ll create a solid plan for the postpartum period. I’ll be there on the day of to hold your hand every step of the way, and I’ll stay close by for a few hours after the birth. Postpartum support looks similar regardless of how you welcome your baby.

Of course! Though midwives and doulas typically share the same philosophy regarding education, support, and informed decision making, a midwife offers clinical support, which is out of the doula’s scope of practice.  While the midwife is taking care of your medical needs, the doula will continue to offer physical and emotional support to you and your partner. We make a perfect team!

DONA International stands strong behind their vision “a doula for every person who wants one” and I couldn’t agree more! If the cost associated with my support is not within your budget, I am happy to discuss payment plans and options and can even connect you to doulas who offer reduced or free services. Let’s talk!

Birth can be so unpredictable, and though it’s rare, sometimes things come up. That’s why I always secure a back-up doula, just in case. You’ll have a chance to connect with them before the birth if you like.

Absolutely! As a Postpartum Doula, I’ll be there to support you when you feel you need it the most.