Doula Support Services

Birth Doula Support

Your birth experience is one that will stay with you for a lifetime. As a Birth Doula, Trena’s goal is to provide you with information and education to help you make informed decisions about your pregnancy and birth, and to help you and your support team physically and emotionally leading up to, during, and immediately following the birth.  An important part of this is to help process the experience in the early postpartum period, as well as early postpartum support.

A Birth Doula:

  • Offers education, as well as emotional and physical support
  • Offers continuous support during labor and birth
  • Educates and assists the primary support team
  • Offers early postpartum support and breastfeeding initiation

A Birth Doula does not:

  • Speak on behalf of the birthing family
  • Tell the birthing parent what they should or should not do
  • Replace the partner/support people
  • Offer any medical/clinical advice or support

Two packages are available for Birth Doula Support:

Package One

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

$1,350 + HST

  • Complimentary consultation (30 min). This will provide you with an opportunity to get to know me, and to ensure that it is a good fit.
  • 6 hours of in-home birth preparation. During these visits we will cover signs and stages of labor, comfort measures (with practice for you and your support people), relaxation techniques, medical options, interventions, and creation of a Birth Plan.
  • Support throughout your pregnancy, and up to four weeks postpartum via text, phone, and email.
  • Labor and birth support from the onset of active labor, and up to 2 hours after the birth.
  • Access to my lending library.
  • On call support 24/7 starting two weeks prior to your expected due date (including a backup doula).
  • Photos of your birth if you wish, (and if time permits).
  • 4 hours of Postpartum support to discuss infant feeding, infant care, postpartum adjustment, and community referrals/resources.
  • A Birth Story.

Package Two

Perfect for those who I have worked with before, who are experienced parents, and for those who are having a scheduled C- section birth.

$1,200 + HST

  • Complimentary consultation (30 min). This will provide you with an opportunity to get to know me, and to ensure that it is a good fit.
  • 4 hours of in-home birth Preparation. During these visits we will cover signs and stages of labor, comfort measures (with practice for you and your support people), relaxation techniques, medical options, interventions, and creation of a Birth Plan.
  • Support throughout your pregnancy, and up to four weeks postpartum via text, phone, and email.
  • Labor and birth support from the onset of active labor, up to 2 hours after the birth.
  • Access to my lending library.
  • On call support 24/7 starting two weeks prior to your expected due date (including a backup doula).
  • Photos of your birth if you wish, (and if time permits).
  • 1 Postpartum visit (2 hours) to discuss infant feeding, infant care, postpartum adjustment, and community referrals/resources.
  • A Birth Story.

Birth Support Payment

  • A non-refundable deposit of $350 +HST is to be paid at the time of signing the contract as a retainer fee to secure my services at the time of birth.
  • $500 +HST is to be paid prior to the birth, for services offered during the prenatal period (education, support, and birth preparation). This fee is to be paid at the first prenatal visit and is non-refundable.
  • The remaining amount is to be paid at the second visit, if applicable, or prior to the birth. ($500 +HST for package 1, $350 +HST for package 2)

Have Questions? View FAQs or Contact Trena

5/5

“Trena is a one woman show – seriously. She was my go to person for pregnancy, delivery, breastfeeding and everything in between. I had tremendous anxiety about the delivery and Trena eased every worry I had, as ridiculous and ‘out there’ as some of them were! She is professional but super warm at the same time and made me feel so comfortable. 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

Welcoming a new baby into your life can be both amazing, and overwhelming. Navigating the world of sleep deprivation, infant feeding, baby carriers, and all the changes that a baby brings often requires some extra support. As a Postpartum Doula, my primary job is to work my way out of a job, by giving you a hand when you need it the most and providing you with the confidence to parent your baby in the way that best suits your family.

A Postpartum Doula:

  • Helps ease the transition into parenting
  • Offers physical and emotional support to the family during the first three months of a newborn’s life
  • Assists with breastfeeding
  • Helps parents and siblings adjust to their new roles
  • Helps with light household tasks
  • Can hold baby or entertain siblings while parents rest/shower
  • Offers evidenced based information, and access to a resource library of reputable material
  • Connects you with resources in the community

A Postpartum Doula does not:

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

Postpartum Doula Fees

Daytime Support $35 +HST per hour, minimum of 3 hour shift
Postpartum needs vary from family to family, so the support that a Postpartum Doula offers can vary as well. Perhaps you need someone to fold a load of laundry and prepare some quick snacks, to hold the baby so you can shower or spend some time with older siblings, or maybe you just need a non-biased person to talk to about your new roles as parents. Only you know what will lighten your load, and I’m happy to talk to discuss how I can best support you.

Overnight Support $260+HST for 8 hours of support, or $35 +HST per hour, minimum of 3 hour shift
The nights can be long and lonely with a newborn, and sleep deprivation can really take its toll. Perhaps you need a few hours of uninterrupted sleep, while someone else does the changing and burping and settling, and just brings baby to you when it’s time to eat. Maybe you need some company while you feed baby, someone to bring you snacks, and a listening ear. Life is a lot brighter when you feel rested!

Have Questions? View FAQs or Contact Trena

Breastfeeding Support

Breastfeeding is a normal, natural, and healthy way to feed your baby, however, many parents find that need additional education and support to improve their breastfeeding outcomes.

Breastfeeding support is offered via zoom, in home, or in hospital visit, and includes phone support, access to a resource library, and referrals to a Lactation Consultant if necessary.

Fees

$35 +HST per hour, minimum of two hours

FAQs

Please see the following link, What is a Doula?, which offers more information about the role of Birth Doulas. If you still have questions, I am happy to answer these via email or phone.

It is a great idea to meet potential doulas to see if it is a good fit.  I am happy to have a 30-minute meeting at a coffee shop, via zoom or another convenient location.

Of course!  Many people wonder what the role of a doula would be during a caesarean section.  Prenatally, your doula will prepare you for what to expect during your birth, will  offer support in the operating and recovery room, will support your partner by keeping them informed throughout the process (and helping them know how to help you), assist with breastfeeding initiation, and offer continued postpartum support.

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, or referrals to doulas who offer reduced/free services.  Please reach out to discuss your options.

As birth doula support is very unpredictable, I always arrange for a back up doula, though it isn’t typically necessary.  You will have an opportunity to speak with or meet the backup doula during the prenatal period.

Yes, of course!  A postpartum doula is there to support you at the times that you feel you will need support. Please feel free to contact me to discuss schedules.