When you choose a doula, you're ensuring that those irreplaceable first moments with your baby are fully enjoyed. A doula's support is essential to help you and your baby bond without being overwhelmed by daily life.
Whether you lack close family or friends for support during this crucial period or if your partner is unavailable due to work or other commitments, a doula is there to provide the assistance you need. Choose a doula for a seamless, stress-free transition into parenthood.
A Doula is there to provide support in any way appropriate and possible to mom and baby from birth to postpartum (after delivery /at home care).
A Doula does not take the role of a midwife, but assists in making the birth experience as comfortable as she can for the mother (support person/father) during the time of labour and delivery.
We, as Doulas, try not to interfere with the ability of the (support person/father) to aid the mother during this process. However,…. the time can get long as some babies are not as eager to come out of that cozy warm environment they have been in for 9 months. Also it is not always possible to have someone available to be there as a support for many reasons, siblings at home, work, and many other personal situations. Positioning, showering, back rubs as well as other learned techniques, we are there to encourage and make mommy as comfortable as possible during labour and delivery.
A postpartum Doula is there to support and help in any way with the transition from labour and birth recovery to being at home with your newborn.
Hearts and Hands offers the following services:
Due to our personal qualifications we are able to tailor your ongoing needs to the following:
A doula provides emotional and educational support as mothers transition into motherhood, while a midwife is responsible for the medical and clinical aspects of childbirth.
Doulas focus on nurturing and meeting the needs of both the mother and baby, offering assistance where it's needed most during those crucial first hours and days. It's important to note that doulas are not housekeepers but rather nurturing companions during this special time.
Looking back and reminiscing on each of my 4 natural births and my mom being at my side with for each I am beyond grateful - it has warmed my heart knowing that this type of care is hard to find and I received this type of care with utmost love beyond. Being the second oldest daughter of a mother ( Shelley Hunter) of which had 5 girls herself! I was very lucky to have such an experienced mother, sidekick and friend at my side. With having my first born of 4 arrive early and very tiny at 5 pounds 2 ounces…I was overwhelmed at how to keep this tiny little life alive and well!! Without even knowing how to completely care for myself after a first time natural delivery. Truth be told, I felt she should just take my baby home with her as I felt so inadequate at only 21 years old. Having her at home with me for the days following the birth- I was able to get some much needed rest… she taught me how to prep first for baby baths and what system would work the best in our home… warming up the bathroom to make it comfortable experience for baby Jayla… to the gentle wash and where particulars… To care for myself and how to manage my bottom properly … let’s face it- you have to get rather personal at times and vulnerable but need someone who can help you feel that way to make sure your caring for yourself properly. She was that care. I am grateful. When my milk came in, I was in pain… I have never experienced that feeling in my life- warm cloths, hot water bottles, and knowing how to express milk before to get the right latch when your so engorged and in a great deal of pain… she was incredibly reassuring… and knowledgeable. Due to Jayla’s small birth weight… she needed to be woke every 2-3 hours for a feeding…. She was very sleepy as I was too- and mom was the gentle wake up to nurse alarm… she would gently wake Jayla and get her awake enough to begin the feeding- and then wake me… this eases the frustration and unsure feelings of a new mom when a baby is too tired to nurse- little cool cloths tickled her feet to arouse her enough to nurse and stay nursing…The overnight shifts were a tremendous lifesaver as well, giving everyone much needed continuous rest and energy. Her breadth of knowledge and experience were helpful refreshers and great advice for us to ensure quality care for our new little one… Following my first baby I had 3 more natural births. My mom was at my side for all. Despite being experienced parents, juggling the constant needs of a newborn and toddler and 8 and 9 year old daughters-with all of our daily household responsibilities was extremely challenging. Helping with household chores, meal prep and watching our newborn daughter, really helped maintain our sanity, helped us recharge and allowed us one on one quality time with our toddler and older 8 and 9 year old girls(which can be difficult to achieve!). Helping to getting my much needed rest and overwhelmed feeling of having 4 to care for she helped me get into a reasonable routine that I could manage before she left…I felt cared for with being able to feel vulnerable and free to share even the silliest of concerns- mother or not- she has a gift at allowing you to be completely at ease. Without her at my side- to help foster a love and connection to our new additions and my hubby Eric to feel a connection and be given time to bond and care for our own love.. excitement and overwhelmed feelings of the gift of a new little life to care for admire and love…. I would highly recommend my mom- as I was so used to her after birth support that I know nothing otherwise. From an experienced mothers heart to another- it’s a great reassuring feeling to have someone like her help you through the most tremendous of days in all its beautiful ways… I am forever grateful - I love you mom- Thank you so much xo
Danielle Oregan
My mother (Shelley) has been at my side from the moment my little ones were born into this world (that’s 4 postpartums for me). I get teary reflecting on those precious times because without her, they could not have been the same. The majority of your “firsts” as a mother happen in the first week. Handling your baby for the first time, breastfeeding, bathing and dressing, and doing it all with very little sleep!!! What I love is replaying the way my mom held my babies and swaddled them…how she taught me to trim their nails…how to comfort a colicky tummy. She is a baby whisperer. I have four sisters and three of those sisters have had babies. Needless to say, we all do things a little differently, in different environments, with different partners. It was a beautiful gift to watch my mom adapt to our world. She always considered my spouse and his memory making with our new baby too. I can’t express the gratitude you feel when loving and trusting hands would come into my room in the middle of the night…letting me know baby was ready to feed. These were the nights mom offered to keep the bassinet beside her and would change baby and bring baby ready to feed. So so grateful for that sleep uninterrupted by worry or concern. My mother is not just good with her daughters…she is a natural teacher and loves to share what she knows. She is also so good at assisting and building that confidence. I have loved her helping hand when my milk came in and I was engorged and uncomfortable. My mom was always a critical element in helping me get a good latch with the initial feeds with each baby, especially when I had no idea what I was doing. As we had little toddlers skipping around and a new baby in the home…it didn’t change my need for her and her ability to keep the household running. Fresh laundry, story time with toddlers, and healthy meals on the table. She is my mother, but she was born to be a Mother to all. I know if you make the decision to bring her into your family, you will be able to relax into the beauty and uniqueness of those treasured beginning days with your new little baby!
Janie Becker