The word "doula" comes from the ancient Greek meaning "a woman who serves" and is now used to refer to a trained and experienced birth professional.   Doulas provide physical, emotional, and informational support to birthing mothers and their partners during labour and birth. Doulas offer help and advice on comfort measures such as breathing, relaxation techniques, movement and positioning. Perhaps the most crucial role for doulas is to provide continuous emotional reassurance and comfort to the labouring mother.

Studies have shown that when doulas attend births:

• Labours are shorter with fewer complications and requests for intervention
• There is a reduction in the need for ptocin (a labour-inducing drug), forceps or vacuum extraction, epidurals and caesarean sections
• Babies are healthier and breastfeed more easily
• Women report greater satisfaction with their birth experience and have less postpartum depression

While a doula is able to provide valuable emotional and physical support, a naturopathic doula has many more tools for support. Due to the broad scope of practice of an ND, Dr. May is able to provide support before, during and after the birth to help the mother have a positive and empowering  birth experience.  Dr. May uses many different therapies to help the birthing mother and her partner navigate the birth experience before, during and after labour. 

Pre Labour Care

• Help create a Birth Plan, including preferences regarding the use of pain medication
• Provide labour and birthing resources
• Labour and birth preparations for both hospital and home births

Labour and Birth

• Help manage the process using Homeopathy, Acupuncture, Herbal remedies, Nutrition, Massage, Meditation/Breathing and Positioning
• Provide support throughout your labour and delivery, and for 1-2 hours following birth

Postpartum Care

• This appointment can be at home, the hospital or by phone
• Review questions and concerns
• Care provided for a variety of issues including perineal tears, breastfeeding, C-section recovery, postpartum depression, parenting support

Please note that coverage for naturopathic medicine can be applied towards Naturopathic Doula services.