Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a doula and a midwife?
A midwife is a healthcare clinician who provides primary care throughout pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. A midwife possesses skills to give you and your baby medical attention. A doula is not a clinician. Rather, a doula is a trained support person who provides comfort measures, emotional support, informational support, and advocacy for you throughout the period you choose to work with them.
Can my doula attend hospital births, or only home births?
While all doulas possess different scopes of practice, many birth doulas work both in the hospital and at home! Through advocacy and comfort measures, doulas can offer a lot of help in the hospital to support a birth that you feel satisfied with. I support births in all environments, including home, hospital, and birth centres.
Are doulas covered by OHIP?
OHIP does not cover doula care, however many insurance companies provide some reimbursement for doulas who are certified with reputable regulating bodies, such as DONA, CAPPA, or Doula Canada. Since I am certified with DONA, I offer receipts for birth contracts. Ask your doula when you interview whether they are able to provide a receipt to claim for insurance. Please note that while I am able to provide birth receipts, I do not currently offer receipts for postpartum, sibling, and abortion care.
Is doula care regulated in Ontario?
Doula care is not regulated in Ontario. Doulas in Ontario may choose to be certified or uncertified. Certifying means that doulas have completed certifying front line work, coursework, and written requirements. However, uncertified doulas also possess a wealth of experience and skill. Doulas may choose to certify or not certify for a variety of reasons, including accessibility, values, and the populations they wish to serve. I am certified as a birth doula with DONA, meaning my work is regulated through Doulas of North America.
Would I still benefit from a doula if I have a partner who wants to be involved in my labour?
Absolutely! I am trained to work with and support everyone on your care team, including partners and family. Doulas can offer comfort, advice, and emotional support to members of the birthing parents’ family. Pressure on the partner is decreased so they can participate in the birth at the level they feel comfortable with and we work together to support labour. If the partner wishes, the doula can offer suggestions for support. We work as a team!
A midwife is a healthcare clinician who provides primary care throughout pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. A midwife possesses skills to give you and your baby medical attention. A doula is not a clinician. Rather, a doula is a trained support person who provides comfort measures, emotional support, informational support, and advocacy for you throughout the period you choose to work with them.
Can my doula attend hospital births, or only home births?
While all doulas possess different scopes of practice, many birth doulas work both in the hospital and at home! Through advocacy and comfort measures, doulas can offer a lot of help in the hospital to support a birth that you feel satisfied with. I support births in all environments, including home, hospital, and birth centres.
Are doulas covered by OHIP?
OHIP does not cover doula care, however many insurance companies provide some reimbursement for doulas who are certified with reputable regulating bodies, such as DONA, CAPPA, or Doula Canada. Since I am certified with DONA, I offer receipts for birth contracts. Ask your doula when you interview whether they are able to provide a receipt to claim for insurance. Please note that while I am able to provide birth receipts, I do not currently offer receipts for postpartum, sibling, and abortion care.
Is doula care regulated in Ontario?
Doula care is not regulated in Ontario. Doulas in Ontario may choose to be certified or uncertified. Certifying means that doulas have completed certifying front line work, coursework, and written requirements. However, uncertified doulas also possess a wealth of experience and skill. Doulas may choose to certify or not certify for a variety of reasons, including accessibility, values, and the populations they wish to serve. I am certified as a birth doula with DONA, meaning my work is regulated through Doulas of North America.
Would I still benefit from a doula if I have a partner who wants to be involved in my labour?
Absolutely! I am trained to work with and support everyone on your care team, including partners and family. Doulas can offer comfort, advice, and emotional support to members of the birthing parents’ family. Pressure on the partner is decreased so they can participate in the birth at the level they feel comfortable with and we work together to support labour. If the partner wishes, the doula can offer suggestions for support. We work as a team!