A Helpful Guide by the

Nova Scotia Doula Assocation

The word "doula" comes from ancient Greek, meaning "a woman who serves," and is now used to refer to a trained and experienced professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the mother (and her partner) before, during and just after birth; or who provides emotional and practical support during the postpartum period.

www.nsdoulas.ca

A doula values Compassion, Patience, Empathy, Informed Choice and Continuous Care.

Doulas can be male or female

Doulas don’t always have children of their own

Doulas (especially birth doulas) must be ready to prioritize birth – you might get called out in the middle of the night or have to miss a family event.

www.nsdoulas.ca

Antenatal Doulas Birth Doulas Postpartum Doulas Sibling Doulas Distance Doulas

There are many different types of doulas, and each doula brings a unique skillset and personality to her client.

www.nsdoulas.ca

Late Pregnancy Support

Birth Planning Continuous

Labor & Birth Support

Breastfeeding Support

Immediate Postpartum Support

IVF Support

Pregnancy Support

Miscarriage Support

Bedrest Support

Prenatal Planning and Education

www.nsdoulas.ca

Companionship Care for older

children during labor and birth

Assistance with home duties

Breastfeeding Support

Care for older children postpartum

Breastfeeding Support

Postpartum Assistance

Home DutiesSupport

Monitoring for Postpartum Depression

www.nsdoulas.ca

Distance doulas are relatively new, and are certified, experienced doulas who provide support and companionship via email, Skype and phone to families who are too far away for regular meetings.

Distance doulas may provide a variety of supports, but are especially useful during the antenatal and postpartum periods.

www.nsdoulas.ca

In Nova Scotia, doulas are not a regulated profession. Most doulas choose to certify through a known certifying body, and certification is mandatory to become a full member of the NSDA

The average doula training workshop is 3 days.

You will need to participate in at least 5 births to certify

Ongoing education after certification is important too!

www.nsdoulas.ca

The NSDA recognizes the following certifying bodies for doula training:

DONA Birth Arts International HALO CAPPA

This is not an exhaustive list, and we welcome doulas from other certifying bodies to contact us regarding membership.

Contact the certifying body directly for training workshop information.

www.nsdoulas.ca

The NSDA does not endorse or affiliate with any one particular certifying body.

Doulas in training are welcome to join the NSDA as an associate member prior to certification.

The NSDA does not provide doula certification training, but rather focuses on creating a supportive community of doulas in Nova Scotia

www.nsdoulas.ca