FAQs

We like to think of it like this: midwives look after all things medical and ensure you and your baby’s safety. Meanwhile, doulas could be thought of as a birth coach or guide who is supporting your emotional well-being, assisting you with coping strategies and helping your partner be meaningfully involved.

You can read our blog about midwives and doulas here.

There are many benefits to having a doula present during the birthing process, including shorter labours, a reduction in the use of pain medication, partners feeling more confident and involved, increased overall satisfaction with the birth experience, and more!

You can read our blog post about the benefits of hiring a birth doula here!

No, we service Calgary and surrounding areas, including Foothills Hospital, Rockyview Hospital, South Health Campus, Peter Lougheed Centre, Higher River Hospital, Canmore Hospital, and home birth with a registerd midwife! Please reach out and we can discuss our doula options for where you live.

Our complimentary consultations provide you an opportunity to meet with doulas, ask questions, and find the right fit for your family and needs. We would recommend meeting with 2 - 3 doulas, and depending on your support needs you may choose to book more than one doula for postpartum support. You can book consultations here.

Upon booking a consultation, you will receive an email smart file containing information, as well as a service selection page that allows you to start the booking process as soon as you have made your decision. Select the services you wish to book and an agreement and invoice for your 50% deposit will auto-populate. The remaining balance is due a month before your due date. Alternative payment schedules can be arranged.

Our doulas book up fast! You can book your doula any time after you find out you’re pregnant. The earlier you book, the more likely we will have availability, and the sooner your doula can be there to offer resources and guidance.

During our prenatal meetings, we will discuss the stages of labour and how to best utilize your doula’s support throughout your birth. During early labour, we encourage you to prioritize rest, nourishing your body, and preparing for the physical work ahead. Through years of experience, we have learned that your approach towards early labour can really set the tone for the next stages. Our goal is to ensure that you don’t burn yourself out too soon and that you begin labour feeling your best mentally and physically. It is also important that your doula is rested and at her best when it comes time to join you for hands-on support. For this reason, we recommend your doula begin in-person support once you are in active labour and need to manage your contractions. In early labour, your doula will provide guidance and reassurance from a distance through phone calls, video calls, or text. Your doula will help you determine when your contractions have reached a point where in-person support would be best utilized. When we manage support this way, the vast majority of labours will require 18 hours or less of in-person doula support. However, we can’t plan birth and there are sometimes exceptions to the rule. If in-person birth support is required beyond 18 hours, a rested doula will be provided at a rate of $40 per hour so that you have the best support possible for your entire birth. Depending on the situation, your doula may be able to remain at your birth. It will depend on her rest levels and ability to continue offering the gold standard of support we guarantee.  If she remains, an hourly rate of $40 per hour will be charged. All fees are subject to GST.

If you wish to terminate the agreement prior to 36 weeks, the 50% retainer fee will not be refunded but no other fees will apply. If you wish to terminate the agreement after 36 weeks a refund will not be issued and full payment is required.

Reduced rates or refunds will not be given due to cesarean birth, unexpected changes in your birth or birth plan, or due to hospital or government restrictions. Our priority is always to offer the best support possible regardless of how your birth goes. Cesarean birth does not reduce your need for support but may change how support looks.

We will make every effort to provide the services as described. In the event, your doula cannot attend the birth due to illness, unusually long labour, a prior discussed obligation, emergency, or unforeseen circumstances, your previously discussed Welcome Baby Co. backup doula will attend your birth.

Our number one priority is that you and your family are supported. For a booked cesarean this might look a little different, but the end goal is the same; a confident start to parenting and someone there who can help you along the way. Support options are a combination of waiting with you beforehand if you are feeling nervous, and supporting in the post-operation room and postpartum unit after the birth. There is also the option of an overnight support visit on the first or second night. Your doula will discuss with you before your birth to find a solution that suits your family’s needs.