Toronto’s High Risk Birth Doula
No matter what kind of pregnancy you are having, or what your birth plan is; no matter the complications you may be experiencing, and when they arise, or what your health care providers may be saying to you, you deserve an experienced Doula who is confident and supportive. You need a person who can help you understand what is happening during a time you when you may feel overwhelmed and scared (these feelings are normal.) We will look at all the options together while discussing pros and cons for each option. We work with you and your health care team so you understand and feel comforted in the process.
Please know that I also support families who seek an unmedicated birth at the hospital, or in-home births with your midwife or at the beautiful Toronto Birth Centre.
Mount Sinai, Supporting a mother after her birth.
As the Doula for your high risk birth, we will go over what to expect with any meetings you may have with medical staff such as the Chief Obstetrics of hospitals. If your delivery is in Toronto, but live out of town, we will talk about how this will affect your labour and what sort of options you may have if induction is planned.
We offer nurturing, supportive, and empathetic and resource-sharing assistance to enhance your feelings of agency leading up to and during labour and birth. Whatever choices you make, we will support them.
And one final important detail about being your High Risk Birth Doula:
I work for you, not the hospital.
I’ve got you.
”Jen is a wonderful mentor and has such a friendly nature. I appreciated her love, unending kindness and support. She kept me grounded during my high risk birth and pregnancy.
Thanks for being there when I really needed you.
Kristin W.New Mama
Types of births I have assisted:
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Families of colour
- Twin Birth
- Cesarean Birth support in the Operating Birth
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Families conceiving with Assisted Reproductive Technology and In-Vitro Fertilization
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High risk (cervical cerclage, placenta previa or on bed rest for example)
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Induced and high medical technology labor & birth
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Precipitous birth (baby born within less than 3 hours of regular contractions)
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2SLGBTQ+ Families
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Has other health issues (autoimmune illness or rare blood disorders for example.)
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40+ years old
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Size inclusive care
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Perinatal and Postpartum mood disorders
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Previous birth trauma, miscarriage and/or birth injury
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Remote and rural clients birthing away from home
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Single parents
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Survivors of Previous Life Trauma
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Survivors of childhood sexual abuse
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Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC)
The Labour Flow Chart
Why do I keep a flow chart? I think it is important for you to know what happened each step of the way so you realize fully just how amazing you were in labour!
When I arrive to assist your birth, I will bring my doula bag with various tools to support your labour. (by tools, I mean massage balls, and lotion, for example.) The first thing I take out is a clip board with a chart that I update during labour and until I leave the hospital. This does not interfere with my time with you, as I am just making quick notes.
- Such as cervical checks, and who performed them (I don’t!)
- Your health care provider’s names
- Positions we use, or any medicine administered
- I keep track of music you are listening to
- I’ll even jot down jokes you made!
(Laughing in labour increases oxytocin, so bring your sense of humour to your birth!)
When we have your postpartum visit, I will share the flow chart with you and make sure you have a copy of it.