Frequently Asked Questions
Here’s everything you might be wondering…
From how to book your doula to how billing works.
Explained simply, so you can feel confident before we even meet.
Birth Doula FAQ.
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Do birth doulas only support "natural" births?
No, birth doulas support individuals and their partners regardless of their birth preferences. Whether you choose a "natural" birth, medicated birth, or cesarean section, a doula can adapt their support to your unique needs and preferences
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What if my partner is unsure about having a doula?
Birth doulas are there to support both you and your partner. They can enhance the partner's role by providing guidance and reassurance, allowing them to actively participate in the birthing experience.
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When should I hire my Doula?
It's reccomended to hire a birth doula early in your pregnancy, ideally early in the second trimester. This allows more time to connect with your doula, and continued support throughout your pregnancy. Our birth doulas book quickly!
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Can a birth doula support me if I plan to have an epidural or other medical interventions?
Absolutely. Doulas can support you in various birth settings, including hospitals where medical interventions are common. They can assist with coping strategies, comfort measures, and help you understand and navigate the decision-making process.
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What requirements do your Birth Doulas hold?
Our Doulas are required to have:
- Certificate of completion for Doula training
- CPR/First Aid
- Police Reference Check
- Insurance -
Do Doulas attend homebirths?
Yes, many of our birth doulas are experienced in supporting individuals during homebirths. It's important to discuss your birth location preferences with potential doulas during the hiring / connection process.
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Can I call or text my doula?
Yes! You may find it beneficial to create a group chat with your Doula and partner if you have one. If you need your Doula urgently, always PHONE your Doula (night or day).
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Can I choose my Birth Doula
Yes, you can meet as many available doulas as you would like. We want you to find the best doula match for you and your family.
Postpartum Doula FAQ.
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Can my postpartum doula help me sleep train my baby?
While postpartum doulas are not sleep trainers, they can offer guidance on establishing healthy sleep habbits that are developmentaly appropriate for your baby. They may provide tips on soothing techniques and help parents understand normal infant sleep patterns.
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Can my postpartum doula help me with breastfeeding?
Yes, postpartum doulas are trained to provide breastfeeding support. They can assist with latching, positioning, and addressing common breastfeeding challenges. They are also able to make referrals to experienced lactation specialists as needed.
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What requirements do your Postpartum Doulas hold?
Our Doulas are required to have:
- Certificate of completion for Doula training
- CPR/First Aid
- Police Reference Check
- Insurance -
How long does postpartum doula support last?
The duration of postpartum doula support varies based on individual needs. It can range from a few days to several weeks, depending on the family's requirements and the Doula's availability.
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When should I hire my doula?
It's reccomended to hire a Postpartum Doula early in your pregnancy, ideally early in the second trimester. This allows more time to connect with your doula, and continued support throughout your pregnancy. Our Doulas book quickly!
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Can I choose my Postpartum Doula?
Yes, you can meet as many available doulas as you would like. We want you to find the best doula match for you and your family.
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Can my postpartum doula help me with postpartum anxiety or depression?
While postpartum doulas are not mental health professionals, they can offer you emotional support. Your postpartum doula is trained to recognize the signs of a postpartum mental health concern. If there are concerns about postpartum depression or anxiety, your doula may refer your to a qualified mental health professional if your are not already seeing one.
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Can I call or text my Doula?
Yes! You may find it beneficial to create a group chat with your Doula and partner if you have one.
For Q&A your Postpartum Doula will be available during business hours. For Emergent issues such as medical assessments/concerns, please call your healthcare provider or visit your closest Urgent Care Center.
Booking FAQ.
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Step 1. The Doula Connection
Start by filling out our contact form HERE. You will be automatically connected with an available doula within 48 hours. Meet with as many doulas as you like. Discuss the level of care you are hoping for, any worries / excitements you would like to share, the role of the doula and any special requirements you have.
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Step 2. Booking Your Doula
Once you have decided on the right doula fit, please reach out to admin at sarah@greatertorontodoulas.ca. Let her know which doula you would like to move forward with and an approximate schedule week by week. Sarah will send you your booking docs by email. Please fill everything out and hit submit.
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Step 3. Confirming Your Booking
Your booking will be confirmed with your doula and you will be reconnected for the start of your care. Welcome!
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How much postpartum support do I need?
We recommend having a look at our packages HERE to see some suggestions. If you don’t see something for you, we can always build a custom package. Please contact us if you need help figuring out what level of support you need.
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What is included in my Booking Docs?
Your booking docs will include:
Terms of Service
Invoice / Payment Schedule
Payment Page
Billing FAQ.
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What is the retainer and when is it due?
A non-refundable retainer equal to 2 weeks of service is due when you book. It's applied toward your final 2 weeks of care — not your first — and secures your doula's availability for your family.
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When is my final payment due for birth support?
Your final 50% balance for birth doula support is due by 34 weeks
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How does billing work for postpartum support?
Weekly billing begins the first week of postpartum care and continues until your paid hours reach your retainer amount. After that, your retainer covers your last 2 weeks and weekly billing stops (unless you extend care).
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What if i book less than 2 weeks of care?
When reserving less than 2 weeks of care, the full amount is due in full at booking, rather than a partial retainer.
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Can I extend my support beyond the initial booking?
Yes, pending your doula's availability. Your doula will check in before you reach your the end of your booking to see if you would like to extend.
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Are holiday rates different?
Doulas aren't required to work statutory holidays. If you and your doula agree to a holiday shift, it's billed at 1.5x the regular hourly rate.
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Do you offer refunds?
No. At this time, we do not offer refunds. This retainer reflects our commitment to provide services, as well as your commitment to paying for the secured services and your doulas availability. This policy is in place to protect our Doulas from any losses or lapses in their schedule.