My Dream Yoga and Doula Services
Childbirth Education Sessions
"BIRTH WITH CONFIDENCE, BIRTH WITH A DOULA"

What some of our clients have to say:

"Ariel's support through a long and challenging labor was strong and unflagging. When faced with difficult decisions, her input helped us to make the right choices and set our minds at ease." - Rachel, mother

"Being a new father to be, I was unsure and apprehensive about labor and my role. Having Ariel there to help was fantastic. She was amazing help and support in all aspects of our tough labor. From back rubs, to ice chips, to helping us keep focused on the big picture-the health of our daughter-; she was an essential and integral part of our birth process. I can't thank her enough!" -Dave, father

Your Doula Services Package will include:

Initial pre-natal visit: getting to know you and what your preferences are for you ideal birth. We can assist with writing of a birth plan (but we prefer to call it a "wish list"). We also encourage meeting with your partner, and/or other members of your support team at this time. Usually this meeting will be 1-2 hours.

At least one, but hopefully 2 more pre-natal meetings

Use of our 'lending library" of great pregancy related books.

One private pre-natal yoga class: to explore labor and birthing positions, breathing, and relaxation techniques. Your partner may also take part.(included in one pre-natal visit)

Labor and Birth Attendance, which includes up to 2 hrs postpartum: we will be available, on-call 24 hrs for you at any time you need us during the onset of you labor, at your home, hospital,or both. We strive to be there for you, as you need us, whether your labor is 4 or 24 hours!

Photography if desired, your camara or ours!

One follow up home visit: usually one month after birth. A great chance to review the birth experience, and recieve post-partum doula references if you should need it.

We are also available for all your questions from the time of your retainer of our services to our follow up visit. There are many resorces at our fingertips that we can share with you!
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Your Doula Childbirth Education Package will include:

Learn some doula tricks of the trade! Our Childbirth Education Sessions are ideal for busy people who may not have the time within their schedules to take a workshop or classes. It is also great for those who learn better in a one on one situation. You can have whoever present at this session that you wish. This is particularly helpful for grandmothers who would like to be present at the birth, but for whom it has been many years since they gave birth themselves.

We cover all of the basics, in a condensed form.

Your session will be 1.5 hours in length and can be scheduled at your convience, in your location of choice. (a tv and dvd player should be there, but not essential)

It will cover: labor and the birth process in detail. What happens physically and emotionally during labor.Just what to expect, how to cope, including pain management ideas, yoga and positioning techniques, and massage pointers. Ideas for your birth bag, and post-partum care.

Newborn basics and breastfeeding information/how to.

handouts to refer to back at home

Question and Answer period

Best of all, we offer informational help via email or phone from the time of your session to two weeks post-partum.

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FAQ'S

What is a doula?
The word "doula" comes from ancient greek and is now used to refer to a woman experienced in childbirth who provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to the mother (and partner) before, during and just after childbirth. Postpartum doula's provide support during the postpartum period.

Why should I have a doula?
Studies have shown that when doulas attend births, labors are shorter with fewer complications, babies are healthier and they breastfeed more easily. A doula understands the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of a woman in labor, provides an objective viewpoint, facilitates communication between the laboring woman, her partner and clinical care providers and protects the woman's memory of the birth experience.

What is the difference between a doula and a midwife?
Midwives are medically trained,licensed healthcare providers of clinical care for pregnant woman and their babies. Doulas have no medical responsibilites but are trained to provide emotional support, physical comfort measures and informational resources for woman in labor.

Why have a doula when my partner/loved ones will be at the birth? We want our labor and birth to be private, intimate experience.
Your doula is not there to replace your loved ones, who love you and know you better than anyone. For couples who want privacy and intimacy sometimes a doula is the best way to ensure this. Research has shown that when doulas are present there are fewer interruptions by medical staff and more involment by the partner. A doula will also provide moral support for your loved ones, after all,it's an emotional experience for them too!

I want an epidural as soon as I get to the hospital, how can a doula help me?
Sometimes after her epidural is placed, the nurses and woman's support team take a break. Your doula stays by your side, keeping you connected and helping you cope with any side effects. Even when the pain of labor is lessened, there are still emotional and informational needs that your doula can meet.

What area do you serve?
We work in Burnaby, Vancouver, North Van, New West, Port Moody, Coquitlam and Maple Ridge. If your area is not listed, special arrangements can be made, call or email for more details.(We've taken clients as far away as Pemberton!)

Consider your doula as an investment in your memories of becoming a mother!

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Please view our rates page for more details re: cost and availability!