Frequently Asked Questions
The answers to our most commonly asked questions.
What is a birth doula?
A birth doula is not a midwife or a doctor. They are not medically trained and cannot provide medical care to you or your baby. Doulas provide non-judgmental support to birthing families. Doulas are there to act as couch, educator, guide, and friend.
What is the training for doulas?
Doula work is an unregulated industry and not all doula training programs are created equally. Our doulas all take an in-person training, complete their certification, and receive regular continued education in infant feeding, diversity and inclusion, infant sleep, and more. Doula certification includes reading, essays, and exam, and client work.
what about overnight?
By now you’ve probably been told a thousand times that you will never sleep again. But that doesn’t have to be true! Doula support at night can help make feeds as quick and efficient as possible, allowing you to get more sleep. Many families will opt to have their overnight doula do some, or all, feedings so that the parents can get enough sleep! Unlike night nannies, our postpartum doulas are trained, certified or working towards it, and insured.
how do you know a doula is right for you?
You may benefit from a doula if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant soon, or recently had a baby. Having a doula is like having fairy godmother there to lend a hand, be your support, and maybe even work some miracles (like getting stubborn babies to sleep!).
What is a postpartum doula
A postpartum doula is trained to provide unbiased support in the weeks and months after giving birth. Postpartum doula care may include direct baby care, support for the parents, education, feeding support, and even sleep support.
What if I don’t want a natural birth or to breast/chest feed?
We are so glad you know what you want and we want to help make sure those things happen for you! We support all families, planning all births and parenting plans. We know that there is no “one right way” to do things and we support your choices. If you want more information, we are also here to help with that.
How do you hire your doulas?
We know that inviting someone into your birth space or home can feel strange and we want to put your mind at ease. Our doulas are interviewed and vetted by our management team prior to training. Each has a background check done annually in addition to in-person trainings where we get to know the doulas better. Our doulas are also up-to-date with the First Aid/CPR and carry liability insurance.
What is the consult all about?
During our free consult, you will have the opportunity to ask questions and get answers from the experts. Whether you are interested birth or postpartum planning, we will ask you thought-provoking questions that we have found helpful with clients, while directing your to the best resources for your questions.
What’s next?
If you would like to book doula support immediately, head to our contact page to reach us. If you would like to learn more, schedule a free, no-obligation, 45 minute consult with one of our owners.
Meaghan Grant, Meghan Bowser-Taylor, and Alex Weinberger (left to right)
Who Are We?
Meghan Bowser-Taylor
Meghan took her first doula training almost ten years ago and cannot imagine doing anything else. Although she took time away from the field when her children were young, it only reaffirmed how much she loved supporting families. Meghan’s passion for helping families to locate the resources, education, and spaces they need to feel confident as parents makes her the perfect doula to bridge birth and early postpartum.
As a busy mom of two based in Ottawa, Meghan can often be found enjoying the many festivals, activities and celebrations.
Alex Weinberger
Alex has been working as a birth and postpartum doula for over a decade. Since 2017, Alex has also been a Certified Doula Trainer and is the person who has trained most of our team. Alex is currently based in the GTA where she is also an owner of Hamilton Family Doulas and Toronto Family Doulas.
Originally planning to become a midwife, Alex quickly realized that what she loved best was the non-medical support of families, leading her to pursue doula work. Alex now passes that passion for non-judgmental support to both families and the doulas she trains.
Meaghan Grant
Meaghan has been a doula since 2013, after the birth of her oldest child made her realize the lack of support for kinda-crunchy-kinda-not parents. Her passion for educating the community about non-judgmental support and all of the ways doulas can and should support all families is what drives her to continue adding certifications and qualifications to her resume.
Meaghan is based in the GTA where she is raising her two children with her husband.