Naturopathic Doula Service

What is a doula?

A birth doula attends the birth to provide emotional, physical and educational support to mom and her partner before, during and after childbirth. A birth doula does not replace your primary care provider (Midwife, OB or GP), but is there to help mom have a safe, memorable and empowering birth experience. Having a doula as part of your birth team has been shown to have many benefits including:
  • reduced anxiety
  • reduced C-section rates
  • improve birth experience
  • improved maternal and fetal health
  • reduced complications and medical interventions
Becoming a birth doula became a passion after experiencing first hand the positive impact having birth doulas throughout labor and delivery can have. After getting off a waitlist with midwives for my first pregnancy, my husband and I both questioned whether we would even need a doula. However, since she was a close friend and colleague we still had her attend, and were we ever glad she did! After that first birth, my husband became one of the biggest supporters of having a birth doula as even he benefited immensely from the support our doula provided. It was without question we would have a birth doula at our second birth!

Why an ND Doula?

As a Naturopathic Doctor, I never take that hat off. While providing doula care, I am also able to provide all the modalities afforded under my Naturopathic Medical License. This includes:
  • Acupuncture
  • Acupressure
  • Herbal medicine
  • Homeopathy
The skill-set of a naturopathic birth doula allows for the doulas role to be expanded from only labour support to optimization of pre-natal health of the mother and child. Naturopathic doctors are the most qualified healthcare professionals in healthy lifestyle, preventative care and safe, effective use of natural medicines. Naturopathic prenatal care can also be provided throughout pregnancy. Learn more about naturopathic prenatal care.

What's Included?

  • Complimentary meet and greet.
  • 2 prenatal visits (Discussion on what to expect during labor and delivery- physiological changes, possible interventions, pain management options and answer all birthing questions. Also, creation and discussion of birth plan).
  • Birth attendance for duration of labor and support after baby is born.
  • 1 postnatal visit (assess baby and new mama for healing, feeding and mood)
  • Option to use all Naturopathic treatment modalities.
  • Unlimited phone and email birth support.
  • Photographs of your birth, if desired.
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Please note, due to the commitment and demands of being a doula, I am only able to take on a small number of clients each year. For this reason, I limit clients to current patients, a full Naturopathic Intake is required to become a patient. Since Naturopathic doctors are regulated health practitioners, services, including doula services, are eligible expenses under extended health benefits. 
Dr Jessica Gurske, Naturopathic Doctor Kitchener Waterloo
Vibrant Living Naturopathic and Wellness Centre 
75 Regina St N Waterloo, On (519) 772-0292 
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