"Naturopathic Birth Doula" Explained with Dr. Amy (Cambridge Naturopath)

Naturopathic Doctor + Birth Doula = Naturopathic Birth Doula

This year, I have had the privilege to attend a February birth (the couple's 1st baby delivered in the hospital) and a March birth (the couple's 3rd baby delivered at home).
 Each labour and birth experience were unique, beautiful and natural.  

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As a "naturopathic birth doula", I optimize a mother’s health in the months approaching birth and minimizes discomfort and stress at the time of birth. This gentle integration of “doula and doctor” allows me to support, empower and treat with naturopathic therapies. Essentially, the services include the physical, mental, emotional care of a doula and the natural health expertise of a naturopathic doctor.

[Note, doulas and/or naturopathic birth doulas do not replace the role of your OBGYN, midwife or your partner - we become an additional professional support system]

According to DONA international (an organization that trains and certifies doula), a doula is now defined as "a trained professional who provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to a mother before, during, and shortly after childbirth to help her achieve the healthiest, most satisfying birth experience possible". (1)

Research show that a birth doula can support women in home or hospital births to...

• less likely to need Pitocin
• less likely to have a cesarean birth
• less likely to use any pain medication
• more likely to rate their childbirth experience positively" (2)

With a passion for prenatal and perinatal health, I have combined my doula training and naturopathic skill set to support patients in a positive pregnancy and birth experience. This was a natural direction for me. With this integration, the expected outcomes are:

• mother and infant health optimized prior to labour
• birth plan discussed and birth scenarios explored
• decrease pain, discomfort, worry, uncertainty
• partner guided to be fully involved (comfort techniques taught)
• positive and comfortable birth experience
• postpartum recovery support (healing, breastfeeding)

To gain an understanding about general visits entitled to the Naturoapthic Birth Services, I invite you to visit the link http://www.vivoinhealth.com/naturopathic-birth-doula.html. If any inquiries, connect with Vivo! (519.267.8486) or email myself at amy@vivoinhealth.com

To living in health and comfortable birthing,
Dr. Amy de Oliveira, Naturopathic Doctor
Women's & Family Natural Health Expert

References:
(1) (2) DONA International, https://www.dona.org/, found under "what's a doula"