FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT IS A DOULA?

A doula is non-medical support person for pregnancy, birth and posptartum. In addition, doulas also provide support for areas of loss, miscarriage and abortion. Doulas support families through informational, physical, emotional, spiritual and traditional avenues.

CAN I HAVE 2 DOULAS FOR SUPPORT?

Generally, you will be working with one doula. Sometimes, we feel it may be necessary to have 2 supports in place, such as in a homebirth: you will have one primary doula and a secondary doula for assistance, relief and back up. Current Covid protocols allow 2 support people (partner, family member, friend) and 1 certified doula for hospital birth.

HOW DO I PAY FOR DOULA SUPPORT?

Here at Kilila, we are all pre-approved for the BCAAFC- Doulas for Aboriginal Families Grant Program. This program provides Indigenous families up to $1200.00 of doula support for either birth or postpartum. When you connect with a birth keeper, together, you will go over this application and invoice and answer any questions you may have.

If you are a non-Indigenous client and are in need of financial assistance, we offer payment plans and sliding scale.

WHAT IS A MIDWIFE?

Midwives are primary care givers for pregnancy, birth and postpartum. Coverage for midwifery care is covered through BC MSP. Midwives support both home and hospital births, and work mainly with low-risk/uncomplicated pregnancies. However, midwives also work in connection with OBs and specialists through shared care if needed or if pregnancy becomes high risk.

WHAT BIRTHING SUPPLIES ARE INCLUDED?

Birth pools for home birth
TENS machine
Birth ball

WHEN DO I CALL MY DOULA TO COME TO SUPPORT ME?

When you think the birth process has started, this is a great time to give your doula a heads up text or phone call. This allows the doula to support you via phone during the early stages of labor. Together, you will decide when in person support is needed.

MY PARTNER/SUPPORT PERSON WILL BE WITH ME DURING LABOUR AND BIRTH. WILL HIRING A DOULA INTERFERE?

Doulas do not replace your partner/support person. We are an addition to your birth team. We can offer guidance, suggestions and relief for your accompanying support people.

WHAT DO I DO WITH MY PLACENTA?

You are able to keep your placenta if you choose. This is for both home and hospital births. What you do with your placenta can be a family decision, a personal decision or a cultural practice. Some people choose to keep their placenta to bring home to their traditional territories, create a print and cord keepsake or have their placenta dried.