Doula?

[AnnaBanana]

To be a midwife in Ontario one must attend a 4 year midwifery program... pretty intense. All prenatal visits are with one of two midwives assigned to you, as they will both be present at your delivery (one takes care of you, one is there for your baby).

A Doula takes care of you ABOVE the waist - as in she will help you with breathing techniques, massage etc... I have not had one but hear that they are wonderful.

Good luck!

[Xax]

Thanks much Kelly!

[Mehrtens]

Is their any male doula in Ontario ?

[llbgal]

I used a doula in 2003 in SW Ont. and it was either 400 or 500 -- it was well worth every penny. From my female perspective, I didn't want my husband to have a lot of pressure on him to try to make me feel better during labour... he is not a specialist! So, we hired a doula. Turned out to be an added bonus that I went into labour in the middle of the night... and hubby does not do well with no sleep... so he rested for awhile and the doula kept me comfortable.

There is training for doula's too... DONA -- ALACE (there may be others). There is most certainly a difference between a doula and a midwife... they fill different roles/needs.