Glow Integrative Clinic offers doula services in Victoria, BC

Doula Services at Glow Integrative Clinic

Birth Support Package

Adding doula support to your birth team provides care, guidance, and reassurance throughout this important transition.

You’ll meet prenatally with your doula to discuss your birth preferences, address any fears, explore pain management options, and plan for postpartum support, including nutritional considerations.

The Birth Support Package Includes:

  • Two 60-minute prenatal visits (virtual or in-home)

  • Labour & birth support (on call from 37 weeks, with arrival within 90 minutes, and continuous support for the duration of your birth)

  • One 60-minute postpartum visit (virtual or in-home)

  • Ongoing phone, text, and email support throughout pregnancy

Topics Discussed During Your Visits:

  • What aspects of your birth are most important to you? What do you envision—what do you see, hear, smell, and feel?

  • Do you have any fears about the birth experience?

  • What coping strategies feel comfortable for managing pain? What support do you welcome from others? Which pain medications, if any, are acceptable for you?

  • What are your eating habits like? Which foods do you enjoy, and which do you avoid?

  • What are your priorities for the first days and weeks with your baby? What do you envision seeing, hearing, tasting, and feeling during this time?

By exploring these questions, we can ensure your birth experience aligns with your wishes and feels as comfortable and supported as possible.

Birth Support Package: $1,495+GST

What is a doula?

The role of a doula is to support the birthing person and family through their pregnancy, labour, birth, and postpartum period, helping to ensure a positive and empowering experience. This means doulas focus on the whole person—physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually—rather than the mechanics of birth.

A doula offers emotional guidance and encouragement, helping the birthing person process any fears or anxieties they may have around childbirth or postpartum experiences. A doula supports physical well-being, which can include comfort measures during labour, such as positioning, acupressure, and breathing techniques.

Doulas provide evidence-based information about the stages of labour, medical interventions, and choices for pain management so the birthing person can make informed decisions with their medical care providers. Doulas also help families understand what to expect and how they can support the birthing person. Doulas work alongside other healthcare providers.

Is a Doula Different from a Midwife?

The roles of a doula and a midwife are complementary but distinct, and both are integral to supporting a person through pregnancy, labour, and birth.

Midwives are highly trained, respected healthcare professionals and part of the medical perinatal care team. A midwife is licensed to provide medical care during pregnancy, labour, and birth, including conducting physical exams, performing tests, and delivering babies. Midwives provide clinical care, which includes monitoring the health of the birthing person and baby, checking vital signs, and managing any complications during labour or birth.

Midwives help the birthing person make informed decisions based on their health and medical needs. They may make medical recommendations, provide interventions if needed, and ensure the safety of both the parent and baby. Their care is the medical equivalent of a maternity doctor (GP-OB), but their philosophy is guided by the midwifery model of care.

Read more about the philosophy of midwifery care in BC here.

Doulas are non-medical providers that support to the birthing person and family through their pregnancy, labour, birth, and postpartum period, helping to ensure a positive and empowering experience. This means doulas focus on the whole person—physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually—rather than the mechanics of birth.

A doula offers emotional guidance and encouragement, helping the birthing person process any fears or anxieties they may have around childbirth or postpartum experiences. A doula supports physical well-being, which can include comfort measures during labour, such as positioning, acupressure, and breathing techniques.

When should I hire a doula?

Hiring a doula is a personal decision, and the ideal time to hire one depends on your preferences and the type of support you're seeking.

While it’s never too late to hire a doula, many people choose to do so early in pregnancy—often in the first or second trimester. This allows ample time to build a relationship, discuss birth preferences and expectations, and address any concerns.

If you're nearing the end of your pregnancy and haven't yet hired a doula, it's still a great time to do so. Doulas can provide valuable support in the final weeks, whether through comfort techniques, birth plan reviews, or emotional reassurance as you approach labour. Book a free meet and greet call to get started.

Postpartum Doula Support

If you're specifically seeking postpartum support, you can hire a postpartum doula during pregnancy or after your baby is born. Postpartum doulas assist with newborn care, breastfeeding support, emotional well-being, and household help during the first few weeks or months after birth.

Hiring a doula early allows you to fully benefit from their support, but you can always reach out at any stage of your pregnancy or postpartum journey!

Postpartum appointments are available at Glow Integrative Clinic here.

Are doula services covered by insurance?

Doula support is not currently covered by MSP or private insurance plans in BC. If you have a private health spending account, you may be able to submit your receipt for reimbursement.

If hiring a doula feels financially out of reach, here are some options to consider:

  • Ask friends and family to contribute to a doula fund instead of giving material gifts.

  • If your employer or co-workers offer a parental leave gift, consider requesting their support in hiring a doula.

  • Payment can be made in instalments. While an initial payment is required, we are generally flexible in arranging a payment schedule that makes the cost more manageable for you.

Hiring a doula offers numerous benefits to expectant parents, enhancing the birth experience and providing valuable support during this important transition. Doulas respect the choices of the birthing person—their goal is to provide support in alignment with the birthing person’s wishes, free from judgment.

A doula supports not just the birthing person but also their partner. They can guide the partner on how to assist during labour, offer breaks, and help them feel confident and supported throughout the process. With a doula present, the partner can relax, knowing they have someone trained to navigate labour and provide both physical and emotional assistance.

Whether you're seeking pain management, emotional support, or a knowledgeable advocate, a doula can be an invaluable part of your birth team.

Why should I hire a doula?

Did you know?

Having a Doula Can Reduce the Likelihood of Interventions

Studies have shown that continuous labour support from a doula can reduce the risk of medical interventions, including cesarean sections, forceps or vacuum-assisted births, and the use of pain medication. Research suggests that doula-supported births are associated with shorter labour durations and lower rates of epidural use.

Having a Doula Can Improve Maternal Satisfaction

Research indicates that people who receive doula support often report higher satisfaction with their birth experience. They tend to feel more positive about their labour and delivery, with increased confidence in their choices and the overall birthing process.

Having a Doula Can Support the Postpartum Transition

By providing continuous emotional and practical support during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum, doulas can contribute to improved mental well-being. Some studies suggest that doula support may help reduce the risk of postpartum depression by fostering confidence in new parents and reducing feelings of isolation and stress.

Doula services provide continuous, personalized support throughout pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period, ensuring you feel informed, empowered, and cared for every step of the way. This includes emotional and physical support, guidance on comfort measures, and assistance in navigating your birth preferences. By having a doula as part of your birth team, you can experience greater confidence, reduced stress, and a more positive transition into parenthood. Glow offers compassionate doula support at the Oak Bay location.

About Doula Support

Meet the Team

  • Doula

    I'm an island girl, born and raised. After growing up in Nanaimo and moving to Victoria to finish high school, I’ve spent the last eight years making this beautiful place my home.

    I completed my Holistic Doula training at Pacific Rim College and am now a certified prenatal, birth, and postpartum doula. My passion for birth stems from a desire to make a positive difference in the lives of others. It has been a long-term ambition of mine to provide care and support to those embarking on their path to parenthood. My journey as a doula has been deeply rooted in a passion for compassionate care, advocacy, and an admiration for the power of holistic support. For me, it is essential not only to address the physical elements of birth but also to nurture the emotional and mental aspects.

    My own path to health began with my background in competitive dance, where I developed a deep appreciation for the body's movement and the mind-body connection. This passion has guided me toward a career rooted in wellness and holistic care.

    In my free time, you'll find me outdoors—whether soaking up the salty air at the beach or exploring the trails in the woods.