Open Arms Doula Services - Supporting families through their birth and postpartum journeys in the Ottawa area

Services

These services are for the birthing person as well as their partner/family.

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Birth

In person support during labour and delivery, as well up to a few hours after the birth.

Birth

  • One to two in home prenatal sessions to discuss birth preferences (and any previous experiences if applicable); Answer questions or concerns; Review things to prepare for labouring at home, things to bring to your choice of birthplace, and things to prepare for once baby arrives; Practice hands on pain management techniques;
  • On call email support from time of hire
  • On call phone support for any urgent matters, and from the onset of labour
  • In person support during labour and delivery, as well up to a few hours after the birth (dependant on restrictions of your choice of birth place). This includes help with breastfeeding if you choose to do so.
  • One postnatal visit in home within the first two weeks of baby’s arrival to talk about your birth experience, answer any questions, and provide assistance with breastfeeding (if needed).
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Postpartum Daytime/Evening

Minimum 4 hours of support per visit.

Postpartum Daytime/Evening

Minimum 4 hours of support per visit.

  • Answer questions and/or provide information and resources if needed during in person support or by email between visits.
  • Help care for baby while parents (or parent): rest; shower; eat; go for a walk; spend time together; or spend time with other children (if applicable).
  • Help new parents (or parent) understand and adapt to life with a newborn; Help parents/families with other children adapt to life with another child in the home.
  • Provide breastfeeding and/or bottle feeding support
  • Light housekeeping (if baby allows), such as: washing/sterilizing bottles and/or pump parts (if applicable); emptying/loading dishwasher; washing/folding baby’s and/or parent’s laundry
  • Light meal preparation (if baby allows): Ingredients and recipe would need be set out
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Postpartum Overnight

Minimum 8 hours, and up to 10 hours of support per overnight visit.

Postpartum Overnight

Minimum 8 hours, and up to 10 hours of support per overnight visit.

  • Everything provided in Daytime/Evening visits
  • Help parents (or parent) try to find a balance with newborn sleeping, feeding and care needs through the nights
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About me

Emily is kind, compassionate, nurturing , and endearing.  Caring for people of all ages has always brought her such joy. 

In 2016, after struggling with infertility, Emily and her husband Jamie welcomed their first miracle baby, their son Elijah.  In 2020 they welcomed their second miracle baby, their son Oliver.  Becoming a mother has instilled in her a special passion to help other birthing people and parents alike in their journey of parenthood. 

For 10 years Emily worked as a home care Personal Support Worker.  In 2021 she felt it was time to follow her heart to her true passion.  Emily trained as a Postpartum and Birth Doula through DONA International, and has been supporting families since. 

Emily and her husband live in Kanata with their two young boys and their dog. When not working, she loves spending quality time with family and friends.  She also hopes to get back into doing musical theatre with local theatre companies.  

Emily is absolutely thrilled to be living her dream, supporting families through their birth and postpartum journeys with open arms. 

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What is a Doula?

A trained professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to their client before, during and shortly after childbirth to help them achieve the healthiest, most satisfying experience possible.*

*From https://www.dona.org/what-is-a-doula/

The Difference between Midwives and Birth Doulas

Midwives are health-care professionals who provide government-funded expert primary care to pregnant people and their newborns. Through pregnancy, labour, birth and the first six weeks after birth, you will be cared for by a small group of midwives. This continuity of care means that you are likely to know the midwife who delivers your baby.**

A birth doula is a trained labour support person who provides emotional and physical support to those giving birth and their families. While not medical professionals, doulas can offer a wide range of comfort measures. You would find and pay your doula yourself, as doula services are not covered by the Ministry of Health.**

**From https://www.ontariomidwives.ca/what-midwife

Client Testimonials

“As brand-new first-time parents looking for overnight doula support, we felt overwhelmed, exhausted and inevitably had feelings of vulnerability with the thought of a new person watching our newborn baby while we were asleep. The moment Emily walked into our home and introduced herself, we immediately felt comfort from her warm, calming demeanour. Emily is easy to talk to, down to earth, knowledgeable, exudes confidence and demonstrates ultimate care for baby and mom. Emily is one of the most loving individuals we have ever met, and we truly feel privileged to have had her by our side as new parents. We felt that Emily provided the upmost care for our baby and we would recommend Emily to anyone and everyone looking for doula support.”

Natalie M.

“Emily geared her support to what I needed.  She was cheerful, and a true comfort during the postpartum months.  Her support was excellent.”

Amy W.

“For me, the most valuable aspect of Emily’s care was definitely the emotional support.  Of course, all the practical stuff was great, but what really made a difference was feeling understood and supported.  Her mere presence lowered my anxiety.”

Fannie S.

“We felt very supported by Emily, and would hire her again.”

Kristen H.

“We are so glad we had Emily’s support before and during the birth of our son.  As first time parents, she was a huge help with information before, and was a critical support during the birth.”

Allyson G.

“I can’t overstate how much Emily’s presence made for a positive birth experience for myself, my partner and our baby.  The nurses appreciated her presence as well”

Amy R.

“Emily was invaluable in helping our emotional wellbeing through a long and difficult labour and birth.”

Renée L.

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