MFRC DOULA PROGRAM

what is a doula ?

A doula is a woman trained and experienced in childbirth who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to a woman during her pregnancy, labour, birth and the immediate postpartum period. Postpartum doulas care for new families in the first weeks after birth providing household help, advice with newborn care and feeding and emotional support.

What is the MFRC Doula Program ?

• A program that provides any woman in the military community or public requesting it with a caring, informed professional doula.
• Offers prenatal, labour and postpartum support.
• Exists to help the pregnant woman have a fulfilling birth experience.
• Fills a need in the military family support network.
• Is a not-for-profit volunteer organization.
• Costs of the Doula Program are met by the public, client and business donations.
• Is provided to the public for a per-cost fee.

What can a client expect from the MFRC Doula program?

• Assistance that matches the birth families needs
• Pre-natal education
• Labour companion
• Postpartum care
• French language support
• Referrals to appropriate organizations

What are some of the issues specific to the expectant military family?

• Seperation from spouse due to courses or duty postings
• Long distances from family and friends due to military lifestyle
• Unfamiliar community
• Financial concerns
• Language barriers

  What are the benifits of the MFRC Doula program?

  • The MFRC Doula can take on the role of a trusted friend or family member
  • Studies show that Doula Support can shorten labour, increase parents' satisfaction with childbirth and lessen postpartum depression and more

  Who can take part in the MFRC Doula program?

  • Any requesting member of the public
  • Any requesting military family

  Why should I recomend the MFRC Doula program to my clients?

  • Each MFRC Doula is certified with Doulas of North America (DONA) or in the process of certification each follow the same Code of Ethics, Standards of Practice and Quality Assurance policies guide standardized care.
  • The World Health Organization and The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada recognize the benifits of continuos support while in labour.
  • It is a service desinged to meet the needs of the expectant family.

  
  

  Is there a fee?

  Yes a sliding scale from $50.00 to $300.00 Depending on a clients ability to pay however NO women will ever be denied DOULA care because of an inability to pay

  you can contact anyone of the Doulas listed below for more information Carolyn Thompson:(613) 968-4085 ct.dt@sympatico.co Patricia Wannamaker:(613) 771-1964 peekin_1@yahoo.com Tel: (613) 965-3575
  Fax : 613-964-7371
  Military Family Resource Center Homepage
  mfrc@8wing.dnd.ca