One of the most-life changing experiences in life is birth.
Doulas assist a woman before, during, or after childbirth, as well as her partner and/or family, by providing information, physical assistance, and emotional support during the process.
The provision of continuous support during labour by doulas is associated with improved maternal and fetal health and a variety of other benefits.
To that end, Salmon Arm now has its first group of doulas working together to create supportive, satisfying birth experiences for their clients.
The Red Raspberry Doula Collective, named for the connection to the long-standing uterine tonic that has been used in pregnancy for thousands of years, is made up of Holly Malashewsky, a certified practising doula for 10 years and a breastfeeding counsellor for six years, Kyla Turner, who completed a traditional birth attendant course in 2012, and Selina Metcalfe. Both Turner and Metcalfe will be taking their DONA-approved doula training in October.
“I am excited to assist women and their families to have a positive, empowering pregnancy and birth experiences,” says Turner.
This is echoed by Metcalfe, who says her own experience with birth drew her to learn more.
“As my children grow and I observe friends going through the amazing experience of bringing forth life, I know that I want to be there to assist anyone who desires the additional support that a doula can offer.”
The collective offers a number of advantages, with the primary one being back-up for all their clients, which means if the primary doula is not available, another will be there to attend. As well, the doulas have other specific areas of interest including henna body art, birth photography, placenta encapsulation and breastfeeding counselling.
Doulas can also offer private prenatal education sessions for expectant mothers and their partners.
For more information on the services offered by the Red Raspberry Doula Collective, phone Malashewsky at 250-804-1628 or check out their Facebook page.