Vancouver, B.C.
Debra Woods

Debra Woods - birth & postpartum doula
Vancouver, BC Canada
Website: http://www.dakinidoula.com

Since 1989 I have been providing doula care to birthing families. I have had extensive training in both birth and postpartum care. Please see my for more details.


Birth Doula support - I provide experienced, compassionate care to women and their partners during labor & the birth of their baby.


Doula care is known to shorten labors, reduce the need for pain medications, Cesarean sections, interventions as well as women report much more satisfaction with their births and breastfeed longer when a doula has supported them.


We meet for 2 prenatal visits prior to your estimated due date which helps us establish our relationship and I learn how I can best support you & your partner.


I offer a variety of comforting methods including relaxation & breathing techniques, massage, information on herbal & homeopathic remedies, aromatherapy as well as the use of a TENS machine and a birthing pool should you be having a home water birth.


After the birth I visit twice to provide postpartum care and bring closure to our relationship.


As birth is a normal physiological experience, I trust in the process and encourage women to listen to their bodies and believe in their power to give birth. I help couples to receive all the information they need to ensure they understand fully what is being advised so they can give informed consent or refusal. My role is to support couples' birth preferences and philosophy.


Postpartum Doula support - This service provides an opportunity for mothers and babies to bond & establish breastfeeding and for moms to recover from birth. I take care of mom so she can eat, have a shower or a nap and I take care of baby too! I am able to teach new parents the basics of infant care such as learning infant cues, soothing, bathing, holding, burping and baby wearing. I also assist new moms with breast feeding if there are challenges.


Other support includes meal prep., laundry, light housekeeping and sibling care.
Research has shown that the support of a postpartum doula helps reduce the incidence of postpartum depression and increases the length of time moms breastfeed.


In addition, I offer placental encapsulation. The practice of placentophagy is known to help increase milk supply, decrease the risk of PPD, restore iron levels, aid in better sleep and increase overall energy. I prepare the placenta in my client's homes immediately after the birth.


For 22 years I have taken care of hundreds of new families including those with twins, or with a premature or ill newborn, moms recovering from a Cesarean section or who have physical challenges, or moms experiencing PPD.


I have a wealth of information to share and love being with newborns and their parents.

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