~During pregnancy~
We will have at least 2 pre-birth visits that are approximately 60-120 min to get to know one another, talk about your birth plan and anything you wish to have at your birth that I may support with - aromatherapy, a calming playlist, candles, etc.

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As a herbalist and Doctor of TCM I am always a text/email/phone call or clinic visit away for any questions you have for addressing common occurrences of pregnancy such as heartburn, back and hip pain, sleep difficulties, emotional fluctuations, headaches, nausea, and much more. 

I will respond with my suggestions of herbs you can take, how to take them, where to get them, (I can provide them), etc. and also any diet/lifestyle shifts. You’re of course always welcome to come in for acupuncture that will also help address these things!

 

The ongoing text support is included in the offerings; acupuncture treatments are a separate charge with a reduced rate of $85 per follow-up treatments for doula clients. Extended health will cover much of this, or MSP will cover $23 of each visit.
(Every BC resident has basic MSP). 

 

 

 

~The Birth Process~
I am on call for you 24/7 as you come close to the time of birthing your precious baby and will come as soon as you want me to. During the birth process I offer acupressure and soothing touch for pain relief, emotional support, stamina, to help baby move into position if necessary, and the oxytocin flow that occurs when we’re held with grounded, calm, loving energy.
 

I help create a calm environment whether at home or in hospital, assist with water therapy if a water birth is desired, offering continuous presence, reassurance, and soothing words to support, praise, and encourage Mama, help you feel more confident and in control, show your birthing partner how to do acupressure if they wish to, show sensitivity to you and your family’s emotions, help you work through fears if they arise, spiritual support if requested such as sharing prayers or singing sacred songs, guiding breathing and visualization techniques, helping with different movement, positions, pelvic rocking, or a birth ball, giving ice chips, drinks, food, and assisting with anything you wish for me to do to make your birthing process as peaceful, beautiful, sacred, calm, and memorable as possible. 

 

Feeling physically and emotionally safe during childbirth is important to calm nerves, allow your body to remain relaxed so that labour progresses smoothly, help you   maintain a sense of control, comfort, and confidence, and can provide relief or distraction from pain or discomfort. Emotional support is a key feature of doula support, helping you feel cared for and empowered during and after your birth process.
 

 

I stay for as long as desired after the birth to help clean up, make the family food, attend to Mama if she needs anything and make sure everyone feels safe, warm, comfortable, and well-nourished. 

 

~Postpartum~

Included is 2 postpartum acupuncture/acupressure/therapeutic touch (whichever is your preference) home visits to help the body replenish from birth and address any physical or mental/emotional things that may arise. 
 

 

I also offer breastfeeding support if needed and am there to listen, support, and help with any household tasks such as light cleaning, laundry, errands, etc. These visits are typically 2-3 hours depending on what Mama needs, but I will happily stay longer with no additional charge if that’s what is needed. 

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I am also available during these visits to listen with empathy and help you process and integrate your birth experience and support your family in navigating the dynamic shift with a newborn baby to flow with as much ease as possible. 💜

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~Exchange~
The financial exchange for this Birth Package is $1200 which includes the free initial consultation, two pre-birth visits, ongoing support during pregnancy via text/email/phone, reduced rate acupuncture during pregnancy, continuous presence during the entire labour and birth, and 2 postpartum visits. Family and friends love helping out financially to support a family wanting a doula at their birth! 
 
*Extended health may cover a significant portion of this as we can bill for acupressure/acupuncture done during pregnancy, labour, and postpartum*.
Please check with your insurance provider how much coverage they offer for acupuncture/acupressure. MSP will cover $23 for each hour that acupuncture/acupressure is performed - every BC resident has basic MSP.  

 

We begin with a free 30 minute phone or zoom call as our initial consultation to have a chat and see if we're a right fit. Please email drkaylarose@gmail.com and I will get back to you promptly with several availability options to choose from for this initial consultation.
 

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If you wish to book me as your birth doula you can click the 'book your first visit' button below and schedule our first visit. This can take place at your home, at Dandelion Midwifery where my clinical practice is (C1-7159 West Saancih Rd), or a public place, whichever you prefer. Partners and other children are of course most welcome to join us. If the appointment times don't work with your schedule please reach out and I will happily arrange a time that works for you. 

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Research shows the significant benefits of having support present at birth with promising results of the benefits of a doula. 
 

In a 2017 Cochrane review, researchers found that overall, continuous support during birth leads to a:
 

• 25% decrease in the risk of Cesarean; the largest effect was seen with a doula (39% decrease)

• 8% increase in the likelihood of a spontaneous vaginal birth; the largest effect was seen with a doula (15% increase)

• 10% decrease in the use of any medications for pain relief; the type of person providing continuous support did not make a difference

• Shorter labours by 41 minutes on average; there is no data on if the type of person providing continuous support makes a difference

• 38% decrease in the baby’s risk of a low five-minute Apgar score; there is no data on if the type of person providing continuous support makes a difference

• 31% decrease in the risk of being dissatisfied with the birth experience; this risk was reduced with continuous support provided by a doula or someone in their social network (family or friend), but not hospital staff

 

https://evidencebasedbirth.com/the-evidence-for-doulas/
*Scroll down to ‘What is the evidence on doulas?’*

 

 

There are also research studies supporting the use of acupressure during the birth process for: 

Pain relief

Shortening the duration of labour 

Turning baby into an optimal position for birth 

Facilitating smoother, more efficient contractions

Reducing fear, anxiety & the incidence of c-section

Minimizing interventions including the need for pain medication

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https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S174438811930502X

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https://www.researchgate.net/publication/8397766_Differences_of_Cesarean_Section_Rates_according_to_San-Yin-JiaoSP6_Acupressure_for_Women_in_Labor