by Laura Hill (YDD Back Up Team Member)
Labour can be a daunting experience, but with the right planning, aids, and support, it can be a more comfortable one. Comfort measures during labour can help alleviate pain, reduce anxiety, and promote relaxation, making for a more positive birth experience. These measures are non-pharmacological techniques that aim to enhance the birthing person’s sense of control and well-being during labour. It is also important to have a support system in place, such as a partner or doula, to help with relaxation techniques and provide emotional support.
These measures are non-pharmacological techniques that aim to enhance the birthing person’s sense of control and well-being during labour
1. Baths and Showers
Hydrotherapy is a safe and effective method of relaxation and pain relief that has been used
for centuries. The warmth and buoyancy of the water in a deep bath causes a decrease in
stress hormones and increase in production of oxytocin.
2. Touch and Massage
Find out what kind of touch you find comforting and use that during labour. Light touch,
counter-pressure techniques, acupressure points and massage can help to release tension in
muscles and promote relaxation. Massaging with oils containing scents like lavender or
peppermint can also be helpful in promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety.
3. Peanut Ball
A peanut ball is an exercise ball used to help open the pelvis and increase the progress of
labour. It is especially helpful for positioning and pushing with an epidural.
4. Heat and Cold
Both heat and cold can provide comfort during labour and afterwards. Heat or cold (or an
alternation of the two) applied to the low back may help relieve pain. And a warm compress
on the perineum can be used to relieve pain and soothe the area.
5. TENS Unit
A TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) unit is a battery-operated device that
delivers electrical impulses through electrodes to your skin. These impulses are thought to
stimulate the release of endorphins, which when used during early labour, can build up to
reduce the sensation of pain.
Want to get prepared for pregnancy, birth and postpartum? Grab our free Bump to Baby Checklist! This clear and thorough guide walks you through everything to expect from your first trimester to past your 6 week postpartum check up.
- What tests and screenings will be offered and when
- When to sign up for prenatal education and what types to consider
- Things you should think about that your care provider may not mention
- Links to helpful resources
Our team is a mix of varied experience from those practicing since 2002 to newer graduates. Our collective prides itself on our collaboration and mentorship focus. Which means that even if you work with a newer graduate, they are under the direct mentorship of a more experienced naturopathic doctor and doula, with access to them during your birth. So no matter who you work with, you will get the benefit of the experience of our whole team.
It depends on their comfort level of desire in participation. We have intake processes for both parents to see how we can best serve families in creating inclusive and family first births. Our role is not to replace your partner, but to assist them in helping you and filling in the gaps of care. 
Currently we cover the following cities: Toronto, Etobicoke, Mississauga, Oakville, Brampton, Vaughn, Aurora, Newmarket, North York, Markham, Scarborough, Ajax, Whitby, Oshawa.
Sometimes we do! It depends on our caseload that month. Although it is unlikely that you will go into labour at exactly the same time as our other clients, we do have a backup team dedicated to ensuring smooth coverage in the case where your primary doula can not be present. During your on-call period you will receive information regarding who are your backup doulas, their contact information and an opportunity to meet with them. The backup team is SO great we wish they could attend more births, but the reality is that your primary doula is highly likely to be at your birth. 
We are on-call for you 24/7 starting at 38 weeks gestation. So yes – please do call us at 3am if your labour has started! We will go over the specifics of how best to mutually communicate and reach us during your appointments. While each client’s care is specific to them and their labour, generally, we will provide virtual support in early labour and meet with you when you are in active labour.
While each client’s care is specific to them and their doula, if we are able to connect in active labour we are there until 1-2 hours after your baby is born. We will not leave you high and dry, but we try to aim for 24 hours (without sleep…can be longer if the doula has an opportunity to rest) maximum for safety purposes. 
What matters is how you feel about them. Our role is not to choose for you, but to learn about your needs and desires and to assist in creating a positive experience through education, emotional and physical support and advocation. 
We do! Your birth doula will be able to support you getting started in immediate postpartum, however we also have a
