Inclusive & evidence based doula support in Nelson, BC and surrounding areas.

A doula is a trained professional who provides physical, emotional, and informational support to individuals and families before, during, and after childbirth. Doulas offer a range of services, from assisting with labor and delivery to helping with postpartum recovery. They help create a calm, supportive environment. Offer comfort measures like massage and breathing techniques during labour. They also provide guidance on birth plans, newborn care, and breastfeeding.

Doulas don’t provide medical care (that’s the role of doctors and midwives), but they work alongside medical professionals to ensure that the birthing person feels empowered, informed, and supported throughout the process. They will give you evidence based information to make informed decisions every step of pregnancy, birth and postpartum. The goal is to enhance the overall experience by focusing on the emotional and physical well-being of the birthing person and their baby.

The Nelson Doula Collective was founded in 2025 by Shania, Sarah, and Mila and is a group of three dedicated doulas. They are passionate about providing compassionate support to individuals and families through fertility, pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and everything in between. Their mission is to offer inclusive, non-judgmental, and evidence-based doula services to the Nelson, BC area and beyond. Ensuring that everyone receives the care and respect they deserve during these transformative moments.

The main difference between a doula and a midwife is the type of care they provide. A doula is a non-medical professional who offers emotional, physical, and informational support during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum. They provide comfort measures like massage and breathing techniques but do not perform medical tasks.

A midwife, on the other hand, is a trained healthcare professional who delivers medical care throughout pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period. Midwives can monitor health, deliver babies, and manage medical interventions if needed. All midwives are registered and licensed within BC.

In short, doulas offer non-medical support, while midwives provide medical care. Many choose to have both for a well-rounded birth experience.

Research consistently shows that doula support leads to improved outcomes for both the birthing person and their baby. Studies, such as those summarized in the Cochrane Review (2017), have found that individuals with a doula are 30% less likely to have a cesarean section and experience labor that is, on average, 40 minutes shorter (Klaus, Kennell, & Klaus, 2001). Doulas help manage pain through comfort techniques, resulting in lower pain levels and a decreased need for medical interventions like epidurals (Hodnett et al., 2013).

Additionally, continuous emotional support from doulas has been linked to lower levels of anxiety and a reduced risk of postpartum depression (Hodnett et al., 2013). Many birthing individuals report greater satisfaction with their birth experience, feeling more supported and empowered in their decisions (Simkin & Bolding, 2004). Doulas have also been associated with improved newborn health outcomes, including higher Apgar scores and a lower risk of low birth weight (Gruber et al., 2013).

These studies underscore the positive impact of doula support in creating a safer, more satisfying birth experience while improving both maternal and infant health outcomes.

Hospitals such as BC Women’s in Vancouver have been funding a doula program for over 10 years now, as they have seen firsthand just how invaluable and helpful doula care can be to not just the birthing person but the entire medical team.

There is funding available for doula support through the Doulas for Aboriginal Families Grant Program, which offers up to $1,200 per pregnancy for birthing individuals of Aboriginal descent. Additionally, some extended health insurance providers may offer coverage for doula services. We always recommend that clients check with their insurance provider to explore what funding options are available to them.

We are currently working on options to secure grants or donations to offer doula care for those in need in the future.

A postpartum doula provides emotional, physical, and informational support to new parents as they adjust to life with a newborn. They help with recovery, newborn care, and offer guidance on feeding, sleeping, and bonding. Their role is to support the transition to parenthood, not to act as a babysitter. Postpartum doulas create a nurturing environment for both parents and baby.