Toronto Birth Doula

We are a small caring team of childbirth and wellness experts who are dedicated to guiding and encouraging families throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and early childhood, and even illness and loss. Our goal is to give you outstanding support, creating a positive and mindful experience so that you can confidently embark on life’s greatest transitions.

A Mindful Approach to Childbirth

  • “Leah spent 24 hours supporting us during birth... From giving me different positions to try... to soothing massage... to supporting me heavily during the pushing stage, Leah was amazing at it all. The nurses at Mt. Sinai even complimented her and wanted to learn from her.”

  • “Hiring Leah was one of the best decisions that I made during my journey into motherhood…”

    - Ola Al-Bassam

  • “I was able to have the beautiful unmedicated, minimal intervention hospital birth I had dreamed of and I don’t think it would have been so perfect without Leah’s kind presence, supportive energy and guidance… I would HIGHLY recommend her…”

    - Sarah Forbes

  • “I felt so supported, respected and empowered my entire birth and pregnancy - with a photo taken by Toronto Birth Doula’s photographer showing just this when I’m seen first holding my daughter.”

    - Celia Johnson

Let’s get started

Your support needs are specific to you, so you’ll have a free 30-minute phone or video consultation with Leah, the owner of Toronto Birth Doula

Mindful Modalities

Mindfulness

Mindfulness is used in birthing because it allows expectant individuals to be fully present in the present moment, fostering a sense of calm and reducing anxiety. By focusing on their breath and bodily sensations, individuals can connect with their inner strength, promoting a positive mindset and reducing fear and pain during labor. Mindfulness assists in cultivating a deeper bond between parent and baby, enhancing the overall birthing experience.

Yoga

Practicing yoga during pregnancy and childbirth offers many benefits. It increases flexibility, strengthens muscles, improves posture and balance, reduces discomfort, and promotes better alignment. During childbirth, yoga helps manage pain, enhances relaxation, and provides mental clarity. Overall, it supports a healthier and more positive experience for expectant individuals.

Water

Water can provide a myriad of therapeutic benefits during labor. Immersion in a warm water bath or a birthing pool can help promote relaxation and decrease anxiety, easing the intensity of contractions. The buoyancy of water can also alleviate pressure on joints and muscles, allowing the birthing person to find more comfortable positions and reducing overall discomfort. Additionally, water is known to stimulate the production of endorphins, the body's natural pain relievers, providing a sense of natural pain relief during labor.

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Music/Sound

In the birthing process, music and sound are powerful tools. Listening to music, moving to moving, humming or chanting, rhythmic vocalizations, and deep breathing help create rhythm, focus, and relaxation. Toronto Birth Doula understands this and creates a custom birthing playlist for each client. Deep breath-work and vocalizations promote relaxation, manage discomfort, and maintain oxygen flow during contractions. Music has profound therapeutic effects, providing comfort, distraction, and inspiration. Scientifically, music triggers the release of oxytocin, stimulating contractions and strengthening the parent-child bond. Ultimately, these applications create a peaceful and empowering birthing environment, paving the way for a positive and transformative experience.

Non-Violent Communication

Non-violent communication is a powerful tool for new and expectant parents as they navigate the joys and challenges of welcoming a newborn into their family. By using this approach, parents can cultivate a compassionate and empathetic environment, fostering strong bonds and healthy communication patterns. It encourages active listening, expressing needs and emotions effectively, and resolving conflicts peacefully – all essential skills in creating a nurturing atmosphere for both parents and their newborn.

Nature & Medicine

Nature and modern medicine must work in harmony with one another, with nature as the primary guide, to ensure safety and best possible outcomes for pregnant individuals and newborns. It is important to find solace and inspiration in the natural world and connect to primal instincts during pregnancy and birth. At the same time, it is important to be informed and make informed choices where medicine must work hand-in-hand with nature.

Leah spent 24 hours with us in the delivery room supporting us. From giving me different positions to try... to soothing massage... to supporting me heavily during the pushing stage, Leah was amazing at it all. The nurses at Mt. Sinai even complimented her and wanted to learn from her.
— Shilpa Mandhan
Hiring Toronto Birth Doula was one of the best decisions that I made during my journey into motherhood.
— Ola Al-Bassam
Leah’s peaceful presence, her know-how, and her confidence in my abilities lead us to have the medication-free homebirth of my dreams. I am proud of myself and my son for what we accomplished with Leah’s help!
— Sarah Waggott
Leah is a wise soul and her happiness is contagious, even during those long tiring sometimes stressful first baby days.
— Amy Gerling
We so appreciated Leah’s calm and nurturing personality, she was the perfect support for both me and my husband during our hospital labour and delivery, and we would highly recommend her to anyone.
— Jen Ferraro