Doula Services by Genevieve Kostelyk

10/06/2024

Honestly, placentas are pretty cool.

07/06/2024

🌻 Postpartum can absolutely rock your world in all the best and worst ways.

🌻These are just a few things that you may not have considered that can make a huge difference in how you enter postpartum.

🌻And no matter how much planning you do, you can always benefit from some extra support. Consider adding a postpartum doula to your postpartum plan!

20/05/2024

🌻I often hear people say that they're so excited to "help" with the new baby, but really, they're just holding the baby while the parents entertain them.

🌻The truth is, babies are well cared for by their parents. But their parents often don't prioritize their own well-being because life with a new baby is such a dramatic shift.

🌻The most impactful thing you can do for parents in the postpartum period is take care of them. Make them a meal while they hold their baby, or fold the laundry for them.

🌻You can also hire a doula for them!

16/05/2024

🌻When choosing someone to support you at your birth, it is essential that you find the right person for the task.

🌻Any good doula will offer a free, no obligations consultation so that you can get to know them, and they can get to know you.

🌻To make the most out of any consultation, these are some questions you should ask so you can really get to know the doula in front of you.

11/05/2024

🌻 Mother's Day is a celebration for many, but can be extraordinarily hard for others.

🌻Be mindful of how people in your life might be experiencing this day, and also be aware that they may not wish to share their struggles yet.

03/05/2024

🌻There are so many ways to support your breastfeeding partners, these are just a few of the ways!

🌻And this isn't limited to partners - this applies to anyone who knows someone breastfeeding.

🌻As always, breastfeeding is a very individual journey, so what might work for one person is not always going to help another.

26/04/2024

🌻Saying that a postpartum person got a break because they were able to shower is not it.

🌻A five minute shower is hygiene. It's self care, but not a break any moreso than eating breakfast or brushing your teeth is. It's not enriching, and it's probably not enough time to relax.

🌻People's lives do change when they welcome a child, but it doesn't mean they suddenly only have basic needs - parents also still need their own enrichment.

🌻 This need for enrichment often gets pushed to the back burner when parents are overwhelmed with newborn care, physical recovery from birth and housework. But that doesn't mean it's any less important.

🌻 As a postpartum doula, I strive to help parents meet all their needs. If this means tidying your home and cooking dinner so you can catch up on your favorite TV show, that's what I'll do! Or I'll hold your baby who won't sleep unless they're being held so you can practice yoga uninterrupted.

🌻If you're looking for a doula, please reach out!

12/04/2024

🌻One of the most difficult parts of taking care of a child is trying to soothe a baby that won't stop crying, even after you've tried EVERYTHING.

🌻This is especially taxing when they can't yet tell you what's wrong.

🌻These are some affirmations to remember when this happens - and it probably will. And it's not your fault, or reflective of your parenting.

10/04/2024

🌻There's so much BS and plain fear-mongering surrounding c-sections.

🌻A c-section does not mean that you lose control over your birth, miss out on golden hour, have taken the easy way out, or will never experience a vaginal birth.

🌻If you're worried about an upcoming c-section, a doula can help you have a confident and empowered birth.

10/04/2024

Becoming certified isn't necessary to becoming a doula in Canada. However, certification from a recognized training body like DTC means that there are educational standards and policies that the doula must abide by to maintain their certification. Certain certifications may also be required for doula clients to have their costs reimbursed by insurance or grant programs.

There are many certification bodies, and they all have their strengths. I chose DTC because I feel their teachings and policies align with my beliefs.

If you are looking for a doula and want to help me along the way, please reach out!

10/04/2024

What even is a doula anyway?

According to Evidence Based Birth, "Doulas nurture and support the birthing person throughout labor and birth. Their essential role is to provide continuous labor support to the mother, no matter what decisions the mother makes or how she gives birth."

While I offer prenatal, birth, and postpartum support, many doulas also provide support during fertility, pregnancy loss, abortion, adoption, gynecologic care, menopause, and many more phases of life.

Importantly, doulas support the entire family, so they can support the birthing person in the best way possible. They don't replace your partners support, they add to it!

09/04/2024