Niagara Doulas, Thorold, ON (2025)

07/20/2025

🍼 Birth Support Availability Update 🍼

Thinking about adding a doula to your birth team this fall? We’ve got limited openings for the upcoming months:

✨ September: 1 spot available
✨ October: 2 spots available
✨ November: 2 spots available

Our support includes prenatal visits, on-call availability, continuous labour support, and postpartum check-ins. If you’re due this fall, now’s the time to connect!

📩 DM us or click the link in our bio to book your free consultation.

05/15/2025

Gentle Hands, Powerful Healing
Did you know Craniosacral Therapy (CST) can help your baby feel more comfortable in their body?

This gentle therapy supports your newborn’s natural ability to heal after birth. It can be especially helpful for infants who experience:

• Difficult births (C-section, forceps, vacuum, or long labor)
• Feeding challenges
• Colic and gas
• Torticollis or flat head (plagiocephaly)
• Fussiness or difficulty settling

CST works by releasing tension in the baby’s body, especially around the head, spine, and sacrum, areas often affected during birth.

Think of it as unwinding birth from the inside out.

Your baby deserves a calm start.
Ask us how Craniosacral Therapy can support your little one.

04/10/2025

Too many families face new parenthood alone, struggling in silence. But together, we can change that.

By walking in Flora’s Walk Niagara, you’re helping build a community where no new parent has to navigate postpartum challenges alone. Every step we take raises awareness and supports families facing perinatal mental health struggles.

Join us, stand with us, walk with us. Because together, we can make a difference.

03/26/2025

📢 Now Booking for Late Summer & Fall 2025! 🍂

Expecting a baby in August, September, or October? Our schedule is filling up fast—reserve your doula support now for personalized care during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum!

✨ Current Availability:
👶 August – Limited spots available!
👶 September – Filling up fast!
👶 October – Open availability

Don’t wait until it’s too late—secure your spot today!

📩 DM us or visit our website to book your consultation.

03/10/2025

🌿🌼 Niagara Doulas is a Proud Co-Organizer of Flora’s Walk Niagara! 🌼🌿

We are honored to stand alongside our community in raising awareness for perinatal mental health through Flora’s Walk Niagara. As doulas, we witness firsthand the challenges new parents face, and we believe no one should struggle alone.

Join us as we walk in memory of Flora and in support of all parents navigating the postpartum period. Let’s break the stigma, spread awareness, and ensure that every family has access to the care they need. 💙✨

📅 Date: Sunday May 4th 2025
📍 Location: Canada Games Park
🔗 Sign up or donate: in bio

Together, we can make a difference. Will you walk with us? 💙

03/01/2025

Because Every Parent Deserves Support

No one should have to navigate the challenges of pregnancy, birth, and postpartum alone. Yet, too many parents struggle in silence, without the care and understanding they need.

Flora’s Walk Niagara is more than just a walk—it’s a movement. A movement to break the stigma around perinatal mental health. A movement to ensure that no parent feels alone. A movement to honor those we’ve lost and to fight for better support for the parents of today and tomorrow.

Join us as we walk in memory, in solidarity, and in hope. Because every parent deserves support. Because every family deserves to thrive.

Walk with us. Stand with us. Let’s make a difference—together.

02/19/2025

🌸 Exciting Announcement! 🌸

We are thrilled to share that Niagara Doulas will be co-hosting Flora’s Walk Niagara in support of perinatal mental health! 💜👣

This special event honors the memory of Flora, a young mother who lost her life to postpartum psychosis, and raises awareness about the importance of mental health support for new parents.

Join us as we walk together to break the stigma, build community, and support families in Niagara and beyond.

📅 Date: Sunday May 4th 2025
📍 Location: Canada Games Park
⏰ Time: 10am - 1pm

Let’s walk in solidarity for Flora and for all parents who need support. Together, we can make a difference. 💜

02/02/2025

What Is Active Labour & How Do You Get Through It?

Active labour is when things start getting real! Contractions become longer, stronger, and closer together—usually around 3-5 minutes apart—and your cervix dilates from about 4 cm to 7 cm. This is the stage where you’ll need to focus, breathe, and use coping strategies that work for you.

✨ What Does It Feel Like?
• Intense contractions lasting 45-60 seconds
• Pressure in your lower back, belly, or even thighs
• A shift from “I can talk through this” to “I need to breathe through this”

✨ How Do You Get Through It?
🔹 Movement: Sway, walk, or change positions to help baby move down
🔹 Water Therapy: A warm shower or bath can ease discomfort
🔹 Breathwork: Deep, steady breathing helps manage intensity
🔹 Support: Lean on your doula, partner, or birth team for comfort and encouragement
🔹 Medical Pain Relief Options:
• Epidural: Provides significant pain relief by numbing from the waist down
• Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas): Helps take the edge off between contractions
• Opioids (e.g., Morphine, Fentanyl): Short-term relief that can help you rest

There’s no one right way to labour—just the way that feels right for you. Every contraction brings you closer to meeting your baby! You’ve got this. ❤️

01/29/2025

💧 6 Benefits of Water in Labour and Birth 💧

Did you know water can be one of the most powerful tools during labour and birth? Here’s why so many birthing parents swear by it:

1️⃣ Pain Relief: Immersion in warm water can reduce the intensity of labour pain by relaxing your muscles and soothing the nervous system. It’s nature’s epidural!

2️⃣ Reduced Stress Hormones: The calming effect of water lowers stress hormones like adrenaline, helping your body produce more oxytocin—the hormone that keeps labour progressing smoothly.

3️⃣ Freedom of Movement: Water supports your body, making it easier to find comfortable positions or adjust during contractions. This can encourage your baby to move into an optimal position for birth.

4️⃣ Shorter Labours: Studies show that being in water during the active phase of labour can help labour progress more efficiently, leading to shorter overall durations.

5️⃣ Lower Risk of Interventions: Water immersion has been linked to reduced need for interventions, like epidurals or assisted deliveries, as it creates a natural, soothing environment for birthing.

6️⃣ Empowerment & Calm: Feeling weightless and supported by water can enhance your sense of control and create a peaceful atmosphere, making the birthing experience more positive.

🌊 Whether it’s a water birth or simply using a shower or tub during labour, the benefits of water are undeniable!

💡 Pro Tip: If you’re considering using water during labour, discuss it with your care provider and make sure your birthing space has the right setup.

👉 Did you use water in your labour? Share your experience in the comments below!

01/27/2025

🌟 What is Early Labour? 🌟

Early labour (or the latent phase) is the very beginning of your body’s process of giving birth. It’s when your cervix starts to soften, thin (efface), and open (dilate) to about 3-4 cm. This phase can last anywhere from a few hours to a couple of days—everyone’s journey is unique!

What Does It Feel Like?
• Mild to moderate contractions that feel like cramping or backache.
• Contractions may be irregular and spaced far apart.
• You might notice a “bloody show” (mucus plug) or changes in vaginal discharge.
• You may feel excited, anxious, or even frustrated—this is all normal!

How to Handle Early Labour Like a Pro:
💆‍♀️ Rest and Relax: Save your energy! Nap if you can or find something soothing to focus on, like music or a favorite movie.

🛀 Comfort Measures: Try a warm bath, a heat pack on your lower back, or gentle movements like walking or rocking.

🍎 Nourish Yourself: Eat light, nutritious snacks and stay hydrated to keep your energy up.

🌬️ Breathe and Move: Practice slow, deep breathing or change positions to stay comfortable and help baby move into an optimal position.

📞 Stay Connected: Call your doula, midwife, or healthcare provider if you’re unsure about what’s happening or need support.

✨ Remember, early labour is a marathon, not a sprint. Your body knows what it’s doing, and you’ve got this!

🌼 Tag someone who’s preparing for their big day and share this post to spread the love and support. 💕

01/25/2025

✨ 6 Things You Can Say No To During Labor & Birth ✨

Your body, your baby, your birth – and that means your choices. Here’s a reminder that you have the right to make informed decisions and decline any interventions that don’t feel right for you.

💡 1. Stretch & Sweep
If you’re not comfortable with a membrane sweep to “encourage labor,” you can decline. It’s your body, and there are other ways to prepare for birth.

💡 2. Induction for Being “Past Due”
Being “overdue” doesn’t automatically mean you need to be induced. Many babies arrive on their own time, and with proper monitoring, you may feel comfortable waiting.

💡 3. Cervical Checks
Cervical checks aren’t always necessary and can be uncomfortable. Labor isn’t a race—progress can happen even without frequent checks.

💡 4. Breaking Your Water
Artificially rupturing your membranes (AROM) can speed up labor, but it also comes with risks. If labor is progressing naturally, you can let your water break on its own.

💡 5. Continuous Monitoring
Unless medically necessary, you may choose intermittent monitoring instead. This allows you more freedom to move, walk, and labor in positions that feel good for you.

💡 6. Birthing on Your Back
You can say no to lying on your back for pushing. Upright, side-lying, or hands-and-knees positions can help open your pelvis and make pushing more effective.

Remember: It’s okay to ask questions, explore alternatives, and advocate for what feels right for you. Surround yourself with a supportive care team who respects your choices.

💬 Which of these surprised you the most? Let’s talk about it in the comments! 👇

01/24/2025

🌿 Planning for Birth vs. Preparing for Birth (and How a Doula Can Help!) 🌿

When it comes to childbirth, planning and preparing are two different but equally important steps. Understanding the difference can help you feel more empowered as you approach this life-changing moment—and this is where a doula can make all the difference!

✨ Planning for Birth
Planning is about logistics:
📝 Who will be in the room?
🏥 Where will you give birth—hospital, birth center, or home?
🌸 Pain management preferences?
🎶 What music or affirmations will set the tone?

A doula can help you create a birth plan that reflects your wishes while staying realistic and adaptable. They’ll guide you in thinking through the details and help you understand what options are available based on your preferences and care provider’s recommendations.

✨ Preparing for Birth
Preparation goes deeper—it’s about equipping yourself physically, emotionally, and mentally:
🌬️ Practicing breathing techniques and labor positions.
🧠 Learning about the stages of labor so you know what to expect.
💛 Identifying fears and building confidence in your body’s abilities.
🤝 Strengthening your support system for continuous care.

A doula shines here, offering:
✔️ Practical tools for labor (like comfort measures and positions).
✔️ Emotional support and encouragement to calm fears.
✔️ Evidence-based information to help you feel informed and empowered.
✔️ Advocacy, ensuring your voice is heard throughout your birth experience.

✨ The Balance: Plan and Prepare.
Planning gives structure; preparation builds resilience. With a doula by your side, you’ll have a partner who helps you navigate both—supporting you as you adapt to whatever path your birth takes.

💬 Are you focusing on planning, preparing, or both? Share below, and let’s talk about how I can support you!

Niagara Doulas

07/20/2025

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04/10/2025

03/26/2025

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03/01/2025

02/19/2025

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01/29/2025

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01/24/2025

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