We’re all aware of the specialized role of the midwife in child birthing. Less familiar is the work of the doula in support of the mother and the newborn. According to DONA International (dona.org), a doula is “a trained professional who provides continuous physical,emotional and informational support to their client before, during and shortly after childbirth . . .”

Doulas are allies who advocate for the mothers’ needs and help with such things as comforting touch, breathing techniques, breastfeeding, sleeping, family adjustment, referrals, postpartum mood disorders and other related matters. A postpartum doula works with new families after the birth to about three months of age, whereas a birthing doula helps prepare the family for the birth and offers support during the birth.

Training to become a doula can involve a two-day workshop or a full-time college semester. Doula training has been offered on Haida Gwaii and training opportunities are offered throughout Northern BC at various community colleges. Workshops vary in cost but most range from $400 to $700. On DONA’s website and on The Doula Association of BC website you can find registered doulas, learn where training workshops are held and find great resources to help support families.

Indigenous families can tap into different pockets of funds to cover doula services, such as Friendship Centres, Haida Child and Family Services.

I met with some of the doulas who live and work on Haida Gwaii:

Jessiquita Madrid – Jessiquita completed her doula training in Prince George in 2001. “I was interested in midwifery and on my path to becoming a nurse,” said Jessiquita. “The doula training aligned with my interests. I am also a trained breastfeeding instructor.”

Carla Russ – Carla started her doula training during her own pregnancy in 2003. “I wanted to be comfortable giving birth to my own child and my midwife suggested the Labour Support Course.” She took the birthing doula training with DONA International and completed the endof- life doula training at Douglas College. “I help families connect with resources, offer parenting skills courses, or hold the baby while the mom showers.”

Ashley Furland – Ashley attended a birthing doula course in Terrace in 2019. “I was inspired to become a doula by my own birthing process in which I clearly saw the need for the support and advocacy of a third party.” Raising two young children, Ashley has had to postpone her work as a doula for the moment but has helped in one birth on island and looks forward to a time where she can help more.

Emily Campbell – Emily has professionally cared for Elders for 10 years. She says “A lot of the skills transfer over into birth – presence, facilitating meaningful experiences, breathwork, acupressure, spa therapy and assisting with connections to other resources.” Emily completed a four-month Holistic Doula program through Pacific Rim College in 2022 and provides full-spectrum doula services.