providing free doula services to refugees, immigrants, and women in need

The word "doula" originates from ancient Greek and is now used to refer to a woman who helps other women before, during, and after childbirth.

The aim of a doula is to provide woman-to-woman support for the birthing mother. Her ultimate goal is a positive transition for the new family, whether it is a woman's first child or one of many. She is trained to provide continuous physical and emotional support to the mother during labour, birth and the postpartum period. She facilitates communication between the woman, her partner, and her clinical care providers. She is a resource person who provides objective information from varied sources, allowing the couple to identify their options, to make informed choices, and to demystify the hospital birthing process.

A doula is not a midwife. A doula is not trained to perform medical procedures, although they are familiar with them and can recognize a medical emergency and act appropriately. Doulas do not provide medical advice, although they are trained to recognize a situation that requires medical assistance. They are legally required to call emergency services if a baby is being born at home.

A doula does not perform internal exams, take blood pressure, record fetal heart beats, or prescribe drugs. A doula always works in partnership with the medical care team to provide women the optimum care during the childbearing year.

MBC doulas volunteer their time to make the birth experiences of needy women as joyous as they can be. Many of our clients are single or apart from their partners; living in poverty; many are new to the country and are not used to living with the cold; many have no one around to answer their questions or listen to their concerns.

MBC doulas provide support, resources, and companionship for these women in need.