Welcome
Doula care as part of the Birth Team
Doula’s are being recognized and accepted all over the world for their important contribution to improved physical and emotional well-being of the mother and infant.
Having a baby is one of the most significant times in a woman’s life.
Her experience during child birth is one that she will carry with her for the rest of her life.
It is a special time, but it can also be a time of vulnerability and be overwhelming.
I believe every family should add a doula to their birthing team, to educate, to empower, and to support.
About Me
My name is Linda Coyle, I have three grown children and I am blessed with two beautiful grandchildren. I live in Langley but serve Surrey and Abbotsford as well.
As I raised my children with my circle of friends, I noticed a gap, in the way we live.
Society has become so busy that birthing women are not being supported by their village anymore.
All through history family and neighbors would know when the woman was in labour.
They would create shifts of checking in on the birthing woman, helping, supporting, and making sure they had what they needed and made sure they never felt isolated.
Birthing is hard work.
Having supportive women around to encourage the birthing mom, creates a sense of empowerment during a time when a birthing mom can feel weak and vulnerable.
When I think about the gap, it makes me want to stand up and scream: "This is not right!".
Women need each other during this rite of passage!
Every woman should be in labour with the support of a wise woman for companionship, to educate, empower and love her. Someone, she feels comfortable talking to and someone she trusts.
At 53 years old I did some serious soul searching to decide what I wanted to do in the final third of my life, I needed to do something for my fellow women.
I woke up to who I truly am.
I am a Doula!
Prenatal Services
All pregnancies are different, with each experience being special and unique in its own way.
That’s why I work with you to customize my support services, always striving to meet your needs and expectations.
I invite you to view the services I offer below, and get in touch with me to schedule an initial meeting.
Initial Visit / Consultation
Because of the intimate nature of this time, it’s important that our personalities are a good fit.
I would like to meet with you and your partner.
During this time we can become acquainted, and it will give us both a time to ask questions and become familiar with the vision of your upcoming birth.
Prenatal Visits
If we decide to work together, I will want to become familiar with how you envision your birth.
We will talk about your concerns, and your fears We will create a birth plan. We will talk about the information you need to make informed decisions about your labour, the birth, your care, and the care of your newborn.
Usually two prenatal visits are sufficient, but we will do as many as necessary.
Labour and Delivery
After the 37th week, you will be able to call or text me 24/7, to talk about anything you are experiencing, or feeling.
When labour begins and you decide you would like me to come, I will come to where you choose to labour (your home or hospital).
I will be completely present and fully engaged during your labour and delivery.
I will provide, continuous emotional, and physical support, including non-medical pain control, and comfort measures.
I will remain by your side for one or two hours after the birth, making sure you are cared for, and all your needs are met.
Postpartum Visit
We will arrange a postpartum visit around two weeks after the birth.
The purpose of this visit is to talk about your birth.
What went as planned?
What went off plan?
How are you and your partner feeling about it?
I will provide resources for whatever challenges you face, if any.
Postpartum Services
Postpartum is a time that we need to understand that the mothers needs mothering.
We need to be cared for.
We need rest, nutritious food, and more rest.
Not just for a few days, but for months.
Your body needs to time to recover, and your mind needs to adjust and accept that.
I believe that no woman should be left to fend for herself.
I want to come alongside the new family and help the healing and adjustments happen.
That is why I offer Postpartum Care.
The 5 Universal Postpartum Needs
Extended Rest Period
Nourishing Food
Loving Touch
The Presence of Wise Woman
Contact with Nature
Postpartum Services Offered:
Support with
Emotional and Physical recovery
Light housekeeping
Assistance with newborn care
Meal preparation
Baby soothing techniques
Referrals to local resources
Overnight support
Contact
I am grateful to live and work in the unceded traditional and ancestral land of the Kwantlen, Katzie, Matsqui and Semiahmoo First Nations.
Call or text Linda
Whenever and however you intend to give birth, your experience will impact your emotions, your mind, your body and your spirit for the rest of your life.
Ina May Gaskin
