Doula Royah

​​Royah is a certified doula CD(DONA), lactation educator counselor (CLEC) and the Eastern Canada Director for DONA International. She has experience working with women and families in the Kingston area. She is currently pursuing certification as an Internationally Board Certified Lactation Consultant. Royah first became inspired to become a doula after the birth of her daughter. Realizing the importance of trained labour support and how significantly it can help women during childbirth, she began her journey to becoming a birth doula. She is passionate about helping women achieve a safe and satisfying birth experience.

According to DONA International, a doula is "a trained and experienced professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the mother before, during and just after birth; or who provides emotional and practical support during the postpartum period. Studies have shown that when doulas attend birth, labors are shorter with fewer complications, babies are healthier and they breastfeed more easily.
A Birth Doula:

• Recognizes birth as a key experience the mother will remember all her life
• Understands the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of a woman in labor
• Assists the woman in preparing for and carrying out her plans for birth
• Stays with the woman throughout the labor
• Provides emotional support, physical comfort measures and an objective viewpoint, as well as helping the woman get the information she needs to make informed decisions
• Facilitates communication between the laboring woman, her partner and her clinical care providers
• Perceives her role as nurturing and protecting the woman's memory of the birth experience
• Allows the woman's partner to participate at his/her comfort level"  - source: www.dona.org

Having the continuous support of a doula can result in:

• 31% decrease in the use of Pitocin*
• 28% decrease in the risk of C-section*
• 12% increase in the likelihood of a spontaneous vaginal birth*
• 9% decrease in the use of any medications for pain relief
• 14% decrease in the risk of newborns being admitted to a special care nursery
• 34% decrease in the risk of being dissatisfied with the birth experience*

source: http://evidencebasedbirth.com/the-evidence-for-doulas/

What is a doula?

“If a doula were a drug, it would be unethical not to use it.” - John H. Kennel  MD

"Whenever and however you give birth, your experience will impact your emotions,
your mind, your body, and your spirit for the rest of your life."
- Ina May Gaskin