Doulas are not a new concept for Edmonton, Alberta families! The Doula Association of Edmonton has been meeting since 1994, first as the Doula Circle before becoming the Alberta Doula Association and eventually the Doula Association of Edmonton.
Doula agencies, on the other hand, are relatively new. In the past few years, with a common goal of making this career path more sustainable, doulas all over North America have been forming doula agencies. Although there are still many professional doulas working in solo practices, we find the agency model to be the most beneficial for doulas and the families that hire them. If you’re considering doula support for your birth or for your postpartum recovery, these are the top 6 reasons you want to choose a doula agency in Edmonton, Alberta!
1. Doula Matchmaking
You may have read that you need to meet with a lot of doulas to find the right one but who has time for that? When you reach out to Edmonton Area Family Doulas, we’ll get to know you and your needs, matching you with the perfect team of doulas. It’s a talent our owner April Fermaniuk is (almost) famous for! When it comes time to meet your doula team, we’ll fill them in on all the deets, allowing you to dive right in to getting to know each other.
Still want to meet a few teams before choosing? We’re a one stop shop! Book meetings with all of our teams who have availability on your due date.
2. Professional Communication
Working with a doula agency means you’ll get consistent communication. We can be reached Monday to Friday for non-urgent matters and you’ll always hear back from us within 24 hours on business days.
Once you hire our doulas, you’ll not only have their contact information, you’ll also always be able to contact the main office so your needs can be managed efficiently.
3. Availability and Flexibility
At Edmonton Area Family Doulas, someone is always ready to provide you with the care you need. We can often accept last minute due dates and accommodate extended postpartum doula contracts. More doulas mean more availability and flexibility for you!
4. Happy, Healthy Doulas
Did you know that most doulas burn out in less than 5 years? Usually 2-3! We want to see the doulas in our community thrive, do the work they love, support their families financially, and live balanced lives. The team model means your doula is fully supported on her career path, getting enough rest, and earning a living wage.
5. Carefully Vetted Caregivers
You’re busy. We simplify the process of ensuring your doulas are qualified. Every member of the Edmonton Area Family Doulas team submits up-to-date Police Information Checks, Vulnerable Sector Checks, First Aid Certificates, and proof of doula training/certification. We also thoroughly confirm experience and references for each applicant. You deserve the peace of mind that comes with knowing the people working with your family and in your home are the best of the best.
6. Standardized Training and Mentorship
Like our doulas, we carefully vet the training organizations we approve, too. Not all doula training is equal. We only hire doulas who have been trained and certified by the most rigorous and professional doula training programs available. As a team, we support and encourage one another, offering advice, sharing ideas, and engaging in continuing education together.
The doula agency model just makes sense for Edmonton families and doulas!
If you're ready to feel confident about your ability to birth and care for your new baby and want to know that your physical and emotional needs will be met at each stage of pregnancy, labour, and postpartum recovery, we're the doulas for you! Take a glance at our services and start feeling empowered through doula supported parenthood.
