Full Circle Family Doula Program

Formally Trained Doulas:

This program provides a variety of supports to childbearing-aged mothers and their families living in PEI. Our volunteer doulas are formally trained through DONA International and/ or CAPPA to provide continuous physical, emotional and informational support to a mother and partner before, during and after childbirth (and beyond) to help them achieve the healthiest, most satisfying birth and parenting experience possible.

 

The services available through the Full Circle Family Doula Program include support through trained:

• Birth Doulas

• Postpartum Doulas, &

• Parenting Support Doulas 
   

Sliding Scale Fee Structure - up to 100% subsidy!:

Our extremely popular Full Circle Family Doula Program is being offered free of charge or at a discounted rate to anyone who qualifies based on a sliding scale of fees. During Covid, many families qualify for 70% to 100% subsidy! As part of the intake interview we will determine the level of subsidy you qualify for – this only takes a couple of minutes. We also consider extenuating circumstances to determine the subsidized rate. 

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Our Motto:

A doula for every family who wants one.

 

We have formally trained Birth, Postpartum and Family Support Doulas:

We are able to offer both in-person and virtual support to ensure that you and your partner/ support person experience and are supported to have the most positive birth, postpartum and parenting outcomes possible. 

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Research on Doula Support:

You may be interested to know that there is a significant body of research demonstrating that birthing people and their partners/ support persons experience enhanced benefits and outcomes with the support of a trained doula.

 

Birth Doula Maternal Benefits:

Doulas improve maternal outcomes. Birthing people who receive continuous support from a trained professional doula during labor and birth have a:

~ 39% decrease in the risk of Caesarean

~ 15% increase in the likelihood of normal vaginal birth without induction or augmentation (fewer inductions, less Pitocin, AND fewer assisted deliveries)

~ 10% decrease in the use of pain relief medications

~ Shorter labors by 40 minutes

~ 31% decrease in the risk of a negative birth experience

~ Reduced risk of postpartum mood disorders including depression & anxiety

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Source: 

https://evidencebasedbirth.com/the-evidence-for-doulas/

 

In fact, doulas improve outcomes so much that pioneering doula researcher and professor of pediatrics Dr. John H. Kennell once said,

“If a doula were a drug, it would be unethical not to use it.”
 

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More Research

If you are curious about how a doula can support you and your partner/ support person we encourage you to check out these articles: 

• AWHONN Position Paper

• Evidence on Doulas

• ACOG Position Paper

• Evidence Based Birth Doulas

• Impact of Doulas on Healthy Birth Outcomes

• Continuous support for women during childbirth

• The Doula Difference: Lowering Cesarean Rates

• Doula support compared with standard care

• Research Review: Doula Care Not Only Improves Outcomes But It Is Cost-Effective Also

• The Cost-Effectiveness of Professional Doula Care for a Woman's First Two Births: A Decision Analysis Model

• Pain Management: Using a Doula for Pain Relief video

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Full Circle Family Doulas

(Birth, Postpartum & Parenting Support):  

• Laura Quinn Graham (Program Director)

• Abby Simpson

• Andrea VanWiechen

• Brittany Caseley

• Charlotte Gallison

• Erynn Cormier

• Holly Amos

• Jeanne Clements

• Melinda Briell

• Mikayla Simmons

• Qeturah Baglole

• Rebecca Knauff

• Sarah Macleod

• Saralyn Williams

• Shannon Nicks

• Susan Kirsch

More Information

If you are interested in learning more or registering in any of these programs please contact the centre at familyplace@eastlink.ca, drop in at Family Place 75 Central Street in Summerside or phone (902) 436-1348. 

Registered Charity

As a registered charity, we do welcome donations if you are able and so inclined. This helps us to ensure that our programs and services remain both high quality and free/subsidized. We REALLY appreciate your support. Click the Canada Helps icon to donate: