Toronto Doula

What is a DOULA?

A doula is a woman who provides support to the mother and her partner that is unconditional. She will listen, and not judge; she is there to help empower you to make the right decisions that are best for you and your baby. A doula is a special part of your incredible journey of birth; doulas create a bond of trust, comfort, knowledge and positive encouragement. A doula is someone that is consistently with you throughout your entire labour. The relationship between you is a bond held together by sincere compassion and trust. A doula has experience recognizing cues, sounds, and facial expressions and is able to respond with the appropriate comfort encouragement.

The presence of a doula at birth results in:

•     50% reduction in cesarean sections
•     60% reduction in the request for epidurals
•     30% reduction in the of use of forceps
•     24% reduction in the length of labour
•     40% reduction in the use of oxytocin (pitocin)
•     13% decrease in postpartum depression
•     12% decrease in anxiety

Doula Services

Kelly Maslen is a birth doula who offers pregnancy and postpartum services. Her services include creation of birth plans as well as labour management using postures, movement, imagery, breathing techniques and massage. She will also discuss your partner's role during birth and the pros and cons of interventions. As a Toronto doula, Kelly is available for phone calls 24/7 two weeks before your estimated due date, and when you are in labour, she will meet you at your home within approximately one hour and travel with you to the hospital. Following the birth, she will stay one to two hours until you feel comfortable with feeding.

As a Toronto Doula, it is important for Kelly to offer the best services to her clients.  Choosing a doula for the birth of your child is an important decision.  If you are looking for a Toronto Doula, Kelly will be happy to answer any questions you may have about her services and will assure you that you have made an excellent choice if you choose to hire her as your Doula.  If you are located in the Toronto area, call today for a consultation to find out if Kelly is the right birth doula for you.

Kelly has been trained as a Hypnobirthing doula support person, and has taken her certification with Jennifer Elliot. If you have taken Hypnobirthing prenatal classes Kelly has the knowledge to support you during labour.

About Kelly Maslen

Kelly Maslen, RHN, RNCP
Registered Holistic Nutritionist, Birth Doula
and Personal Chef

Kelly is a birth doula with seven years nutritional counselling and four years as a personal chef. She has combined these three professions to create Simply Healthy Family, a health integrated service that supports women from preconception to birth, and postpartum recovery.

Each birth is unique. You don’t know what to expect and every woman has different needs. As a doula, she can tailor her services to each individual. As long as it takes, she will be by your side providing emotional and physical support from the start of labor until the birth of your baby. She understands the importance of nutrition during and after pregnancy using natural foods. Kelly guides women and their partners through the child bearing journey by suggesting meals plans, healthy food preparation, supplements, exercise, and labour options. She believes the development of a child’s immune system begins in the womb and relies heavily on the nutrition provided by the mother during pregnancy.

Kelly is a graduate of the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition and Childbirth International, and has taken culinary arts at George Brown College. She have dedicated her life to helping families that seek an alternative health solution.

She also spent time in Africa volunteering with adults and children suffering from AIDS, trying to make a difference in their lives, showing love, compassion and providing nutritional education. She continues her support here in Toronto, helping single mothers, refugees, and newly arrived immigrants achieve a healthy and positive birth experience.

For more information on Kelly Maslen and her services, please visit her website, Simply Healthy Family.