Doula Services
Optimizing health from the very beginning
The first five years of a persons life sets the foundation for the years that follow. When we optimize these early years, we are able to unlock the child’s highest potential.
Benefits of having an ND as your Doula
- Decreased risk of cesarean section (C-Section)
- Decreased rate of epidural usage
- Decreased rate of induction
Our Doula Experience
Prepared Preconception Program
Preconception care can begin as early as you want it to, and latest recommended is three months prior to trying to conceive. Optimal well being contributes to an optimal pregnancy and health outcome of the child, and understanding our bodies and our cycles can make it easier to conceive.
What can be expected?
There are a many things that can be done prior to conception that can help support your body in getting ready for pregnancy, below are a few of the common discussion points covered
- Optimal nutrition
- Understand your cycles
- Tracking ovulation
- Understanding the “fertile window”
- Basal body temperature readings
- Balance hormones
- Reduce stress
- Environmental health concerns
- Bloodwork to identify and address risk factors
- Optimal supplementation
- Addressing any underlying health concerns
The three months prior to pregnancy are crucial and is the recommended minimum preparation time for pregnancy because that is roughly the length of time that it takes for egg and sperm to mature. Ideally optimizing your health well before that time is even better!
Well Pregnancy Program
There are a number of things that come up throughout pregnancy, below are a few of the common discussion points covered
- Optimizing nutrition for Mom and Baby
- Mindset centred care
- Supplementation during pregnancy – what to take and when, what to leave
- Using natural medicince SAFELY during pregnancy
- Environmental concerns
- Preventing common childhood illnesses such as allergies, asthma, atopic dermatitis…
- Preparing the body for labour and post-natal healing
- Labour support and birthing preferences
- Breastfeeding support
Well Postpartum Program
Dr. Forstbauer’s goal is to change the narrative in postpartum care, to emphasize that it goes well beyond the first 6 weeks and you deserve to be supported and nurtured just as you are being relied upon to care and nurture your newborn.
This is the time where our support system really comes into play, as the saying goes “It takes a village”. So build/claim your village and choose who is going to support you along with supporting your child. If you allow me the honour to support you in this most precious time, it will be my mission to help you, your child and your family thrive during this time and beyond.
What can be expected?
There are a number of things that come up during the postpartum stages, below are a few of the common discussion points covered
Recover from labour and support healing in your body
Feed you new baby – in the early months as well as food introduction later on
Identify the warning signs, and prevent small issues from developing into larger and longer ones
Feed yourself through nutrition, herbal medicines and supplements to replete your body in this postpartum period
Nourish yourself through lifestyle habit forming, safe exercise and self care to support your whole healing and redefining identity
Care for your newborn as they grow, develop and change – check out the well child program for more!
“All the pieces of pregnancy, birth, postpartum and parenthood are innate to humans and it is my privilege to point families to their inner resources and wisdom while offering them support and guidance along the way.”
– Dr. Vanessa Fostbauer
Dr. Vanessa Forstbauer
Dr. Forstbauer is a licensed naturopathic doctor, doula, wife and mother on a mission to support parents to optimize their health and that of their child’s from preconception, through birth and the early years.
As a mom and a health care provider, it is her belief that the pregnancy and postpartum period is such a transformational time in people’s lives and can be an amazing opportunity for growth and healing. Too often people end up having traumatic experiences during this time and are not given the support and tools to work through it.
Parents need to be better prepared and educated during pregnancy, empowered for the birthing process and supported in the postpartum period so they are able to thrive and be the parents they are made to be in order to help unlock their child’s future potential.
17-45966 Yale Road Chilliwack, BC V2P 2M3
778-234-2266
“When I reflect on the birth of my baby boy, I feel beyond grateful that Dr.Forstbauer was there with us. I believe it would have been a very different outcome had she not been there to support my husband and I. I will most definitely have Dr.Forstbauer as my Doula for any future pregnancies and highly recommended her to others!“
Better Health Care is Our Mission
Delivering individualized health care for the modern era