Susan Martensen, CD(DONA), PCD(DONA)
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Susan Martensen CD, PCD, is a birth and postpartum doula and has been supporting families since 1990. She is the immediate past president of DONA International, co-founder of DoulaCARE and LSAR, a DONA birth doula trainer and a DONA postpartum doula program mentor and trainer. She sits on various maternal child health committees, writes for birth and parenting publications and is a noted speaker in North America. She lives and works in Ottawa, Canada and also travels internationally to train doulas and to promote healthy, satisfying outcomes for all birthing women and their families through this, their rite of passage.

What is a doula?

A doula is someone experienced in childbirth who provides continuous emotional, physical, and informational support to a woman before, during, and just after childbirth or who provides emotional and practical support during the postpartum period. This support extends to the birthing woman’s partner and family.

To learn more:
www.dona.org/mothers

Why hire a doula?

Doulas apply their experience on a individualized basis to each woman, partner, and family. Doulas work within evidence-based standards of practice. Research has shown that women who are supported by a doula experience increased satisfaction and a reduction in the use of medical procedures. After the baby is born, doula support is associated with improved parental confidence, bonding with the baby, breastfeeding success, and a reduction in postpartum mood disorders.

To learn more:
www.dona.org/mothers/why_use_a_doula.php

How do I find a doula?

DONA International is a certifying organization for birth and postpartum doulas with a membership of more than 6,500. The key is to find the right doula for you.

Check the listing of certified doulas in your area on the DONA International website. A step-by-step guide will ease your search.

To learn more:
www.dona.org/mothers/how_to_hire_a_doula.php