Hiring a Doula in Ontario: Is It Worth It?

Mar 11

If you’ve landed here, chances are you’ve heard the word “doula” floating around your prenatal world—and you’re curious. Maybe you’re wondering if you really need one, or if it’s just another trendy birth add-on. Let’s clear that up, together.

At Simple Smyles, we’re big believers in informed choices and personalized care. So this post isn’t about convincing you that everyone should hire a doula. It’s about helping you understand what doulas do (and what they don’t), how they might support you, and what to consider when deciding if they’re the right fit for your journey.

What Is a Doula?

A doula is a trained, non-medical support person who provides emotional, physical, and informational support before, during, and after birth. Think of them as your calm, grounded, go-to support person—someone whose only job is to help you feel seen, supported, and safe.

There are two main types of doulas:

Birth Doulas support you throughout your pregnancy, labour, and delivery.
Postpartum Doulas support you after baby is born—helping with feeding, sleep, emotional recovery, and adjusting to new parenthood.

✨ What they DON’T do:
Doulas don’t offer medical care. They don’t deliver babies, make diagnoses, or replace your doctor or midwife. Instead, they work with your care team to help you advocate for yourself and feel as prepared, informed, and calm as possible.

Why Hire a Doula? (The Real-Life Benefits)

Research shows that continuous support from a doula can lead to:

Shorter labours
Fewer requests for pain medication
Lower risk of c-sections
Higher rates of breastfeeding
Better emotional adjustment postpartum

But beyond the stats, here’s what our clients say they value most:

Someone who gets it—and helps explain what’s happening
A steady presence in the room (who isn’t family or medical staff)
Comfort techniques like breathing, counter-pressure, and positioning
A gentle advocate when emotions run high or plans shift
Emotional check-ins during those early, foggy postpartum days

How Doulas Fit Into Your Birth Team

Great news: doulas complement your care team—they don’t compete with them.

If you’re working with an OB in a hospital, your doula can bridge the gap between medical care and emotional support.
If you’ve chosen a midwife, a doula offers continuity during labour and can stay after birth to help you transition into postpartum.
If you have a partner or co-parent, doulas don’t replace them—in fact, they often strengthen your bond. We support both of you through the experience.

In other words: doulas hold space so everyone else can show up more fully.

How Much Does a Doula Cost in Ontario?

Doula services aren’t currently covered under OHIP, but they may be covered under:

Extended health benefits (check your “health spending account” or wellness benefits)
Employee wellness funds
First Nations, Métis, or Inuit-specific programs
Student insurance plans

Typical rates (as of 2025):

Birth support packages: $900–$1,800+ depending on experience and what’s included
Postpartum doula hourly rate: $30–$50/hour

At Simple Smyles, we also offer payment plans and are happy to work with your budget when we can. We believe in accessible care.

When to Book a Doula (And How)

We recommend reaching out to book your doula around 20–28 weeks of pregnancy. This gives you time to:

Get to know your doula
Build a birth plan together
Access prenatal education and emotional support well before labour

Most doulas offer a free consultation (we do!), so you can chat and see if the vibe feels right.

Questions to Ask When Hiring a Doula

Here are some great conversation starters:

What’s your birth philosophy?
How do you support partners or other support people?
How do you handle unexpected situations (like a fast labour or C-section)?
Are you available 24/7 after a certain week?
What happens if you’re at another birth? Do you have a backup doula?

The goal is to find someone you feel emotionally safe with. You should leave your consult feeling supported—not sold to.

Final Thoughts: So... Is It Worth It?

We might be a little biased, but we say yes—if it’s in your budget and it feels like the right fit for you. Doulas don’t make your birth experience perfect (no one can). But they can help it feel more connected, grounded, and supported.

Whether you’re planning an unmedicated birth, an epidural, or a scheduled C-section—this is your story. A doula is just one more layer of care to help you feel less alone, more informed, and more in tune with yourself and your baby.

You deserve that kind of care.

💛 Want to learn more about working with a Simple Smyles doula?
Click here to book a free consultation or browse our Toronto-based offerings!