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Sun Life Financial announced it will cover certified doula services! This is big news for our profession, and also for birthing families.

Access to doula support continues to be a huge challenge in our communities nationwide. As a doula, part of my standard of practice is to give doula support to anyone who wants it; however, there is only so much I can do until I myself must consider my own livelihood and cost of living. This kind of news is a long time coming as birth workers continue to advocate for better supports and resources.

Check with your insurance policy to see if they offer any doula coverage. Usually, the doula must be certified with a recognized organization. Sun Life covers Doula Canada, CAPPA, and DONA International (that's me!) doulas. If your insurance does not cover a doula, it may still cover things like:

- TENS machine rental

- purchasing a breast pump

- childcare 

- health spending account

I am still hoping for more measures that increase access to doula care. The news about Sun Life at least propels more insurance companies to follow suit. I, for one, will be writing to my insurance company to follow Sun Life's example and cover doula support.

I sat down with colleague and friend Meggan Oliver, a physiotherapist and birth doula, and I learned so much.

Meggan is a physiotherapist who specializes in pelvic floor physiotherapy (PFP). She is also an experienced birth doula, and her two worlds compliment each other in more ways than she ever thought possible.

Top 5 things I learned:

1. Urinary incontinence, though very common, is not normal! It can be treated with PFP.

2. Pain during sex, pelvic pain or discomfort, and injury and change caused by pregnancy and childbirth can all be treated with PFP.

3. It is vital to select a physiotherapist who is experienced, and who can work with you towards your specific goals

4. PFP can help you give birth by teaching you to push effectively, reduce tearing, and heal well afterwards

5. PFP is mostly about education and discussion, and your physiotherapist will touch you as much or as little as you are comfortable with and consenting to

One of the powerful takeaways from our discussion was the importance for pregnant people to have support and care from an experienced physiotherapist; Meggan emphasized that compassion and trauma-informed care are essential qualities in a pelvic floor physiotherapist, and prospective clients should ensure these qualities are in place before they book.

Meggan is one such physiotherapist, and I would strongly recommend her services.

Check out Meggan's website:

https://www.adventurephysicaltherapy.com/