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Fear of giving birth. Fear of tearing. Fear of dying. Fear of losing control. Fear of being a burden. Fear of how we’ll look. Fear of repercussions. Fear of interventions. Fear there won’t be enough  interventions. Fear of not following the protocol. Fear of harming the baby. Fear of trusting one’s body.  Fear of fear. Never in recent human history has the act of giving birth been surrounded by so much anxiety. What was once a process deeply rooted in physiology and the intuitive wisdom of bodies has now become a minefield of doubts and procedures. This fear is omnipresent—from the birthing person to the professionals who accompany them. It seeps into hospital walls, into medical discourse, and into parental choices. Behind every decision (induction, epidural, cesarean, newborn separation…) often hides a fear—more than an actual need. Fetal Monitoring – Royalty-Free Image And this fear is not neutral. It is the product of a system. Of a world that, in its desire to make birth ever safer, has gradually sanitized, controlled, and standardized it. A world that, in its pursuit of mastery, has forgotten that giving birth is not merely a sequence of medical acts. It is a human, sensory, intimate experience—one that requires time, trust, and presence. But how can we grant that time and presence when everything moves so fast, when staff are overwhelmed, when protocols and constraints take precedence? How can one trust oneself, one’s body, and one’s baby when everything around suggests that birth is a risk to manage rather than a profoundly transformative event to live through? This climate of fear creates a vicious cycle. Fear brings tension. Tension increases pain. Pain intensifies fear (Dick-Read, 1933). Quickly, the birthing person feels overwhelmed, powerless, disconnected from their inner resources. They doubt. They surrender to others and, in that often unintentional abdication of power, may lose a precious part of themselves. This is not about rejecting medicine. It’s about questioning, remembering that behind every protocol, there is a human being. Fear of Giving Birth - Medical Environment – Photo Credit: Odile Finck-Beccafico Behind every birth, there is a story. And to give birth differently, we must also learn to unlearn—to face and befriend our fears instead of letting them steer the experience. It’s time to give back to birth what has been taken from it: its sovereignty, its slowness, its raw beauty, and above all, its trust. And you—what fears live or have lived within you when thinking about birth? Whether you’re a father, a mother or a parent, dare to share your expérience, so together we can transform the story of birth itself. Water Birth - Royalty-Free Image To dive deeper into it If you’d like to dive deeper into this topic, we’ve gathered a few resources to help you explore and reflect further: Audent, M. (édition 2014). Le bébé est un mammifère . Éditions L'Instant Présent. Rivard, A. (2014) Histoire de l'accouchement dans un Québec moderne.  Les éditions du remue-ménage St-Amant, Stéphanie. (2013) « Déconstruire l'accouchement : épistémologie de la naissance, entre expérience féminine, phénomène biologique et praxis technomédicale ». Thèse. Doctorat en sémiologie. Université du Québec à Montréal Dick-Read, G.(2013) Childbirth without Fear: The Principles and Practice of Natural Childbirth . Pinter & Martin Ltd. Histoire des mères et de la maternité en Occident. (2 e  éd.). Presses Universitaires de France. Gaskin, I. M. (2011). Birth matters: a midwife's manifesta.  Seven Stories Press 1st ed. Seven Stories Press Hill, M. (2019). Give Birth Like a Feminist. Harper Collins Lebroyer, F. (2011). Pour une naissance sans violence. Points.

Words that can heal or harm I n birth work, every word can be a balm or a wound. As doulas, we carry immense power: the power to name things truthfully, to open space, to include. That power isn’t just in what we say, but also in the silences we choose. We know that every word can feel like an open door or a door slammed shut. Power means responsibility. And in our practice, closing a door can weaken a path to birth. It weakens parenthood. It weakens the path to parenthood. In this blog, I want to share with you why inclusive language is not a linguistic whim, but a vital issue in perinatal care and how, concretely, we can adopt it in our daily practice. When exclusion becomes violence Let me be direct: we need to stop pretending that “pregnant woman” is a neutral term. It isn’t. Every time we settle for it, we erase a whole spectrum of realities. Pregnant people exist. They are cis, trans, non-binary, fluid, queer. They deserve to be seen, respected, and supported without having to re-educate every perinatal professional they meet. Using inclusive language in perinatal care is not about being “woke” or militant. It’s a practice grounded in evidence. Research is clear: when people feel fully recognized, they access care more easily, experience less stress, and build deeper trust with their caregivers. On the flip side, being constantly misgendered or faced with gendered language increases distress and disconnection from care. It’s a form of obstetric violence, subtle, but very real. Misgendering leaves a wound that lingers. " But doesn’t inclusive language erase women? " Let’s be clear: no. Saying “pregnant people” doesn’t erase women, it simply makes space for others too. It’s additive, not subtractive. Social psychology research is unambiguous: exclusive language creates ostracism. Women report feeling less legitimate, less represented. Inclusive language, on the other hand, increases the mental visibility of all groups. Nobody disappears. Using terms like “pregnant people” widens the circle. We don’t erase, we expand. What erases is silence. Five ways to bring inclusivity into your practice Ready to shift the paradigm? Here are five practical steps you can take today, from the simplest to the most committed. 1. Words Use neutral or additive terms: “pregnant people,” “parents,” “support people.” Keep “women” and “mothers” for when it’s accurate and requested. Flexibility is key. The goal isn’t to impose, but to reflect the reality of the person in front of you. 2. Posture Introduce yourself using your pronouns. It makes others feel safer sharing theirs. Ask which words someone uses for their body or their parenting role. This simple gesture communicates: “I see you, and you matter.” 3. Tools Update your website, intake forms, and social media posts. Every word and every image matters. Swap phrases like “supporting expectant moms” for “supporting pregnant people and their families.” Worlds are built in the details. 4. Dialogue Dare to start the conversation with your colleagues. Don’t shy away from asking questions or being corrected. Explain your word choices, cite the research. Change feels normal when it’s explained with clarity and conviction. 5. Formation Invest in your growth. For example, the QAD in collaboration with the The Coalition of LGBT+ Families, is offering a training on September 29th (only in frech). It’s a golden opportunity to go deeper, ask questions, and step out of the fog. Investing in this skill shows that your practice is rooted in dignity and respect. What about you ? What language shapes your practice? Changing the way we speak feels awkward at first. But it’s profoundly liberating for those we support, and for us as doulas who believe birth work should be radically human. Our words give birth too. Let’s make sure they bring into the world safer, fairer realities for everyone. _________ So… What about you? How have you made your practice more inclusive? Share your experience in the comments, I’d love to hear how you’re transforming birth work from the inside out. References Stout, J. G., & Dasgupta, N. (2011). When he doesn’t mean you: Gender-exclusive language as ostracism. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 37(6), 757-769. Harvard University. https://doi.org/10.1177/0146167211406434 Collabra. (2025). Inclusive language and mental representation: Effects of pair forms on gender visibility. Collabra: Psychology, 11(1), 128470. https://online.ucpress.edu/collabra/article/11/1/128470/205959 Pearce, R. (2025). Trans pregnancy and inclusive practice: A guide for perinatal professionals. Routledge. Young, C. (2021, September 24). What “pregnant people” really means. The Atlantic. https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2021/09/pregnant-people-gender-identity/620031/ Brotto, L. A., Chou, A. Y., & Singh, A. A. (2022). Gender inclusivity in women’s health research: A call for an additive approach. BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, 129(7), 1125-1127. https://med-fom-brotto.sites.olt.ubc.ca/files/2022/06/BJOG-2022-Brotto-Gender-inclusivity-in-women-s-health-research.pdf Pezaro, S. (2025). The harms of sex-based language in perinatal care. Birth: Issues in Perinatal Care, 52(1), 17-25. Wiley Online Library. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/birt.12844

Les doulas du Québec ont choisi de se regrouper sous l'Association Québécoise des Doulas afin de s'unir pour faire briller l'accompagnement doula. Nous représentons, défendons et développons la pratique doula pour transformer positivement l’expérience périnatale au Québec. Trouve ta doula sur notre bottin. Quebec Association of Doulas United to make doulas shine Find your doula We represent, defend and develop the doula practice to positively transform the perinatal experience in Quebec. Doulas working with pregnancy and childbirth have come together under the Quebec Association of doulas (QAD) banner to promote perinatal support. Together, they create a space for sharing, working together and mutual support. Learn more Become a member of the QAD In addition to helping promote doula practice, your AQD membership entitles you to free or discounted training, a profile in the Find Your Doula directory, commercial insurance coverage, and discounts from our partners. You also join an engaged community with a private Facebook group and more! Join us Photo credit_lebokehpique_birthphotographer Find your doula Browse our directory to find a doula that meets your needs. You can search by name, city, or department. To research Crédit photo_WithBarbara_doulaphotographer

L’Association québécoise des doulas (AQD) vise à rassembler et à représenter les doulas du Québec et de tous les horizons. About Our Mission We represent, defend and develop the doula practice to positively transform the perinatal experience in Quebec. Doulas working with pregnancy and childbirth have come together under the Quebec Association of doulas (QAD) banner to promote perinatal support. Together, they create a space for sharing, working together and mutual support. Our Vision United to make doulas shine Raise Awareness and showcase the services a doula provides throughout the reproductive and perinatal journey, establishing them as a reference point for families and the healthcare system. Valeurs Our values In our doula's community Promote and publicize the practice of support in its entire spectrum (fertility, birth, postnatal, termination of pregnancy, perinatal bereavement) among health professionals and the public; For families We have absolute confidence in the ability of the people we support to bring their babies into the world. We believe that they will be able to make the decisions best suited to their situation, both for themselves and their unborn baby. Confidence Within our doula community We demand to be respected in our work, our scope of practice and our conditions of practice including fair remuneration. We recognize the richness of different models of practice (community/autonomous) and differences in approach and promote respect between them. Towards families We respect the privacy and sacredness of the birthing process. We honor and respect the diversity of birth paths and choices. Respect Within our doula community We claim and defend autonomy of practice and value the diversity of approaches and styles of support. We support each doula in developing their unique practice. For families We support the decision-making autonomy of pregnant people and the experiential expertise of families. We strengthen their power to act through the development of knowledge. Autonomy Within our doula community We encourage mutual aid and support between doulas. We value the sharing of knowledge and resources. We are working together to improve our working conditions both individually and collectively. For families We cultivate constructive relationships with all stakeholders. We promote the complementarity of approaches and services. Spirit of collaboration Within our doula community We maintain an autonomous and independent practice. We are committed to a continuous process of improvement. We are developing solutions to make our practice more accessible. We collectively reflect on ethical issues. For families We welcome each person with openness and without judgment. We recognize and celebrate diversity in all its forms. We are being creative in making doula support more accessible. Ethical and inclusive practice Within our doula community We believe that the conditions of the practice, which is mainly carried out by women or sexist people, must be valued and defended. We are committed to transmitting and preserving our collective knowledge between generations of doulas. For families We are committed to supporting self-determination in the perinatal journey. We are aware of power relations and support our clients in knowing and asserting their rights. Feminism Consult the AQD practice philosophy Strategic plan Priorities 2025-2030 1 Strengthening our foundations Strengthen our foundations with clear rules, modernized management and sustainable funding to accommodate all doulas and ensure the future of the AQD. 2 Focus on community life Create spaces for exchange, learning and solidarity for a strong, engaged and fulfilled community. 3 Establish and strengthen our reputation By speaking out, we produce data and highlight the essential impact of doulas in supporting births. View the complete Strategic Planning Priorités 2025-2030 Historique de l'AQD Our History 2009 During the H1N1 flu pandemic, hospitals restricted visitors. Only one person was allowed with the birthing person, forcing a difficult choice between partner and doula. This is when the need for an official voice to recognize the presence of doulas and advocate for the rights of birthing people arose. 2010 The first national doula meeting took place in June, organized by the Regroupement Naissance Renaissance (RNR). During this event, which brought together more than 100 doulas from across Quebec, it was clear that the majority wanted to establish an association. The goal was not to create a professional order or join the Ministry of Health network, but to maintain the independence essential to the practice of doulas. 2011 Annie Noël de Tilly of Alternative Naissance and Milène Pigeon of the RNR began applying for a grant from the Béati Foundation. Unfortunately, the grant was rejected, and the project remained on hold. However, the doulas continued to express their desire to come together. 2012 Annie-Noël de Tilly and Johanne Paulauskas chose to continue their volunteer work. They contacted Lorraine Fontaine, Nicole Pino, and Milène Pigeon of the RNR. In September 2012, Diane Bolduc-Boutin, Annie Bouchard, and Nadia Deslauriers of La source en soi joined the coordinating committee of the future Quebec Association of Doulas (QAD). 2013 QAD founding assembly in Montreal, June 7, 2013. About a hundred doulas are present. Coming from all regions and backgrounds, they are experienced or novice doulas, French-speaking or English-speaking, from community or private sectors. QAD aims to be inclusive; it also opens its doors to anyone interested in its mission, not just doulas. 2013 In January, Stéphanie St-Amant, who had organized the 2010 national meeting, was hired as project manager for the creation of the QAD. Various working committees were created, allowing the presentation of a real and already engaged association at the founding meeting. 2015 Launch of the AQAN-QAD website. 2016 Creation of the Training Committee, which will focus on the curriculum required to become a member as well as continuing education. This committee will be headed by Diane Boutin for two years. 2018 Creation of the Fusion Committee, which will work towards a possible merger between the QAD and the QND (Quebec Network of Doulas). This merger will never take place since the QND members vote no at their AGM. 2019 At the AGM, the Training Committee presented their Training Passport, which includes the curriculum required to become a member as a birth doula. The passport was adopted by the members. The association was asked to participate in the discussion on the creation of a birthing wing at Notre-Dame Hospital in Montreal. We participated with other perinatal organizations in a discussion on the community and functional issues of a new, more physiological maternity unit in Montreal. Launch of the Facebook group Communauté QAD Community. 2020 During the global COVID-19 pandemic, the QAD was called upon to defend the presence of doulas in birthing centers and the rights of birthing parents, particularly regarding the issue of mask wearing. Several tools to defend the rights of birthing parents and doulas were created and distributed. Several interviews were conducted by the board team. The QAD participated in a crisis unit and in discussions with the MAMAN group and the RNR before the College of Physicians. The first QAD employee was hired; she became the coordinator and took over several important issues within the association. 2021 In a desire for gender inclusion and diversity in doula practices, it was voted at the extraordinary general meeting that the French appelation of the AQAN become the AQD, the Quebec Doulas Association. The QAD aims to be inclusive of people from the LGBTQ+ community, racialized people, people of all classes, abilities, etc. It also includes doulas from all walks of life: fertility, birth, postnatal, abortion, perinatal bereavement, and end-of-life. 2024 By the end of 2023, the QAD and its Board of Directors were showing significant strain due to the additional workload incurred during the pandemic. In addition to the Board's disengagement, the members' disengagement was becoming increasingly evident. Following a joint request from the members and the existing Board, an Extraordinary General Meeting was held on January 8, 2024. The outcome of this meeting was that 6 out of 7 Board members resigned, 6 new members were elected, and there was a clear desire among the members to have a strong and active association. Annick Bourbonnais returned to her position as Vice-President after a two-year hiatus, joined by Cindy Pétrieux as President, Isabelle Chalut, Jade Arsenault Bérubé, Mireille Aubin (Secretary), Marie-Noël Richer, and Véronique Dufort (Treasurer and the only remaining member of the previous Board). A new era begins for the QAD. 2025 Following the takeover of the Association by the new Board of Directors and extensive member consultations held throughout 2024, the QAD has developed a 5-year strategic plan that will provide its Board, future directors, and members with a clear vision for the QAD's future. This will allow several projects to be launched and propel the association forward at a rapid pace. For the first time, the QAD can offer its members professional liability insurance through a partner at a competitive price. After six months in her role, Barbara Finck-Beccafico has finalized an agreement with Essor Assurances, which offers exclusive professional liability insurance to QAD members, a unique and highly advantageous offer. This is a significant opportunity for AQD members. 2026 Many changes were presented at the AGM/EGM held on April 21, 2026, continuing the implementation of the strategic plan. These included changes to the letters patent (formalizing the name change of the QAD, increasing the number of seats on the Board of Directors, and modifying the organization's objectives), a near-complete overhaul of the bylaws, and a transformation of the code of ethics into a philosophy of practice for the association. A major change to the bylaws was the inclusion of doulas from fields other than childbirth, who can now join the Association thanks to revised membership criteria. Équipe du CA AQD Team Barbara Finck-Beccafico Presidency Anne Lapierre Vice-Presidency Cindy Pétrieux Treasury Clémence Marchand Administrator Jade Arsenault Bérubé Administrator Kimberley Lavoie Secretary Kimberley Lavoie Administratrice Marie Dominique Taylor Administratrice Martine Filiatrault Administratrice Documentations Rapport d'activité 25-26 Bilan des avancées et projet de l'AQD en 2025-2026. Ouvrir le Rapport d'Activité Open the activity report 31/03/2026 Annual General Meeting 2025 See the PowerPoint presentation of the QAD annual general meeting of June 6, 2025, which takes stock of the year 2024-2025. See the AGM presentation See the presentation of the AGM 06/06/2025 Activity report 24-25 Find out what the QAD Board of Directors has been up to in 2024-25, the health of the association, and everything that has been done to contribute to making doula support shine. / Find out what the QAD Board of Directors has been up to in 2024-25, the health of the association, and everything that has been done to contribute to making doula support shine. Open the Activity Report Open the activity report 31/03/2025 Strategic Planning 25-30 Through this strategic plan, we are laying solid foundations to ensure the long-term future of our organization, investing in a rich and engaging community life, and expanding our voice to ensure that doula support is recognized for its true worth. / Through this strategic plan, we're laying solid foundations to ensure a long and lasting future for our organization, investing in a rich and engaging community life, and expanding our voice to ensure that doulas are recognized for their true worth. See strategic planning View the strategic plan 18/02/2025 Dossier de presse Press kit Journal du Québec December 4, 2025 The unit at Saint-Eustache hospital was closed for three months; births would ultimately be redirected to Saint-Jérôme. CBC NEWS March 29, 2025 Parents, midwives mourn closure of family birth unit at Montreal's Notre-Dame Hospital Ricochet March 28, 2021 Justice for Mireille Ndjomouo, victim of Quebec medical racism Huffpost December 6, 2019 Giving birth with a doula, far from esotericism Famille Point Québec December 1, 2017 Inform, support and reassure: birth support Naître et grandir July 2016 The birth doula