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Contactez-nous par courriel pour toute autre question! Frequently Asked Questions ! Widget Didn’t Load Check your internet and refresh this page. If that doesn’t work, contact us. Contact info@aqdoulas.com : general informations or questions membres@aqdoulas.com : Training, profile member and membership partenariats@aqdoulas.com : Insurrances and member's privileges communications@aqdoulas.com : Blog If you are a partner, collaborator, or wish to contact Anne and Barbara: presidence@aqdoulas.com Coordonnées Privilèges membre

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. 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 Priorités 2025-2030 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 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 Birth Companions (AQAN). 2013 AQAN 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. AQAN 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 AQAN. 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 AQAN and the RQAN (Quebec Network of Birth Companions). This merger will never take place since the RQAN 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 AQAN Community. 2020 During the global COVID-19 pandemic, the AQAN 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 AQAN participated in a crisis unit and in discussions with the MAMAN group and the RNR before the College of Physicians. The first AQAN 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 AQAN become the AQD, the Quebec Doulas Association. The AQD 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. Équipe du CA AQD Team Barbara Finck-Beccafico Presidency Anne Lapierre Vice-Presidency Cindy Pétrieux Treasury Martine Filiatrault Administrator Alexandra Hébert Administrator Jade Arsenault Bérubé Administrator Kimberley Lavoie Secretary Documentations 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 Ricochet March 28, 2021 Justice for Mireille Ndjomouo, victim of Quebec medical racism Learn more Huffpost December 6, 2019 Giving birth with a doula, far from esotericism Learn more Famille Point Québec December 1, 2017 Inform, support and reassure: birth support Learn more Naître et grandir July 2016 The birth companion Learn more

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

Avant de vous lancer dans une formation en accompagnement, il est recommandé de faire une recherche pour vous assurer que votre école de formation est la bonne pour vous et pour le.la doula que vous souhaitez devenir. Before becoming a doula... Is doula practice right for me? What questions should I ask myself before becoming a doula? Votre titre. Cliquez pour modifier. Am I cut out to be a Doula? J’aimerais devenir accompagnante à la naissance... Je veux mieux comprendre un processus que j’ai vécu ou que je m’apprête à vivre... Je veux m'outiller pour mieux accompagner quelqu'un que je connais... Je veux travailler comme aide natale... Je veux offrir des cours prénataux .... Je veux uniquement soutenir l’allaitement... Je suis une professionnelle qui veut enrichir ma pratique en devenant doula... Je souhaite accompagner tous les passages de vie, pas seulement la naissance... Je m'intéresse principalement au postnatal... I would like to become a birth companion and be with families throughout their perinatal journey (prenatal preparation, presence at birth and postnatal follow-up). You're in the right place. The question to ask yourself is: What is the added value of training vs. no training? Training is much more than acquiring knowledge: it is reconnecting with the heart of the doula role and understanding its full depth. Training will help you understand your role and better define what you want to offer families, collaborate and respect the skills of each health professional. Training gives us the keys to understanding the issues of pregnancy and birth, in order to inform and support parents in the face of unforeseen events, while respecting our non-medical role. Training builds credibility and a commitment to a serious and respected practice. In short, training is a valuable asset to structure your practice, assert your role and prepare you to support families with professionalism and kindness. I do not intend to practice coaching, I would rather follow the training to better understand a process that I have experienced or that I am about to experience. Some people choose to follow doula training as a personal matter, primarily to better understand a process they have experienced or are about to experience. This approach is valid, and some doula training schools offer introspection on your experience in order to support, understand, and integrate it (see the “Choosing your training” page - under construction). It is important, however, to understand that doula training is essentially designed to equip you to support someone else. There is a theoretical component, which includes a thorough understanding of the physiology of birth, the psychological transition experienced by parents, and the course of a medicalized birth, among other things. This component is often supplemented by basic training in counseling, a reflection on the doula posture, and sometimes even a training course to integrate support practices that might be less suited to your needs. I want to offer prenatal classes and equip families before birth. A prenatal class and a prenatal meeting do not fulfill the same role in preparing expectant parents. In Quebec, as doulas, we have the opportunity to practice both types of approaches: offering personalized meetings to support each person individually, while also leading prenatal classes to share essential knowledge and prepare expectant parents for the arrival of their baby. The prenatal course is educational and structured. It follows a defined program to convey information about pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. Its objective is to inform and equip parents on the medical, physiological, and practical aspects by allowing them to understand how labor works, the different possible interventions, pain management, and first aid for the baby, so that they can make informed choices. The prenatal meeting is personalized and interactive . It focuses on the specific experience and needs of the expectant parents. Rather than a rigid program, it allows for the exploration of emotions, fears, expectations, and desires surrounding pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period. It creates a space for discussion and reflection on how pregnancy prepares for childbirth and how childbirth shapes the postpartum period. Why is this distinction important? From pregnancy to childbirth: A prenatal class allows parents to understand the physiological mechanisms of birth, while a meeting allows them to explore how their pregnancy experience – their emotions, their stress levels, their physical preparation – can influence the progress of labor and childbirth. From childbirth to postnatal: A class explains what awaits parents after birth (baby care, recovery, breastfeeding), while a meeting allows them to integrate their experience of childbirth, to verbalize it and to see how it impacts their transition to postpartum. I want to work as a birthing assistant in a birthing center with midwives. A doula, by definition , provides support completely independent of medical or institutional systems. However, it is possible to see “Doula training” as a prerequisite for hiring on job offers for birth assistants. Thus, some of the birth assistants employed by the various CISSS and CIUSSS are also trained doulas. Basic doula training often meets the theoretical training needs of these requests and can easily be enhanced by the various continuing education courses related to the services offered at the birthing center. Some doulas will practice both professions at different times in their schedule, but never at the same time since the postures and roles of the birth assistant and the birth companion are different. If you intend to work in a birthing center, we invite you to contact them directly for more information on their prerequisites and recommendations for choosing training. (See Choosing your training) I am a midwife in a country other than Canada and am looking to become a doula here. The reserved act of midwifery refers to medical and professional acts that are exclusively reserved for the practice of midwives, due to their specialized training. In Quebec, this includes, among other things, pregnancy management, childbirth, as well as postnatal care for the mother and baby. These acts are regulated by specific laws and standards that aim to guarantee the safety and well-being of those accompanied during pregnancy and childbirth. Doulas, for their part, play a complementary role, offering emotional, physical and informational support, without performing medical acts reserved for midwives ( see definition ). I want to be better equipped to support someone I know (partner, friend, sister) without necessarily offering support services to other families. Support from a loved one is the most traditional (even ancestral) form of support. Different paths can be explored to equip you to better support. First, it is important to differentiate between a support person and a birth companion ( doula ). During childbirth, the birthing person naturally surrounds themselves with various resource people who can support them throughout their experience. People like their mother, aunt, and friend offer non-professional support. Support person (close): It may be interesting to follow a Birth Preparation with a doula, either alone or with the couple or the person who wishes you to accompany them. Often called prenatal classes (hyperlink) or prenatal meetings (hyperlink), this preparation will help you better understand the tools available to support future parents, understand the physiology of birth, but above all, witness the reflective paths launched by the doula. This way, you remain in a position of personal support. Support Person (Doula) : If you wish to be the birth companion (doula) for these people, first find out about the role of the doula , the charter of values as well as the responsibility of practice. Your personal relationship with the people you support can be a great asset given the strong bond of trust that unites you, but it must also involve a deep reflection on your posture, their expectations and the impact of your relationship on the professional distance often required to allow an adequate helping relationship. It is therefore important to seek out comprehensive doula training (See “Choosing your training”) allowing you an in-depth understanding of the processes, the current context of births according to different environments as well as the adoption of a solid posture in the helping relationship. I only want to support breastfeeding Since breastfeeding support is within the scope of several professions, trades or practices, it is important to first position yourself on the role you would like to play. Assessment, diagnosis and treatment of breastfeeding problems are all actions reserved for health professionals specialized in the field. In Quebec, perinatal nurses, nurse practitioners, midwives, family physicians and pediatricians are among the stakeholders who can prevent and offer a treatment plan for difficult breastfeeding through their various other roles. An IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) lactation consultant An IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant), on the other hand, is a certified healthcare professional with advanced breastfeeding training, without necessarily having one of the professions mentioned above. They can assess and treat more complex issues, such as persistent pain, sucking difficulties, or concerns about the baby's weight gain. IBCLCs have independent practices and can therefore work in private practice, as well as in an organization or hospital setting. It is possible to help families in their breastfeeding experience simply by offering them presence and support. A breastfeeding godmother A breastfeeding mentor is first and foremost a person who has breastfed themselves. They volunteer their time providing guidance and support to breastfeeding individuals, often under the supervision of an IBCLC. Their primary role is to listen, encourage, and share their experiences to help parents achieve a more peaceful breastfeeding experience. While most breastfeeding mentors offer an introductory meeting to families during prenatal care, their presence only begins after the baby's birth. The doula supports breastfeeding continuously and in a way that is adapted to the needs of families. From the prenatal period, the doula can: explore breastfeeding wishes with the family provide her with information about the different options available to her contribute to the implementation of practices or tools facilitating the initiation and maintenance of breastfeeding from the birth of the baby. The doula encourages families to make free and informed choices. Her approach is based on respect and unconditional support for parents' choices regarding breastfeeding. Some people are IBCLCs, breastfeeding sponsors, and doulas. It's important to understand, however, that one person cannot fulfill all of these roles simultaneously, in the midst of a single interaction with a breastfeeding person. So, if that person offers a diagnosis or treatment, they do so as an IBCLC. If they share their own breastfeeding experience, they are fulfilling their role as a breastfeeding mentor. And if they adopt a supportive stance and accompany the parents' experience, they are fulfilling their role as a doula. These practices are complementary. I am a professional working in perinatal care and I wish to enrich my practice by becoming a doula. BLA BLA BLA I want to support all life transitions, not just birth (Preconception, Menstruation/Menarche, Parenthood, Menopause, Bereavement and Death). BLA BLA BLA I want to become a postpartum companion and support families in adapting after birth. BLA BLA BLA

Les doulas membres de l’AQD œuvrent dans différents milieux. Iels peuvent avoir leur propre pratique privée, adhérer à un regroupement de doulas, ou même être bénévoles dans un groupe communautaire. How to choose your training

Les doulas membres de l’AQD œuvrent dans différents milieux. Iels peuvent avoir leur propre pratique privée, adhérer à un regroupement de doulas, ou même être bénévoles dans un groupe communautaire. How to choose your doula Choosing a doula is an important decision, as she will play a key role during a precious stage of your perinatal journey. Whether it’s for pregnancy, birth, or the postnatal period, it’s essential to find someone you feel comfortable and confident with. Here are a few points to help you choose a doula who matches your needs and values. Some suggestions for choosing your doula: Make sure that you share the same philosophy as your doula. Every person and partner is unique, as is every doula. It is strongly recommended that you meet and choose your doula with your partner for doulas who work in fertility, birth, postpartum, pregnancy termination, and perinatal loss. If you are looking for an end-of-life doula, you can also attend this meeting with a loved one. Keep in mind that a doula cannot replace your doctor or midwife. A doula is not authorized to perform any medical act or make a diagnosis. They can offer alternatives to certain interventions and inform you about your rights, but cannot speak on your behalf. Ask open-ended questions. For example: What do you think about the HypnoBirthing method? I’m concerned about medical interventions — how will you support me? Check their availability, empathy, and integrity. It’s essential that you feel comfortable communicating with your doula if you have any concerns, and that you feel confident in your relationship. What are your phone and in-person availabilities? How many meetings are planned? How long do they last? Make sure your doula provides a contract. Clarity in the doula/client relationship is key to avoiding disappointment on both sides. It’s not mandatory to sign a letter of agreement or a contract; however, it is highly recommended. Check their basic training, as well as any additional or continuing education. Verify what solution is proposed if your doula cannot be physically present to offer their service. What are your doula’s fees? What do they include? Are there any additional costs, such as hospital parking or travel expenses? Can your doula issue receipts for insurance purposes? Don’t hesitate to consult several profiles, call, and talk with multiple doulas to make sure of your choice. Doulas often offer an introductory meeting at low cost or sometimes for free. Find Your Doula

< Back Title Title LANGUAGE(S) Language Services and information Region(s) Postpartum Care Type of accompaniments Services Offered City Get in Touch Join me Get in Touch Get in Touch A little more about me You can get more out of your site elements by making them dynamic. To connect this element to content from your collection, select the element and click Connect to Data. Once connected, you can save time by updating your content straight from your collection—no need to open the Editor, or mess with your design. Add any type of content to your collection, such as rich text, images, videos and more, or upload a CSV file. You can also collect and store information from your site visitors using input elements like custom forms and fields. Collaborate on your content across teams by assigning permissions setting custom permissions for every collection. Be sure to click Sync after making changes in a collection, so visitors can see your newest content on your live site. Preview your site to check that all your elements are displaying content from the right collection fields. Ready to publish? Simply click Publish in the top right of the Editor and your changes will appear live. Testimony(ies) « Un bon témoignage peut booster l'image de votre marque. Cliquez pour modifier et ajouter le vôtre. » « Un bon témoignage peut booster l'image de votre marque. Cliquez pour modifier et ajouter le vôtre. » « Un bon témoignage peut booster l'image de votre marque. Cliquez pour modifier et ajouter le vôtre. » « Un bon témoignage peut booster l'image de votre marque. Cliquez pour modifier et ajouter le vôtre. »