Q & A with Sherry Trowsse

Have you googled “Questions to ask when meeting a doula?” If yes, I’m sure you found that they all basically ask the same thing! Here, Ottawa Birth owner Sherry Trowsse answers them for you!

What kind of training do you have? Are you certified, and if so, through which organization?

I certified as a Birth Doula through Childbirth International in 2013. In 2021 I also certified as a Birth Photographer through Birth Becomes you. I have also trained as a childbirth educator & postpartum doula.

Have you taken part in any continuing education programs?

Yes! I have done many trainings over the years to stay up to date on information and offer better support to my clients. There is always more to learn!

What is your philosophy about birth?

This is a hard question to answer. I don’t necessarily have a philosophy around childbirth for others. I believe that every birth is different and that what everyone sees as their ideal birth is different. All the options are valid, and I support you 100%, even if it wasn’t what I would have chosen for myself. You are an individual, and your past experiences will shape how you feel. There is no one right answer.

Why did you become a doula?

When I had my 1st baby, I remember being very overwhelmed, and after the nurses walked out of the room, I said to my husband, “I wish there was someone you could hire that is there just to answer your questions and make this all less stressful.” I thought that I had just thought of the most perfect help! Fast forward 5 years, and I had extra support during the birth of my 3rd child even though my birth didn’t go as planned, she helped me feel ok with the outcome by helping me feel heard every step of the way. I want people to feel that way too!

How do you support people in labor most often?

That’s a really hard one too! I am attuned to my clients and support them in the way that feels right for them and what is happening in their birth.

Have you attended births at my birth location, and what were your experiences there?

The answer to this is likely yes. I have attended births at the Ottawa Birth & Wellness Centre, Ottawa Hospital (Civic and General campuses), Queensway Carleton Hospital, Montfort Hospital, Winchester District Memorial Hospital & the Gatineau Hospital. Each birthing experience is different. If you have specific questions about my experience with your care provider or with a medical condition (gestational diabetes, etc.) at the different birth locations, I am always happy to chat.

Do you have any other clients that have due dates near mine?

It is possible that I will have other clients due around the same time as you, but I work with a team here. If you and someone else are due at the same time, another member of the team will be there to support you. During your pregnancy, I am happy to set up a chat for you to meet other team members. They also have access to your file, where I save information about our chats, your desires, and your birth plan. So this isn’t someone walking into your birth with no idea who you are!

Do you make any visits before the birth?

This is up to you! The different packages have 1 or 2 prenatal visits, but if you feel like you need more, that’s a possibility as well. I am also available to chat with you as needed throughout our entire time together.

Have you attended births that have ended up as a c-section?

I have, check out the photo above about the beautiful cesarean I attended in March 2020.

Have you attended home births?

Yes!

At what point in labor would we meet up? How do you think I should contact you during labor, and at what point? Is it okay if it’s in the middle of the night? Are you always on call?

In labour I support you the entire time. In early labour, I’m available 24 hours a day by phone/text. When you feel you need extra support, usually in active labour, I join you and support you in person. It doesn’t matter what time it is, because I am always available to you!

Do you stay for the entire labour and childbirth, or do you have a time limit for long births?

One of the reasons I wait until you really need the extra support before joining you is so I am able to be there for you the whole time. Sometimes while you are resting, I will also get some rest, so you always have the best of me.

How do you work with the birth person’s partner?

I am there to support both you and your partner! During labour that may be reminding them to grab a snack, or it may be helping them support you best. I also always try to meet them where they are and help them be as involved in the birth as they want to be.

How do you feel about epidurals or any pain medication?

They are tools. If it’s a tool you want to use, awesome, but if not, that’s great too! There are times when it can have negative effects on birth and others when it’s very positive. Every Situation is different.

Would you happen to offer any more services?

Yes, we offer birth & postpartum support, childbirth education, birth photography, maternity photography & lifestyle photography!

Is it possible to read any reviews you might have? Absolutely! There are some on our website, on Google, Facebook, and Instagram.