FAQ's

With innate wisdom, profound respect for the capabilities of the human body, and a lifelong passion for movement, I help families access their instincts, reclaim their autonomy, and connect with their natural rhythm during pregnancy, childbirth, and the early stages of parenthood.

A Little bit about me

  • I live in East Toronto with my family. I have three kids—one in primary school, one in university, and another who’s a young entrepreneur. When I’m not busy helping my clients, you can usually find me having dance parties in the kitchen or getting my yoga and Pilates fix. I absolutely love to travel, and I’ve toured all over Europe and the USA as a dancer—there’s something about exploring new places that I can’t get enough of! I also enjoy the simple things, like sipping a morning cappuccino from a cute mug or having an afternoon tea in my garden.

  • My own birth experiences inspired me to become a doula!

    My personal movement practice and body awareness were huge assets when I gave birth to each of my three children. As was the incredible support team that encouraged me through each pregnancy to parenthood experience. I know how deeply the birth experience impacts families, and I want each family I work with to feel calm, confident and have a birth story they love to tell.

    I also had three very different lactation/ feeding experiences and feel a tremendous pull to support parents with feeding and the unpredictable adventure of parenthood. I believe "everything is figureoutable" with a little creativity and love.

  • I trained and certified with Bebo Mia, which involved written assignments (exams, essays, book reviews), providing support at three births (on a volunteer basis), completing 24 postpartum hours (on a volunteer basis), and a final exam. The Bebo Mia program took place over the course of 15 weeks (rather than a weekend, like some trainings) and left me feeling very competent and confident in my abilities as a doula. I also did several other Bebo Mia certifications.

  • As a Perinatal Pilates Specialist & Doula, my particular area of expertise is in Pelvic Health. I have spent the majority of the past 20 + years working closely with Pelvic Floor Physiotherapists and clients on (re)integrating pelvic floor (and core) connection to prepare for birth, pushing, and postpartum recovery for both vaginal & Caesarean births. This also includes expert knowledge about Diastasis Recti, Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction, and many of the other common issues and discomforts of pregnancy and postpartum. Feel free to ask me more about this!

    My additional certifications and qualifications include the following:

    • Certified Maternal Support Practitioner (doula), Bebo Mia

    • Body Ready Method, Lindsay McCoy

    • Certified Infant Sleep Educator, Bebo Mia

    • Certified Childbirth Educator, Bebo Mia

    • Certified Breastfeeding Educator, Bebo Mia

    • Certified Rebozo Doula, the Gena Kirby Method, Allison Todrin

    • Fully Certified STOTT Pilates Instructor, STOTT Pilates

    • Master Instructor (Faculty Member), Balanced Body & PMA

    • Infant and Family CPR trained

    • Professional Contemporary Dance Training - School of the Toronto Dance Theatre

    • Fine Arts - Dance, York University

    • Contemporary Dance Major, Concordia University

    • CDTA, Dance & Movement Teacher

    • Professional Contributor to Baby and Me Fitness Blog, Mommy Connections Blog, Core Matters, Pilates Blog and others

    • Regular speaker at Prenatal and Postnatal workshops across Canada & USA

    • Professional Contemporary Dance Artist - Lightning strike ART Productions & Ruah Dance Co.

  • I have supported hundreds of families over the years, through pregnancy, birth, and the early stages of parenting. I've attended about 1-6 births a month since beginning my doula business in 2014, and many births as a friend and volunteer - my first birth attended was a home birth in 2002. And, of course, I've had my own births!

    At last count, I was well over 250 attended births, more if you count virtual support, and even more since the update of this document. While experience does matter, the most important aspect of working together is connection.

    I've also supported thousands of bodies with Pilates and movement education, keeping them functional through pregnancy, preparing them for labour, birthing and postpartum recovery for all types of birth.

  • I've attended a good mix of births at homes, the Toronto Birth Centre, and hospitals. If you’re having a hospital birth, I can help you stay home as long as possible (if you wish) and navigate ‘the system’ once we get there. I am happy to support you in whichever setting you've chosen.

    Postpartum visits are in your home or hospital if requested and permitted.

  • Yes. Births don't always go to plan. I’ve supported home births that moved to the hospital, inductions and augmentations to labour, babies having to go to the NICU immediately after birth, and planned vaginal births that ended in surgical birth.

    I have also supported parents/ families who were dealing with one or more of the following:

    • Pregnancy after a miscarriage or loss

    • Fertility conception & advanced maternal age

    • Pregnancy and birth after the loss of a close loved one

    • High-Risk pregnancies, advanced maternal age, and medical conditions

    • Twins and multiple pregnancies

    • Breech birth, Posterior presentation birth

    • Postpartum hemorrhage and manual extraction of the placenta/ clots

    • Prodromal labour (extended over several days)

    • Precipitous or Unintended home births (very fast!)

    • Cesarean birth (experience supporting in the OR)

    • Gestational and pre-existing diabetes

    • High blood pressure (pre/postnatally)

    • Pre-existing asthma, scoliosis and heart and or blood conditions

    • VBACs (vaginal births after a cesarean)

    • Pre-existing & pre/postnatal depression and anxiety

    • Pre-term labour and NICU stays

    • Cleft Palate and "High needs" infants... and many other scenarios!

    I have personal experience with antenatal anxiety and depression in two of my pregnancies and postpartum. My second child was born with a cleft soft palate which was an intense postpartum experience and a challenging body/breastfeeding journey. I can tell you with 100% certainty – as a doula and a birthing person who has experienced complications – that having a doula at your side when birth throws you a curveball is invaluable.

  • Clients typically describe me as down-to-earth, calm, knowledgable, and grounded.

    I would describe myself as creative, passionate, and bold- I love helping people figure out how to meet their unique family needs. While my vibe is generally pretty relaxed and very go-with-the-flow, I do know when – and how – to step in and take control and bring the focus back to where it needs to be. I have no issue advocating for your needs and wishes!

    In all my dealings with clients, I am conscientious, reliable, and trustworthy, and my objective is – always – to help you understand your options, respect your intuition and provide the support you need (both physical and mental/emotional) to feel confident and make the right decisions for you. Informed consent and refusal are very important!

  • Yes! I have several dedicated backup doulas whom I consider part of My Team. They have done the same or similar training as me, and have a similar approach and ‘vibe’. There are about 10 of us who regularly back each other up.

    I act as your Primary Doula, and one of them would be your Secondary Doula, and another as our backup-backup doula.

    If you wish, you have the opportunity to meet and build a solid relationship with your backup doula too. On the very rare chance that we were both unable to attend your birth, your third doula would attend! There’s always the (slim) chance that you’ll get someone else from the team. However, my hope is you'll love your backups as much as I do!!

  • Yes! I offer private pre/postnatal Pilates and Movement, private childbirth/ prenatal education, infant sleep education, feeding and lactation education in addition to birth and postpartum support. I can also refer you to other wellness practitioners if needed.

    That said, I share a lot of knowledge related to these areas as part of my doula support packages. For example, I always discuss and provide practical strategies related to infant sleep at prenatal appointments; feeding support is always available to existing clients in the postpartum period; and we always talk about pelvic floor health. I also have a Movement Library full of videos for labour and recovery, included in most packages.

Differences in Packages

  • Prenatal Education Packages consist of one or two online or in-home meetings for education and information on topics related to pregnancy, labour, birth, and postpartum, including lactation, feeding, and perinatal issues of interest. Prenatal Education packages do not include text messaging, phone calls or additional video support. Communication is via email.

    Virtual Support Packages include email, texting, phone calls and video support, but do not include any educational sessions or in-person support.

    Birth Support Packages include two Prenatal Education sessions, Virtual Support and Postpartum Support. You do not need to purchase separate packages for each type of support - they are already bundled together for you! However, you may add additional Prenatal Education sessions, more weeks of Virtual Support or extra hours of Postpartum in-person visits to any package. (depending on your doula's availability.)

    Postpartum Support Packages include one to four hours of Prenatal Education, email support before your baby(ies) arrive, and text, phone calls and video support once your baby(ies) arrive. All Postpartum Packages start at 12 hours of support (typically 4 3-hour visits).

    You do not need to purchase separate packages for each type of support— they are already bundled together, except for Birth/ labour Support! However, you may add additional Prenatal Education sessions, more weeks of Virtual Support or extra hours of Postpartum in-person visits to any package. (depending on your doula's availability.)

    In some cases, I may be able to add Birth/ labour Support to a Postpartum Support Package; however, Birth Support is an offering that typically needs to be booked 3-6 months in advance.

    Pilates & Movement Packages, depending on your Birth or Postpartum package, some movement sessions or videos may be included. You may add a package of Pilates & Movement sessions to any package. Sessions are typically online unless otherwise organized.

  • You can visit the site pages for each service for details on what each package includes and how to select the best one for you!

    We can also discuss your options, and I can provide expert guidance on selecting support that feels like a great fit in Meet & Greet with me!

Logistics

  • I ask for 25% upon signing your agreement to reserve your support, 25% at around 30 weeks (around the time of our first prenatal visit), and the remaining 50% by 36 weeks of pregnancy. An approximate payment schedule is outlined in your invoice, and helpful automated reminders are set up for you, or you can sign up for autopayment. Of course, you have the option to pay all at once, or if you would prefer a modified payment plan, please let me know.
    Payments can most easily be made by e-Transfer with auto-deposit set up, or you can click "pay now" within your invoice to pay with a credit card. We impose a small surcharge on credit cards that is less than our cost of acceptance.

    Payment for Prenatal & Childbirth Education, Virtual Support & Postpartum packages must be paid in full prior to beginning services unless otherwise arranged.

    Travel fees may apply if you live or move outside the catchment area. (cost is dependent on distance)

    Prenatal & Childbirth Education sessions are virtual, with the option for in-person support. (additional travel fee may apply)

    You may purchase additional services anytime, depending on doula availability.

    Payment by e-transfer is the easiest, but I also accept credit cards and cash.

  • Unless there are extenuating circumstances (ie: preterm loss), I am not able to offer refunds.

  • Once you’ve chosen a package and submitted your first payment, I’ll ask you to complete an e-intake form and an agreement form.

    • You’ll be sent several e-book resources, and any virtual support begins immediately, as per your package description.

    • You’ll start receiving weekly emails from me with gentle nudges to read or watch different resources to help you start considering all the different aspects of your pregnancy, labour and postpartum time. There is never any obligation to do “homework!” Everything is optional.

    • Text support is 9 am - 5 pm Monday - Friday, excluding stat holidays, unless urgent (at your doula's discretion) or you’re in labour - then text anytime!! Phone calls can be scheduled as needed. Postpartum video support can be scheduled as needed.

    • You will be sent a calendar to book your prenatal session(s) at approximately 28 weeks of pregnancy.

    In-person visits are on weekdays during the day, similar to your health care provider & pregnancy-related appointments, you will be asked to make time for these important meetings!

    Weekend appointments are virtual.

    All Birth Support packages have at least one in-person visit.

    However, this is health-dependent.

    We will meet at your home or online as per your package.

    • Then we keep in touch regularly until it’s time for me to join you for in-person labour and birth support.

    • Some support may be shared with another doula, depending on the health and availability of your doula.

    • Your doula’s health (& your health!) or schedule may require rescheduling visits or moving to online last-minute.

    Postpartum visits are in-person and can be rescheduled if anyone is in poor health, and we can do a video call in the meantime.

  • In our prenatal appointments, we’ll talk about your options and what you can – and can’t – plan for so that you’re fully informed.

    I will guide you through exercises and specific questions to help identify your feelings – and ensure all of us are on the same page – as it relates to things like interventions.

    From there, we’ll identify your primary goals of care (the key areas you feel strongly about), and I’ll help you craft your birth preferences.

  • So long as you’re informed, I support whatever feels right for you. In our prenatal meetings, we’ll talk about your options as it relates to pain relief, as well as the advantages and any risks associated with them so you can make a fully informed decision.

    We’ll also talk about how I can support you in your choices and your pain relief options, should you choose to forego an epidural.

    At the end of the day, how you feel about your birth will depend less on how it unfolded (ie: epidural vs. not) than on whether you felt informed and supported in your decisions. So that’s what I aim to provide for you, no matter what your preferences.

Labour & Postpartum Support

  • By the time you’re full-term, we will have a solid ‘game plan’ for when you go into labour.

    Generally, I ask the birthing person/ family to check in with me after every OB/midwife appointment from 36 weeks onward and notify me when signs of labour begin to appear.

    I will remain in contact via text/phone until the point where you feel you need me, at which time I will come to your home to support you there (if desired) and help you decide when it makes sense to go to the hospital or birthing centre.

  • I’ll talk a lot about this during our prenatal sessions. I’ll explain and demonstrate how different movements and active and passive postures can be comforting and how items in your home can also help.

    I use Rebozo techniques, which I will teach you to use during our prenatal visit(s). The Rebozo a long scarf used in many supportive ways during pregnancy and labour. I also offer the use of a TENS machine. Additionally, I am trained in many movement & breathing techniques that can help during labour (Body Ready Method & Spinning Babies). I like to give you (and your partner) a "tool kit" full of comfort options!

  • A lot of it boils down to making sure you and your partner are on the same page, which is one of the reasons prenatal appointments are so valuable. Your partner will participate in our discussions, learn what you learn, and understand your preferences. At the birth itself, I’m there to support the partner as well as the birthing person – because even the most attentive partner will need to go to the washroom or have a bite to eat eventually!

    The bottom line is that I’m not – in any way – there to replace the partner; rather, I’m there to guide and support both of you.

  • Very well!

    Midwives love working with doulas, and doctors and nurses at Toronto hospitals are generally pretty used to doulas and understand our role. There isn’t any overlap in terms of what I provide vs. them – they are responsible for your medical care, and I am there to support you physically and emotionally.

    You can expect a general level of understanding and respect, and that everyone will work together to support you. I can promise you that, even if there’s a shift change at the hospital, I’ll be with you the whole time, which often provides a welcome continuity of care for the birthing person.

  • In the vast majority of cases, I stay as long as you need me (the longest I've been at a birth is 48 + hours). I may excuse myself to take a break and eat. I may alternate with the partner/ other support person, taking naps or nap at the same time as you if appropriate. In the event of illness or exhaustion (if a labour were to last multiple days, for example), your Backup Doula or Secondary Doula would step in and take over for me.

    As for the time after your birth, I typically stay for an hour and a half to three hours – until you’re settled, have tried feeding, and I’ve answered all your questions. I can also take photos for you and help with the transfer to the recovery/ postpartum unit.

  • All my birth support packages include at least one postpartum visit, where you can ask any questions you have and I’ll help you ‘process’ your birth. Regardless of what happens, even in a positive experience, it’s useful to debrief and digest the experience. I can also answer baby care questions, help with feeding, and I'm available by text for the first six to eight weeks postpartum for anything that comes up. It’s my goal that you feel well-supported in the days and weeks following the birth of your baby. And, of course, this is all covered in the postpartum packages with more hours of support, too!

  • Once you sign on with me for Birth Support, you can email any time and text between 9 am and 5 pm Monday - Friday, excluding stat holidays - unless you think you're in labour - then text anytime!). Phone calls can be scheduled on an as-needed basis.

    For the postpartum time and virtual support, you can email any time and text between 9 am, and 5 pm Monday - Friday, excluding stat holidays - unless it’s urgent (at your doula’s discretion). Phone or video calls can be scheduled on an as-needed basis.

    If I am away or unavailable for a period of time, or if I need to turn off my phone for any reason, I will let you know beforehand. I will check my messages/ voice mail every 1-2 hours during that time. However, your backup doula will be available for any urgent questions or concerns until I am able to return your message.

  • I only take on a few births & postpartum families per month and do my best to ensure that due dates are spread out. That said, nobody knows when a baby will arrive!

    In the unlikely event that two births take place at exactly the same time, I would attend the birth of the client who contacted me first or appears to be further along in labour. The Backup Doula would attend the other birth. On occasion, I have been to one birth right after another!

  • It’s a common misconception that a doula is ‘no longer needed’ in the case of cesarean birth – in reality, you need just as much support, but of a slightly different kind.

    If you’re having a scheduled cesarean birth, I will spend lots of time planning with you. I will be at the hospital on the day of your delivery (many hospitals let doulas into the delivery room and Recovery unit, but this isn’t a guarantee), with the hope that I will be able to support you in the Postpartum unit, providing general support, practical tips, lactation and feeding support and comfort as you heal and recuperate.

    In the event of an emergency cesarean birth, there’s a good chance you’ll have been in labour for quite some time already, with my support. When the decision to do a cesarean birth is made, I can help you understand your choices and what’s going on and provide support throughout and afterward.

  • You bet. Be in touch, and I’ll send you a list of past clients that you can email if you’d like a first-hand account of what it’s like to work with me. There is a wide variety of birth and postpartum experiences within this group of references, everything from birthing at home, the birth centre, twins, unmedicated, inductions, medicated, cesarean births and virtual birth support.

    For specific reviews, please check out the Love Notes on my site or browse the reviews on Google and my Facebook business page @RuthRuttanDoula

Let’s chat!

 
 

Be in Touch

I take on a limited number of births and postpartum families each month so as to be able to fully support each family. It’s never too early (or too late!) to get in touch - no question is too big or too small! I am always happy to chat about anything related to your pregnancy to parenthood journey.

book a Meet & Greet

What People Are Saying

“Ruth is an incredibly positive, kind and understanding doula”

Ruth is an incredibly positive, kind and understanding doula and my partner, and we could not imagine going through our pregnancy and birth without her guidance. She stuck with me through all 30 hours of labour and made sure we were ok and taken care. I planned on a home water birth with midwives but complications led to a transfer to hospital and OBGYN. Ruth was there throughout all the changes and, she also supported my partner. We could not have kept our cool without her! I'm happy to share our experience with Ruth and could not recommend her more!

- Yen, Mat & baby Kaida