Episode 23
The missing support system: Why families need doulas

In this episode, we sit down with Emily Beauchamp, a full-spectrum doula and founder of Growing Together Doula Services. Emily shares how her own experiences with pregnancy, postpartum struggles, and breastfeeding challenges led her to pursue a career supporting families through the entire perinatal journey.

We explore what a full-spectrum doula actually does, from fertility and pregnancy to birth, postpartum, and grief and loss. Emily explains how doulas help bridge important gaps in care, like providing education, emotional support, and practical guidance that many parents don’t receive within the healthcare system.

The conversation also dives into maternal mental health, the realities of postpartum life, and why the idea of “it takes a village” is more important than ever. Emily highlights how small acts of support, like bringing a meal or simply showing up, can dramatically impact a parent’s wellbeing and the health of families and communities.

This episode is an honest and compassionate look at the transition into parenthood, the invisible work of caregiving, and how we can all play a role in supporting new parents.

Important Messages

“You don’t know what you don’t know:”Many parents aren’t aware of the questions to ask during pregnancy and birth. Doulas help provide education about options, resources, and decision-making. Seeking support is actually a powerful way to build the support system families need.

The biggest gap is often postpartum support:While much focus is placed on birth, the postpartum period can be the most challenging and long-lasting stage, yet many families feel unprepared and unsupported. Modern families often lack the intergenerational and community support that historically helped new parents.

Small acts of support matter: Simple things, like bringing food, helping with errands, offering practical help, can significantly improve maternal mental health, relationships, parenting, and the emotional well-being of other children in the home.

Resources Mentioned

• learn more about Emily and Growing Together Doula Services

James Bowler (he/him)

James is a community-focused journalist who has been living in Muskoka for over a decade, all the while telling the stories of the local people. James also recently started a podcast production company, Northstar Networks, which is focused on elevating forward-thinking voices in the community through various ways of podcasting, be it general interest conversations, scripted series or promoting local entrepreneurs. James has also had a keen interest in support community well-being in Muskoka by either serving on or working alongside boards focused on youth mental health, childcare, sexual assault support and Indigenous advocacy. James was diagnosed with ADHD at an early age and has spent his adult years advocating for better understanding and support for the neurodivergent community that he is a part of.