Ottawa parents-to-be can find a doula the same way their dating friends find a companion — by speed dating.

A group of Ottawa doulas recently organized a speed-dating event on Carling Avenue to match expectant parents with professionals who can give them emotional and physical support during pregnancy and childbirth.

A group of Ottawa doulas held a speed-dating event for parents this week. (CBC) Organizers hope the approach will take the pressure off what can sometimes be a daunting and time-consuming process.

Doula Signy Fridriksson said traditionally, parents have to interview several doulas before they finally find a good match. As part of the speed-dating event, the lengthy search process was sped up to seven minutes per doula.

"This is an opportunity for them to meet several in an evening," said Fridriksson. "You [can] have that interaction where you can get the sense of 'hey, is this someone I connect with? Is this someone I want with me at my birth?'"

Hiring a doula can cost between $600 and $800. Most doulas will meet with couples several times during pregnancy, and then join the couple at the hospital for the labour and delivery. Some doulas offer follow-up visits once the baby has arrived.

Zoya Hristova, who is pregnant with her first child, was encouraged by the range of doulas she met at the speed-dating session.

"I'm looking to have a natural birth and hoping that a doula will be a good support and give me the help I need during labour," said Hristova.

Doula speed-dating events have also taken place in Vancouver and Toronto.

Ottawa organizers hope to arrange another event soon.