Doula
Over the years, I have been privileged to be invited by couples to attend their births as a birth attendant. These couples feel that they need support throughout their labour. We initially have a consultation to talk about any particular issues that may be influential to them wanting a doula.
We are now in the year 2007 and the British government are finally recognising that "normal" birth in hospital is, in fact, not normal birth at all. The caesarean rate has now risen to well over 20% and in some hospitals it is now escalating towards 30%.
Research that is currently being carried out in the USA has revealed that the presence of a Doula at a birth to offer personal caring skills akin to mothering has gradually helped to reduce these statistics.
Therefore, in order to promote normality in hospitals, they are now employing doulas to attend births, working alongside the midwives.
In the consultation, we look at what happens when labour starts, practical things on contact etc. These factors vary from woman to woman, and so my work as a doula is a very personal relationship between myself and each individual woman or couple.
When the woman realises labour has started, she will notify me and we will decide when she wants me to be with her and her partner to support both of them. I will offer practical skills e.g. massage, reflexology etc., and as a team we will discuss ideas for assisting the progression of labour etc. Essentially we work as a team in order to make the labour as manageable and effective as possible.
Thus, my main role is to encourage and support both the mother and her partner, and hold that space for them to feel safe and confident in the woman's ability to birth her baby.
For further details, please look at the Doula.co.uk website. I am a registered member of Doula UK, and I have over 13 years experience of working with women and their partners, in both a home and hospital setting.
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