Doula

DiscoDancer1975

I’d never heard of this. I have to say, I wouldn’t have wanted that at all. I’ll have to ask my kids, but they’ve never mentioned them. It may be because I was a nurse, and have had four children, they just come to me with questions/ problems etc.
Each to their own though. If it works for some....why not?

doulas have been around for years... there have been accredited doulas in the UK since 2001 and the concept of the modern doula dates from the 70's The NCT has got a doula network.

I’d never heard of this. I have to say, I wouldn’t have wanted that at all. I’ll have to ask my kids, but they’ve never mentioned them. It may be because I was a nurse, and have had four children, they just come to me with questions/ problems etc.
Each to their own though. If it works for some....why not?

Dalfie5577

My newly pregnant step daughter has announced she is hiring a doula for the birth and for a few sessions after. The only time I heard of such a thing was when Meghan Markle apparently hired one. Does anyone on here know anyone who has had experience of one? My first reaction was to feel sorry for her mum and her partner for obviously not being considered sufficient support. What are your thoughts? I would love to know more to improve my understanding!

So your first thoughts are judging of the pregnant Mum and focussed on other people?

My neighbour had a Doula for the birth of both of her children. She kept the Doula on for the six weeks following the births. This was about six years ago.

I know someone who works as a doula. She offers much more than most partners or mothers are able to offer. She is up to date with the latest information on childbirth, how the local maternity units operates. She uses her skills in helping the mother through pregnancy and Labour, acting as an advocate, if required. She prepares the woman/couple for life as new parents and what to expect.

She is skilled in breastfeeding support but also will help with artificial feeding, if that’s what is preferred. She ‘mothers the mother’, supporting her so she can concentrate on the baby. She can do all of this without being emotionally involved, which is very difficult for partners and parents to do.

doula.org.uk/