Dictionary meaning: a person, usually a woman, who is not medically trained but who gives help and support to a woman during and after the birth of her baby
Further explanation:
Emotional support, holding space for women and their families during the woman's pregnancy, birth and after birth.
Empowerment, we can help women find the confidence and trust in themselves to birth how they choose.
Advocacy, being available for the woman and family in situations they are perhaps feeling vulnerable or unheard in the system, this can include attending appointments with them and providing template letters and e-mails.
Signposting, we are able to direct women to research sources and statistics relevant to their own pregnancy.
Knowledge, sharing all the knowledge we have of physiological birth to allow women to make informed choices.
Connections, all of the connections we have including access to professionals such as holistic therapists, hypnobirth teachers, homeopaths, tongue tie specialists, the list is endless.
Whether women choose hospital, home or free birth, doulas can be an important part of a woman's pregnancy and birth journey, helping her to eradicate fear and misconceptions in an over-medicalised area of health.
Women, we can choose to take our power and responsibility back, lets be part of the birth revolution, peace on earth begins at birth!
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