What is a doula and why could Meghan Markle be using one?
One such rumour is that Meghan has hired a doula – someone who works with and supports parents-to-be before, during and sometimes after birth.
‘I think when I started, midwives and medical staff didn’t really understand why I was there. Now they recoginse the role of the doula and have started to embrace it as someone there who is able to help guide those new parents through all the little things, while they tend to their medical needs.’that women who had continuous support from someone like a doula were less likely to use pain medication and suffer from post-natal depression, the benefits are not cheap.
‘She organised things and I was able to concentrate on what was happening in that moment. For example, I didn’t want to use much pain relief and there was a moment were I faltered and was asking “What else can I do?” She was able to tell me how I had only had a little bit of gas and air and maybe I should try again. That was really helpful.
Most doulas are members of and approved by the Doula UK organisation and you can use their directory to search for one that will suit your needs. Although doulas are not required to register with the organisation, choosing one through their directory means you can be sure they have completed a qualification and recognition process.
‘My care was not terrible but I had some interventions that I did not wish to have or were not clearly explained to me, and I felt afterwards that my voice had not been heard.‘When it came to my second pregnancy, I was much more clued up on my rights, my choices and what I wanted from my birth experience.
Typically she has at least two pre-natal visits and is then on call for up to four weeks around a due date. She attends the birth and has a postnatal visit to talk through their experience. ‘Doulas will often talk about this as ‘protecting the birth space’. Low lighting, minimal conversation, aromatherapy and playing music that mum has requested can all form part of this – as can rearranging the furniture in a hospital room if needed.
Like Melanie, she was inspired by her own pregnancy. She says: ‘I had a very traumatic first birth, a lack of support from busy midwives; NCT classes just hadn’t prepared my husband and I for the long hard slog of labour. ‘My mum stepped up to help, along with my consultants. I had the most amazing VBAC with people that believed in me, even when I had a huge panic attack and begged for a C-section.
She says: ‘I get asked if a doula is like a midwife. My answer is absolutely not! I have no medical training and my role is not clinical. It is supportive. ‘I will then support the clients with a postnatal visit where I can help with anything from feeding, cooking, light housework or just being a friendly ear to listen and chat about the birth.
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