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More on doulas

The issue of doulas came up again today, this time with the group in Nuneaton. These are experienced midwives from a number of hospitals, very well versed with active birth and familiar with homebirth and midwife led units. As I commented at the end of the first session - this may be one of the easiest programs I have ever facilitated!

One midwife raised the issue of doulas after we had viewed a video that includes comments from an American doula. Her feeling was that if the doula movement becomes established in the UK, then midwives will lose out, as the care offered by a doula was traditionally part of the midwife’s role and that if this is relinquished to a doula then the midwife will end up being little more than an obstetric nurse. There was general acceptance of this view within this group, although when I explained about the service being established in Hull, they readily agreement that this was a different situation altogether and was a very promising development for those in genuine need.

It seems that some women today feel that paying for personal care during labour could be seen as a status symbol - “look what I can afford”. Employing someone to pamper and attend to personal needs during labour is a statement about wealth, in much the same way as employing a servant. This may not be the overt intention, but may be a factor in the decision to engage a paid person rather than calling on friends and family, as has been the traditional way. I know that many women will say they have no family on which they can rely and that friends are too busy to help and that may be the case - we live in affluent times that enable us to travel, move easily and find work far from our childhood roots.

I also know that many women need a friend, someone with a genuine and long lasting interest in their well being. I am not sure that buying the services of a doula for a few weeks or even months will meet that need completely, but then some families will hire a nanny or place the children in child care and return to work, where friends abound, as the next step.

The role of the doula is a thorny and complex issue. These are a few random thoughts, amongst many mixed feelings. I can appreciate the sensitivities of midwives who feel supplanted by doulas and I understand that for some women, paying for social services and practical help is part of their approach to life. I will always promote the idea that babies are born into an extended family, and that finding ways of drawing in their ongoing support and experience is essential in building communities and a stable, caring society. I expect that others will hold different views, and so be it........

Posted by andrea at October 24, 2005 08:25 PM