ARTICLE: Doulas on rise in regional areas as maternity services close down and women seek continuity of care

With regional maternity wards closing across the country and a parliamentary inquiry into birth trauma underway, doulas are rising in popularity as a source of emotional support for women during pregnancy and birth.

Doulas are non-medical support people who offer educational, physical and emotional guidance before, during and after the birth of a child.

They have no clinical training, cannot deliver babies or provide the necessary post-birth medical care — but they can advocate for women and help them to feel empowered during their pregnancy journey.

Research has shown doula care for women during labour and birth is associated with reduced caesarean births, increased breastfeeding initiation and retention, and positive birth experiences.

Australian College of Doulas director Renee Adair said she had seen an increase in the popularity of doulas over the past 10 years, as women expressed dissatisfaction with the maternal healthcare system.

READ THE ENTIRE ARTICLE HERE: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-03-09/doulas-rising-in-popularity-regional-australia-women-birth-sa/103554194