The Birth Guru
Parents World|Issue 67

What exactly is a doula and why would you need one?

The Birth Guru

Imagine yourself in a sterile hospital room, lying on a cold hospital bed while medical staff buzz around you like worker bees. They are here just for you and your arriving baby today, but even with that knowledge you still feel a twinge of fear and insecurity. Though your spouse is by your side showing support, he’s just as bewildered as you are and that’s not very comforting. At your most vulnerable, what you really need is an island of calm amid the storm; someone who’s been through this and can give you a warm smile or a reassuring squeeze of the hand. Someone you will trust when they say, “It’s all going to be fine”. That someone could be your very own doula.

Your Birthing BFF

A doula (say doo-lah) is a professionally-trained birth companion that supports the mother-to-be physically and emotionally during labour. Before you start picturing incense, healing crystals, and candles, doulas define themselves as consultants, educators or coaches that are trained in the art of birth support. Most importantly, a doula’s main goal is to support mothers in their decisions and ensure they get the birth they desire.

However, unlike your OB-GYN or midwife, they aren’t medical professionals, clarifies Sofie Jacobs, founder and head midwife at Urban Hatch. “Doulas are trained birth professionals who provide emotional and physical but not medical support,” she says. “There are very few hospitals at the moment that employ doulas, so they are usually hired privately.”

But don’t discount doulas for their lack of medical training. Sofie shares that couples rarely get the same hospital-employed midwife throughout the process, which can cause some anxiety. “Having a doula by your side can be invaluable to get that continuity of support by someone you already know and trust,” says Sofie.

この蚘事は Parents World の Issue 67 版に掲茉されおいたす。

7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トラむアルを開始しお、䜕千もの厳遞されたプレミアム ストヌリヌ、9,000 以䞊の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしおください。

この蚘事は Parents World の Issue 67 版に掲茉されおいたす。

7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トラむアルを開始しお、䜕千もの厳遞されたプレミアム ストヌリヌ、9,000 以䞊の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしおください。

PARENTS WORLDのその他の蚘事すべお衚瀺
Raising An Introvert In An Extroverted World
Parents World

Raising An Introvert In An Extroverted World

In a world where extroverts thrive, it is easy for introverts to feel like they do not belong. If your child is an introvert, look at how you can raise them to have an easier time fitting in.

time-read
4 分  |
Issue 73
Acing The Primary School Registration
Parents World

Acing The Primary School Registration

Here are some tips that’ll help to smoothen the process of registering your child for primary school.

time-read
3 分  |
Issue 71
The Power Of Pretend
Parents World

The Power Of Pretend

Your child deserves to play on her own terms. We give you the lowdown on the various ways they can do so and unleash their imagination.

time-read
5 分  |
Issue 72
Brat In The Making?
Parents World

Brat In The Making?

No parent wants to raise a spoilt brat. Here’s what to look out for and tips to nip the problem in the bud, so your kid will learn to be on their best behaviour.

time-read
5 分  |
Issue 72
Speed Bumps For A Second Pregnancy?
Parents World

Speed Bumps For A Second Pregnancy?

Getting pregnant a second time might feel like it should be easier, but it’s actually pretty common to struggle with it. Here’s the lowdown on this issue.

time-read
5 分  |
Issue 71
Managing Your Income As A Work-At-Home Mum
Parents World

Managing Your Income As A Work-At-Home Mum

Balancing household expenses on a tight budget can be intimidating, but putting these simple techniques to practice will help knock this hurdle down to size.

time-read
5 分  |
Issue 72
Food Allergies And How To Keep Them Out Of Baby's Feeding Bowl
Parents World

Food Allergies And How To Keep Them Out Of Baby's Feeding Bowl

We break down the issue of food allergies and how to keep them out of baby’s feeding bowl.

time-read
3 分  |
Issue 72
Bowel Trouble
Parents World

Bowel Trouble

Does your child have problems going number two? We divulge tips and advice on how to get things moving along.

time-read
4 分  |
Issue 63
The Da Vinci Code
Parents World

The Da Vinci Code

If you know what you’re looking for, your children’s drawings can be a valuable source into the inner workings of their minds.

time-read
7 分  |
Issue 63
Family Fun Ahoy!
Parents World

Family Fun Ahoy!

Life’s a cruise onboard the Voyager of the Seas, where there’s something for everyone.

time-read
3 分  |
Issue 63