Doula support vital for pregnant women experiencing disadvantage during COVID-19 crisis

Birth for Humankind, a Melbourne-based non-profit providing community pregnancy and parenting support, is calling for greater support this World Doula Week (March 22-28) for their volunteer doulas so they can provide vital support to pregnant women experiencing disadvantage and social isolation – which has never been more essential due to the COVID-19 crisis.

A doula is a trained birth support companion who provides practical and emotional support and information to a woman during pregnancy, birth and early parenting. Birth for Humankind doulas provide free one-to-one personal, practical, social and emotional support for women experiencing disadvantage, which complements clinical care.

Birth for Humankind CEO, Ruth Dearnley, says that their volunteer doulas are needed now more than ever to support mothers experiencing disadvantage and social isolation.

“Pregnant women experiencing disadvantage are really being hit by this crisis. They can’t delay their appointments and many already face barriers to access the support services needed to improve their health and wellbeing. During this pandemic, we must ensure their pre-existing challenges are not being overlooked and that they are not being left behind,” said Ms Dearnley.

“Our volunteer doulas provide continuous support for mothers during their pregnancy, giving them confidence to overcome barriers. Research shows this model of support often results in healthier outcomes for mothers and their babies. Whilst social distancing is essential to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the impacts of social isolation on vulnerable mothers can be devastating. During these uncertain times and with higher rates of isolation, a trusted and familiar support person is needed now more than ever.

On a regular day, only 8% of Australian women have continuity of maternity support during their pregnancy. But when women have the support of a birth companion like a doula, they have far better maternal health indicators – less likely to need medical intervention during birth, their child is less likely to spend time in neonatal intensive care, and there is improved bonding between mother and child. This is the starting point for a lifetime of improved health and wellbeing.”

Birth for Humankind doula and founder of pregnancy and parenting support organisation Birthready, Erika Munton, is a facilitator, educator, coach and birth worker with 20 years of experience. She has attended over 350 births as a doula and supported hundreds more through the perinatal period.

With an increase in social distancing, Erika says that continuous support is essential for parents – particularly mothers – to support positive health outcomes for families.

“The issue with self-isolation and social distancing is that many mothers and families are feeling lonely. They can’t normalise their experiences, learn from their peers and receive broader emotional support to feel heard and have the knowledge to make informed and empowered decisions. Doulas bridge these gaps,” said Erika.

“Pregnancy, birth and parenting is a significant lifestyle change. Many parents do experience stress, post-natal anxiety or depression and when isolating it often becomes harder to identify those in need for additional support. In my experience, I’ve often played a special role in family settings to help them adjust to the many changes that come from having a baby.

While we might not be able to spend as much time together in-person during the COVID-19 crisis, we’re setting up phone calls, going for short walks in the park and having video conferences to keep women connected, supported and informed during pregnancy and parenting. It’s so important for us to provide that continuous care so mothers feel heard, empowered, prepared and confident to make health choices that support her and baby’s needs.”

“This World Doula Week we’re calling for greater support to help vulnerable pregnant women, especially due to increased stress, isolation, anxiety and uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 crisis. We need Australia’s support to provide much-needed solutions and help for women experiencing social and economic disadvantage – just like hospitals and health services, shutting down business or working from home is just not an option for our doulas,” said Ms Dearnley.

To find out more or donate to provide women experiencing socio-economic disadvantage with free doula support, visit birthforhumankind dot org 

About Birth for Humankind

Birth for Humankind is a Melbourne-based not-for-profit that aims to achieve equitable maternal health and wellbeing for all by providing and advocating for respectful pregnancy, birth and early parenting support for women experiencing socioeconomic disadvantage.

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