I had an epiphany whilst on a career break to bring up my two daughters aged 3 and 6. I no longer wanted to work in an office doing a 9-5:00 job, I wanted to help people. So over the past few years I have embarked on an incredible journey. I became a Breastfeeding Peer Support Volunteer in the Belfast Trust, a KGhypnobirthing Practitioner and a Doula. I am also a member of the Parent Panel on Radio Ulster, Volunteer with the Perinatal Team at my local Sure Start and have started a three year Diploma in Acupuncture.
A doula is a professional trained in childbirth who provides emotional, physical and informational support to the mother who is expecting, is experiencing labour, or has recently given birth. The doula’s purpose is to help women have a safe, memorable and empowering birthing experience. As above this extends to the Postnatal period where the same mantra is applied as women enter their journey into motherhood.
Most often the term doula refers to the birth doula, or labour support companion, labour support specialist ,labour support professionals, birth assistants or labour assistants.