‘CHEERLEADERS’ FOR PREGNANT MUMS IN NEED OF SUPPORT
BETH McDonald’s own experience with the hospital system inspired her to become a doula.
The 40-year-old mum-offour had her first child aged 21.
“I was in a really loving relationship (but) when I arrived in the hospital system it was assumed I must not have a lot of support,” Ms McDonald said.
“It was really interesting the way I was spoken to.
“During the birth itself I had a moment of realisation that if I was in that situation it would be extremely scary.
“I just thought if there are people trying to do this on their own I want them to have support.”
About six years ago, having had her four kids, the Barwon Heads resident became a doula – a trained, non-medical companion who helps women before, during and after birth.
She attended the Australian Doula College.
Ms McDonald described doulas as cheerleaders.
“A midwife will support medically, and then we step into the role of doing the physical and emotional support which isn’t always available through the hospital,” she said.
Doulas could help women during labour using techniques including breathing, massage and affirmations, she said.
Ms McDonald works with private clients and also volunteers with Birth for Humankind.
She has worked with the notfor-profit in the Geelong region and Melbourne’s west, and clients have included refugees, homeless women who were couch hopping and single women without supportive families.
“The women through Birth for Humankind are in a lot of unstable circumstances and don’t know where they can go to find someone who is on their team,” she said.
Since 2018, about 20 per cent of clients of the Melbourne-based not-for-profit organisation were experiencing homelessness when referred to the service.
Birth for Humankind is finding it challenging to find volunteer doulas for clients booked to have babies in Werribee, and is seeking doulas willing to volunteer.
World Doula Week started on Wednesday.