World Doula Week begins today and … WOW
What a world it is at the moment! The impact of Covid 19 is being felt by every one of us, in all kinds of ways. Doulas like myself, other self employed workers, and anyone accustomed to close client contact are facing the challenge of exploring new ways of working. I cannot imagine the fear and confusion this is causing to so many of you. With things changing daily, the comfort and reassurance of our daily lives, routines, and extended support networks has been swept away. Surely now is the time when the extra level of support a doula can provide is most needed. Yet it is difficult to fathom as a doula, how to continue when my entire client base, the pregnant and postnatal families I am so passionate about serving, are in isolation.
It is a conundrum that has been weighing on me. The uncertainty and changing nature of our situation has made me hesitant to act in any definitive way. All news seems set against my continued ability to act for and with the community of new and expectant parents that I feel so called to.
So what now?
My main driving force has always been in highlighting your rights and choices in pregnancy and childbirth. Now with the news of homebirth teams closing, birth partners limited, and severe staff shortages imminent, these rights and choices are becoming and more limited and at risk.
It is time to stop hesitating and ask; How will I help?
My answer is simple and the same as it has always been; However is needed as well as I am able.
Today I found a list I had made at the beginning of the year and then lost down the side of my desk. Here it is;
What can I offer?
-Emotional Support -Practical help
-Education -Research based information
-Facilitate informed decision making and care planning
-Weekly free drop-in group
-Signposting
-Advocacy
-1-1 support
-Phone and Facebook communication
-Birth art
-cord ties
-placenta prints
-henna
-Rebozo
-pregnancy belly wrapping
-closing bones
-postnatal wrapping
Seeing that list has reminded me how much I have to offer. Of course, we all need to adapt to current circumstances, so my next question is;
What has changed?
The answer is; Quite a bit, and not much.
The way that I work with clients will be different. The services I offer will be much the same.
I will avoid unnecessary house calls and instead increase phone, video, and online support. I will do more in person meetings outside. A shared walk is a great way to get some fresh air and get to know each other while maintaining space.
The weekly drop-in I have been planning on will be an interactive live video.
Another big change is that I am now able to offer birth attendance. This is obviously at your discretion. With the limit on attending birth partners in hospitals, it is understandable that many women will choose their partner or close family member to be with them. In this case I can be on standby for phone support as needed. We can face time during your labour and I can be an unobtrusive presence ready to offer gentle reminders and encouragement as needed (be sure to pack an extra long charging cable). It is also understandable that many women are choosing to avoid hospitals at this time. I am experienced in both home and unattended/free birth and can help you explore these options if that is something you are interested in.
My clients remain as ever, at the heart of what I do. If you have any feedback, input, ideas, questions or suggestions, please send me a message or leave a comment. I really do value your opinions. Much Love <3 Amba
Comments