In USA, I have seen some pregnant women getting support from doulas during labor and around. Though some articles have suggested that 6 % of pregnancies get doula support, I have not seen that much rate. More so, because majority of health insurance plans do not cover it. But doula care is beneficial for the labor and pregnancy outcome.
Doula: A trained professional who provides emotional and information support to the pregnant mother during/around labor. Note that a doula is not a midiwfe/dai. The latter is a trained to conduct deliveries.
How common is doula services in your area or country?
#Doula pregnancy #Labor
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Doula care is related to non-medically care given during labor, pregnancy and postpartum period.
With growing awareness related to Doula care in different developing nations, India has grown awareness related to it as well especially in Urban areas. However, still it is not a very tapped information in India.
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That was something new!
While the concept of doula care is not as widespread or formalized as in some Western countries, there are similar services and growing awareness of holistic, woman-centered birth support.
A few natural birth centers and birthing homes across India offer a doula-like approach.
For example:
Birth Village, Kochi – Offers midwife-led births and labor support.
Also, traditional Indian postpartum caregivers like Japa maids serve a role somewhat similar to postpartum doulas—they assist with newborn care, mother’s recovery, massages, and nutrition. However, Japa maids are typically unregulated and informal, whereas postpartum doulas may have structured training.
In my areas also there is doula services, mostly after labour or birth.
Also some ayurvedic clinics also provide massage with some ayurvedic oil, some ayurvedic medicines, massage to mother after labour, it’s known as “vedakuli” (I don’t know it’s other name).
In doula services, after labour they will care and look after both baby and mother.
They will bath the baby with oil massage, make the baby to sleep, look after the baby.
They will help the mother also.
As if it’s her first pregnancy, they will teach them how to hold baby, how to feed, what and all to feed, etc.
Mostly, they will be old aged females (I have seen like that that’s why, I am not sure).
They will stay with them for 3-6 months.
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In India, most childbirths occur with doctors or traditional dais/midwives.
Now the culture is shifting towards more hospital based childbirths to reduce mortality and complications.
In India still childbirth are preferred either in the hospital or by midwifes or at home by dai and about 70% of childbirth are done at hospitals.
Doula care in India is still at it’s beginning and is rising as :
- Growing Popularity: Doula services are becoming more popular in urban areas of India.
- Availability: Organizations like BirthSense, The Doula Collective, and CAPPA India offer doula services and training programs.
- Cost: Doula services in India can range from Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 30,000 or more, depending on the services included.
- Remote Support: Some organizations offer remote doula support options, making it more accessible to a wider audience.
- Training and Certification: Programs like CAPPA India’s doula training equip doulas with the necessary skills and knowledge to provide high-quality support.
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