For the first time, there is a nationally recognised qualification for those who practise in the time-honoured tradition of the doula.
The Professional Doula Award Level 3 has been pioneered by doulas Julie Griffiths and Laura Davies (pictured), who run Baby on Board Doulas.
With support from Eastleigh College in Hampshire they designed the level 3 course, which is endorsed by CACHE and registered with the Federation of Antenatal Educators (Fedant).
'While most doulas have given birth themselves and many have undertaken non-statutory training, we recognised that there was a need for a formal governing body to oversee what doula work involves,' says Laura Davies.
'We felt it was important to put something in place to safeguard both doulas and the parents they work with.
'We also felt it was important for health professionals to feel more comfortable in the knowledge that there are professionally qualified doulas who are able to support parents in their maternity care.'
Emotional and practical needs
The name 'doula' derives from the Greek word meaning parent or carer-giver. In its current context it refers to a woman experienced in childbirth, who offers information, experienced support and advocacy to a woman or couple before, during or after childbirth.
Doulas work in different ways. Some are antenatal/birth doulas and provide limited postnatal care, while others may specialise exclusively in this area.
Ms Davies stresses that a doula is not a replacement for a midwife. Her role is centred on the emotional and practical needs of the mother, rather than being medically focused.
But she explains that a key aim in developing the course was to gain more support from the NHS and midwives in particular.
'It's important that doulas understand the different stages of labour and the medical terminology, so that they can be confident supporting a woman who is giving birth in hospital,' Ms Davies says. 'It is important that they also understand the parameters of their role.'
Demand for doulas is growing, particularly in London and the south, and Ms Davies reports that she and her business partner are inundated with requests.
Gaining popularity
Kayt Brown was one of the first doulas to undertake the level 3 doula award. She runs Birth Buddies with her friend Emma Sumpster, where the pair offer a doula service which can be tailored to individual families' needs.
Ms Brown says, 'We adapt our role to fit in with different families' needs and wishes, recognising that every birth is unique. Although we work as a team, one of us will act as the lead doula and the other as back-up in the case of an unforeseen event.'
Ms Brown believes the new course is invaluable for covering the doula's role in a practical and down-to-earth way.
'It explains the basic physiognomy of birth and outlines how a doula is expected to support a mother during the birth process,' she says.
'I liked the fact that it brought together a small group of people with varying background experiences, and it was a very comfortable environment in which to discuss different areas of the role.
'The assignment is a 3,000-word essay which includes a leaflet about local maternity services.'
Ms Brown says the course made her reflect very closely on her role as a doula. 'It brought into focus the fact a doula is being invited into people's lives and their relationships. It is important that they understand they are there to support them in their own choices, rather than telling them what to do.'
She feels that doulas generally will benefit greatly from the introduction of this award.
'The fact that it is a level 3 award from CACHE gives the profession a lot more credibility and will encourage its growth,' she says.
What level three involves
Training for the CACHE Professional Doula Award Level 3 is given over three days and split into birth, breastfeeding, postnatal care and the doula business.
Doulas who successfully complete the training can register with Fedant and be put on its register. This then offers prospective parents the assurance that doulas have fulfilled certain requirements. These include:
- Being qualified
- Being insured
- Keeping up-to-date with professional knowledge
- Abiding by a Code of Ethics and Practice
- Adhering to a complaints and disciplinary procedure.
Baby on Board Doulas has a forum where students can get ideas and support from each other. See www.babyonboarddoulas.co.uk and www.birthbuddies.co.uk.
