16.4 The role of Doulas within UK Maternity Services

Doulas provide practical, emotional and nurturing support to women and their families during pregnancy, childbirth and the early parenthood period. They may be employed privately by the woman, or may be provided for disadvantaged groups of women, whether due to financial, language issues and/or refugee status, providing support and advocacy.In this session, Sallyann Beresford will talk about her role as a Doula, and Trudi Dawson, Director of Doula UK will discuss the UK’s number one source of information for and about doulas. Doula UK offers training, mentoring and ongoing support within the doula community to ensure positive experiences for women and families. Their offering includes the unique Doula Access Fund which can enable women who are vulnerable or disadvantaged, to receive Doula support, and improve the experience of women, babies and families.Hosted by:Sue Macdonald, Midwifery Expert; Host and Curator, Maternity and Midwifery Festivals/Midwifery Hour, Editor, Mayes MidwiferyContribution from:Sallyann Beresford, Doula, Author and Antenatal EducatorTrudi Dawson Director of Engagement, Doula UKSupported by MATFLIX: ⁠⁠⁠https://matflix.co.uk⁠⁠⁠Register to watch the next episode LIVE or attend a Maternity & Midwifery Festival: ⁠⁠⁠https://mmf.eventbrite.com⁠⁠⁠Watch the live stream: ⁠⁠⁠https://facebook.com/midwiferyforum/live