The Role of Doulas in South African Birth Stories

The medical and psychological benefits of birth companions, or doulas have been well documented over the last thirty years. This qualitative investigation provides, through the textured accounts of doulas and doula clients, insight into the nature of doula support. 16 participants were interviewed in order to investigate their experiences of doula support. The sample included mothers and fathers who received doula support as well as doulas, a trainee doula and a doula trainer. Participants' accounts represented the work of doulas in terms of three major components. These findings can be divided into the structural, professional and relationship-orientated components of doula support that are found to be beneficial to the birth process. Doula support is contrasted to medical care in that it counteracts the dehumanized birthing practices that have been established since the medicalization of birth. Notions of social support that involve human contact and relationship are thus being utilised by the modern professional doula.