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The Holistic Birth Trust Foundation |
Frequently Asked Questions |
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Q.What is the role of a birth companion or doula? |
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 A. Drawing on my experience of working with pregnant women I have learnt and am continuing to learn that there is no wrong and right way for a woman to birth her baby. What is offered in the spaciousness of this thought is the opportunity for parents to meet the emotional and physical activity of birth with love. The process is simple, in that we ask “what is the most loving way for my baby to be born?” then we listen for the whispers that tenderly emerge from within the heart, gently supporting and assisting everyone involved in the experience. Although simple, challenges may arise from such a process, in the guise of old patterns of behaviour and beliefs related to birth, “These could be called the yes-buts!” I have experienced that the benefits from meeting these challenges with love, far outweighs any fears that may have arisen. This is the essence of the course the Holistic Birth Trust Foundation offers to woman wishing to train as Doulas and Child Birth Educators. I believe that birth is a relationship and when we welcome the experience with love it brings joy and a feeling of freedom that nurtures and nourishes the mother and baby.
The role of Doula has its roots in ancient times and has continued to remain active in some cultures. Within our society the presence of a Doula disappeared from many women’s experience of birth. Although there have always been small groups of women, who quietly continued to offer their services in this role to pregnant women. Over recent years the Doula has begun to emerge more visibly into family life. So what is a Doula? My reply would be a woman being with a birthing woman, extending love in the form of companionship during the experience of birth. If we go back to the thought that there is no wrong or right way for women to birth their baby. The letting go of judgements of how an event should be in terms of form brings such a feeling of freedom for both mother and baby. From this Doula function lays in offering acceptance of each individual woman’s and baby’s experience. When a Doula is gently reassuring a birthing woman, it is from the belief that the mother is capable of meeting the experience in whatever way is appropriate for her and the baby. This could be compared to role of an elder sister or aunt in the sense of the Doula knowing within herself through experience and being that the welcoming of the activity of birth with a tender and gentle support enables the experience to be met with love for both mother and baby. This can be offered to the birthing mother not as a package of how to birth, simply as an acceptance of how birth is in that moment and the knowing that the experience can be fully entered into with love. Many Doula will have a good understanding of psychology of birth although are not medically trained, and would not perceive that they replace the skills, functions and presence of a midwife. An awareness of the baby’s experience during birth and the importance of nurturing the relationship with the baby is also offered by a Doula. Just as the form of birth is a unique experience for both mother and baby so will the role of birth companion, obviously within a subtle framework of agreement by the mother and Doula. Many Doulas incorporate into their services the period called postpartum, the days following the baby’s birth including support with breastfeeding and welcoming your baby into your family life. There is research from the scientific and medical arenas which demonstrates it can be of assistance to use the service of a Doula. If you feel called to respond to birth in this way I would suggest the first step would be to talk with a Doula in your area. Then listen to the whispers from your heart as to what is the most loving way for you to welcome your baby. Amanda Rayment |
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| Q. Why would a pregnant woman want to see a practitioner? | ||
Her preference may be that she would feel most comfortable by alleviating a physical symptom such as morning sickness or blood pressure. Some women may also prefer to explore the emotional blocks that physical symptoms can bring forward, as an opportunity for healing. These may appear as emotions such as fear and guilt to do with pregnancy or motherhood. They may then feel a desire to seek out a practitioner who can hold a safe space for them to express themselves and see themselves beyond their relationship and family patterns. This awareness can bring forward The Loving Self, enriching her own life, the baby’s and all her relationships. Val Phillips |
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| Q. What are birth preparation classes? | ||
 A. Pregnancy can be a time in our lives when the desire to be still and listen not only to the questions arising also to the answers quietly emerging. At the same time we may notice our attention being drawn to the values we have in terms of worldly affairs. These could be in the form of finances, relationship security and all the other ways welcoming a baby into our lives may appear to result in changes to our daily life. Birth preparation sessions can offer a focus and companionship where you can explore your beliefs and preferences related to pregnancy and birth. Many sessions will include the nurturing of yourself, your baby and the relationship you share. Tools of focus are often offered in supporting women to ask the question ‘what is the most loving way for my baby to be born?’ I believe one of the most valuable opportunities sessions can offer is the exploring of how everyone involved in the relationship of pregnancy and birth can be included in the flow of the giving and receiving of love available to us all. This being at the heart of parenting, the love we share.
Amanda Rayment
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A. Every pregnant woman experiences pregnancy and birth in a different way and at sometime she may choose to see a practitioner, for instance a herbalist, sacral cranial therapist, healer or an acupuncturist.