September is the month with the highest rate of births in Australia! In episode of Hidden World of Women we’re asking the question “what is a doula?” Emma sat down with Michelle to find out.
Michelle talked about how she felt like she’d been an unofficial doula for the last 20 years after helping advocate for her friends and family within the hospital system. She became a doula officially after she realised how difficult the medical system is to navigate alone and she wanted to do something to help people.
Often, when we think of a doula, people think of a hippy woman who’s job is alternative medicine or we think they’re some sort of midwife. For Michelle, she views her calling as filling in the gaps to support people in the birthing space, from fulfilling physical needs like bringing someone food or drinks to doing emotional support work reminding women in labour they have options and a voice that should be listened to.
Michelle and Emma are both passionate advocates for supporting families in the perinatal period and so they also discuss mental health, lowering standards, the importance of setting realistic expectations, as well as covering how to become a doula and the pros and cons of the role.
In the episode Emma spoke about the Preparing for Parenthood course, more info is available here:
Michelle spoke about Vicki Hobbs - Doula Training Academy, more info available here.
If you want to find Michelle her business is Perth Doula Services and you can find her website here: and her Facebook here:
https://www.facebook.com/PERTHDOULASERVICES
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