Supporting during a pandemic can feel tough, isolating, and uncertain. Along with the unexpected changes it can feel that the remote support that is being provided to clients is not as valuable as face to face support that I once gave. All support, whether this is face to face or remotely, is all valuable and beneficial to the client. Thinking differently and providing a different level of service means that as a Doula, I am still able to offer the bespoke support needed for each client.
For me, by offering the support remotely and virtually, it can feel as though the ‘human’ element is redundant from the services that are being provided. Not forgetting technology issues, such as freezing, muted mics and picking up body language such as when the person is going to speak, which can lead to awkward to-ing and fro-ing. Technology can feel impersonal but also equally invasive, where once a group session might have been run within a hall, is now within everyone’s living rooms or kitchen. I get an insight into a person’s life that I may not have before and that can leave people feeling uncomfortable.
I’m a pre and postnatal Doula, where I’ve trained during the pandemic. It has given me more opportunities than it has done before, utilising conferencing software, phone, email and other technology has meant that I’ve been able to support mothers and their families during this unprecedented time. To complement this, I also volunteer with the NCT as well as other charities where tried and tested support has been given remotely for many years.
Training during a pandemic has given me the opportunity to be able to offer this level of support, by having virtual training I have been able to gain a host of different qualifications that I may not have previously been able to. Fortunately, I am familiar with technology and zoom, having used this for a while before the pandemic hit. I have been able to support clients virtually, offering a more bespoke service to them and being able to make the most of the situation.
It has given changes and challenges to many, but there is also some good from it. It’s been reported by midwives and mums that babies birth weight has gone up quicker whilst being in lockdown, this owing to mother and baby being at home without the stream of visitors and having the bonding time as a family, getting to know each other. It is hoped that further research will be conducted around this area. At the moment it is only anecdotal as there aren't any current statistics or research carried out around this.
On the flip side, many mothers may be in the hospital alone, often for days, before they have given birth. This can depend greatly on the hospital that the mother is in, with many having inconsistent policies from one to another. Birthrights have been campaigning to ease the restrictions in maternity services “ongoing visiting restrictions are a significant interference with the rights of both pregnant women and their partners at a huge moment in their lives. We want to see national guidance that makes clear that the ‘norm’ is for an individual to be supported by their chosen partner/s throughout their maternity care, and that Trusts need to have a compelling reason for deviating from that that.” During the pandemic, Birthrights have seen their advice service have an increase in demand by 400%.
What can Doula’s do during this time to still be able to offer support to their clients? Firstly, campaigning for change, speaking to your local MP, Head of Midwifery, contacting Parliament, speaking up and making your voice be heard. In the meantime continuing to offer your support to clients, virtually and socially distanced.
With limited face to face support, communication is hugely important. Ensuring that your client feels heard and connected. Understand that their birthing experience and start into motherhood will be different to anyone else’s. Holding the space for your client and their family, they may feel isolated, disconnected from everyone and lacking that human interaction.
Ensuring that the client feels comfortable is paramount, whether they wish for support to be remote or are happy for you to be in their home and using PPE along with regular hand washing and no COVID symptoms. Meeting in an outdoor space such as a park, garden, or a local café (if they're open). Alternatively, there are numerous online options such as video conference calling technology where face to face may not be an option.
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