Pregnancy is one of the most transformative seasons in a woman’s life. In Kenya, more women are now seeking not just medical care, but emotional, physical and informational support throughout their pregnancy journeys. This growing need has brought doulas into the spotlight.
Who is a doula?
A doula is a trained professional who provides emotional, physical, and informational support during major life experiences, most commonly pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum. They don’t deliver babies or give medical care, but they help parents feel safe, empowered, and cared for.
At hello Daktari, we have qualified doulas within Nairobi and its environs who are ready to walk with you throughout your pregnancy journey.
🌿 What a Doula Does
- Emotional support: Encourages, reassures, and advocates for the birthing parent’s wishes.
- Physical comfort: Uses techniques like massage, breathing guidance, and positioning during labor.
- Informational guidance: Explains medical procedures, options, and helps parents make informed decisions.
- Partner and family support: Assists loved ones in understanding how to help and stay involved.
- Postpartum care: Provides help with newborn care, feeding, and emotional adjustment after birth.
📌 Types of Doulas
- Birth doulas: Stay with the parent throughout labor and delivery, offering continuous support.
- Antepartum doulas: Help those with high-risk pregnancies or bed rest, assisting with daily needs.
- Postpartum doulas: Support families in the first weeks after birth, focusing on recovery and infant care.
⚖️ Key Distinction
Unlike doctors, nurses, or midwives, doulas do not provide medical treatment or deliver babies. Their role is complementary—working alongside healthcare providers to ensure the parent feels empowered and cared for.
A doula and a midwife are very different: doulas provide non-medical emotional and physical support, while midwives are licensed healthcare professionals who deliver babies and provide medical care.
👩🍼 Doula
- Role: Offers emotional reassurance, physical comfort (like massage, breathing guidance), and informational support.
- Training: Non-medical; certification programs focus on communication, comfort techniques, and childbirth education.
- Scope: Cannot deliver babies or provide medical treatment. Works alongside doctors, nurses, or midwives.
- Focus: Ensures the birthing parent feels empowered, supported, and informed throughout pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.
🌟 Benefits of Having a Doula
- Reduced stress: Continuous emotional support lowers anxiety during labor.
- Better outcomes: Studies show doulas can reduce the likelihood of cesarean sections and shorten labor.
- Improved communication: Helps parents understand medical procedures and advocate for their preferences.
- Postpartum support: Assists with newborn care, feeding, and emotional recovery after birth.
Sources: Medicine Net, American Pregnancy Association, Empowered Black Doula, Harvard Health.
📊 Evidence-Based Benefits
- Shorter labor: Continuous support from a doula has been linked to reduced labor duration.
- Lower risk of cesarean: Studies show that parents with doulas are less likely to need C-sections.
- Reduced use of interventions: Doulas help lower reliance on epidurals, forceps, or vacuum extraction.
- Improved birth experience: Parents report feeling more in control, respected, and emotionally supported.
- Better newborn outcomes: Babies are more likely to have higher Apgar scores (a measure of health right after birth).
- Postpartum emotional support: Doulas reduce risks of postpartum depression by offering guidance and reassurance.
💡 Why This Matters
The presence of a doula doesn’t replace medical care—it complements it. By focusing on emotional and physical comfort, doulas create a calmer environment, which can directly influence both medical outcomes and the parent’s confidence.
For all pregnant mothers who need the support and help of a doula, do not hesitate to reach us on +254758367815 or
info@hellodaktari.co.ke.