Providing support for women in pregnancy and labour
Doulas are women who offer emotional and practical support to a woman before, during and after childbirth. Traditionally this has been a paid role, but a project in Hull, run by the Goodwin Trust, has provided volunteer doulas for women whose circumstances mean they would otherwise face childbirth with no support at all. Following the success of this project, further government funds have been assigned to launch similar schemes in other areas of the country. Judy Merry went to Hull to meet a young woman and the doulas who supported her. To discuss the pros and cons of service Jane is joined by Heather Barnes, project manager for the Goodwin Trust and by Mervi Jokinnen, spokesperson for the Royal College of Midwives.
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