BBC - Radio 4 Woman's Hour -Doulas

If you were listening to our special August Bank Holiday programme about childbirth, you might have heard Sheila Kitzinger eulogising about the 'doula'. This is a relative newcomer to the delivery room, an independent woman who is there to offer emotional and practical support to women before, during and after childbirth. Research has shown that women who have continuous support during labour are less likely to need pain relief or medical interventions and to report a better birth experience. It also found that this continuous labour support was more effective when the provider was not a member of the hospital staff.

Up until now, it has mainly been middle class women who employ a private doula but recently the government’s Sure Start programme has started working with doulas to support its pregnant clients. Lesley Hilton went to Halifax and to Hull to find out more.

Retired? Downsizing? Moving home to be nearer the kids?