I was honored to be featured in a recent Sky News article discussing the evolving role of doulas. The article sheds light on how doulas are moving beyond traditional birthing support and providing valuable assistance in various aspects of healthcare.
For many, the term "doula" evokes images of a calm and nurturing figure offering support during childbirth. While birth doulas are a vital part of the profession, the field of doula work is expanding to encompass a wider range of services.
Doulas: Expanding Their Scope of Practice
The article highlights how doulas are now providing support in areas such as:
End-of-life care: Doulas guide a person who is transitioning to death and their loved ones through the dying process. The support they offer is non-medical.
Divorce: Doulas provide invaluable support during this challenging life transition, helping individuals navigate divorce's legal and emotional complexities.
Menopause: Doulas offer non-medical support to women navigating the physical and emotional changes associated with perimenopause and menopause.
Why is this Shift Happening?
There are several reasons why the role of doulas is evolving:
Growing recognition of the importance of emotional support: Research has shown that emotional support can significantly improve health outcomes. Good doulas provide compassionate and individualized care, which can be especially beneficial during challenging medical experiences.
Increased demand for holistic healthcare: People are increasingly seeking more holistic approaches to healthcare that address not just the physical aspects of illness but also the emotional and social well-being of the patient. Doulas can play a valuable role by providing a bridge between the medical system and the patient's support network.
The desire for connection based on relatability and lived experiences: Doulas bring a unique and valuable perspective to their work. The core of doula work, regardless of specialty, lies in the sharing of lived experience, which allows them to effectively support individuals in diverse contexts.
The Future of Doula Care
The growing recognition of the benefits of doula care suggests that this field is likely to continue expanding in the future. As the healthcare landscape evolves, doulas can play an increasingly important role in ensuring that patients receive comprehensive and compassionate care throughout their healthcare journey.
My Work as a Doula
My focus within the doula field is providing specialized support for women navigating the challenges of a cancer diagnosis. As a cancer survivor myself, I understand firsthand the unique emotional, physical, and practical hurdles that arise during this journey, especially for women juggling life, career, and family.
Unlike the often joyful experiences shared by clients of birth doulas, the path of a cancer patient is deeply personal and can be incredibly difficult to share publicly. I prioritize creating a safe and supportive space where women feel seen, heard, and understood, regardless of where they are on their cancer journey. My approach centers on emotional and mindset support, advocacy, communication, and overall health and well-being. I strive to help my clients reduce feelings of isolation, develop personalized self-care routines, improve their quality of life, enhance their overall well-being, make informed healthcare decisions, improve communication with loved ones and healthcare providers, and build resilience to cope with the challenges ahead.
As the Sky News article highlighted, experiences of feeling unheard or misunderstood are unfortunately common, particularly for Black women. I am deeply committed to ensuring that every woman I work with feels truly heard and respected and that their cultural preferences and individual needs are always at the forefront of their care.
I am proud to be part of this exciting shift in the doula profession. By providing cancer doula support, I am honored to guide individuals and families through healthcare experiences with greater ease and peace of mind.
Conclusion
Doulas are showing their versatility by providing personalized support tailored to the unique needs of each individual and family. As the demand for holistic and patient-centered care grows, doulas are poised to play an even more significant role in supporting individuals and families throughout their healthcare journeys.
What resonates most with you about the changing landscape of doula care?
What questions do you have about doula support? Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
If you think it’s time to hire a cancer doula to help you or a loved one navigate the challenges of a cancer diagnosis, I’d love to chat and see how I can support you. Explore my services or book a free 30-minute Meet & Greet to learn more about working together.
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