Birth options and the role of doulas in South Africa

Crystal Orderson (in for CapeTalk's John Maytham) speaks to freelance researcher and writer Alexandra Willis about her recent article on the role that doulas can play in South Africa.

Listen below:

Pregnancy can be a stressful and emotional time. One of the many important decisions that needs to be made is what type of birth you'd like to try have (assuming it's something that's medically in your control).

South Africa, like many other countries, has a relatively high C-section rate when it comes to childbirth - and it's not always a medical necessity.

Doulas can play a valuable role when it comes to making these sometimes difficult decisions.

A doula is a trained professional who provides physical, emotional, and informational support to a mother before, during, and after childbirth. They are not medical professionals and do not replace doctors or midwives, but rather act as a birth companion.

Unfortunately, during the Covid-19 pandemic, doulas were not recognised as essential workers, and many had to change careers.

"It really left a lot of doulas feeling disheartened - as if their role was not valid, not important, not a real job..."

- Alexandra Willis, freelance researcher and writer 

Willis believes that with the challenges of SA's public health system, as well as the country's high unemployment rate, there is a role for doulas to play to help fill the gaps.

"It's a way to uplift people out of poverty and into viable careers..."

- Alexandra Willis, freelance researcher and writer 

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the discussion.