Rethinking Maternity Care - The Doula Difference

Thirty-one years a ago, I gave birth to a beautiful baby girl, Abbie. My pregnancy wasn’t entirely without complications, but I felt safe, secure, and confident that I had the best possible care within the NHS.

Birth Coach Jo Hewson

Fast forward three decades, and maternity services are at breaking point. Last week the Health Secretary, Wes Streeting, announced a rapid review of maternity safety. He also announced he will be chairing a National Maternity and Neonatal Task Force, bringing together experts, staff and campaigners across maternity and neonatal services in England.

By coincidence, last week I also had the pleasure of meeting Jo Hewson, a birth coach (doula), whom one of my patients has been seeing. I was fascinated by the idea of a doula and Jo generously gave her time to meet me for coffee to explain what she does and answer my questions.

1. Why did you become a birth coach/doula?

After a difficult time with the birth of my own daughter, I decided to become a midwife so I could make changes from within the service. During the final year of my midwifery degree from the University of York, on one particularly harrowing shift, I realised that I was doing little more than keeping my patients alive. With the incredible amount of medical care that I was having to give, there just wasn't time for anything else. At that moment, I decided to leave so I could offer more support to women to fill these gaps that I knew I couldn't fill as a midwife. I achieved my degree, but decided not to register as a midwife to ensure I wasn't restricted in the care that I give.

2. Can you define a Birth Coach / Doula?

A birth coach, or doula, offers physical and emotional well-being support and guidance during pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period.

3. Can anyone become a Doula?

Yes, the role of a doula is unregulated in the UK, so in theory, anyone can become one. However, many people choose to complete a course through organisations like Doula UK. My clinical background as a midwife gives me a unique perspective and the ability to fully understand the medical side of things whilst offering compassion and advocacy to prospective parents. However because the role isn't yet regulated, understandably, many people are sceptical about the legitimacy of workers within this field.

5. What services do you offer?

I offer a range of services, including hypnobirthing, massage, aromatherapy, birth preparation and advocacy. Unlike many other birth practitioners, I take a 'picknmix' approach so that you can choose what works for you rather than having to buy a whole package. It makes it affordable and achievable to get bespoke support for you and your family to increase your chances of having positive experiences of birth.

4. When should someone contact you?

There’s a different answer to that for everyone. I work with some people to prepare them for being pregnant and helping them get into the right mindset. For others, being present at the birth, advocating for the woman and supporting her and her partner is what’s needed. I tailor support to each family depending on their unique needs and circumstances.

6. Do you find any conflicts with the NHS when you’re supporting births?

I know many of the staff in Harrogate and I keep my foot in the door by doing a few shifts as a Support Worker each month. I don't think the importance of having extra support outside of the NHS is understood yet but hopefully things will change with that. There are gaps, everyone knows that. That's why there is now a national investigation team working on maternity services. I believe communication with private support services in each area could significantly improve things. A lot of the time families don't know what is available in their area. My dream is for the many amazing services in our area to be recognised by the NHS so that we can all work together with women and families at the heart.

Wes Streeting is due to announce the results of his review by Christmas. For parents and the overstretched staff working in maternity services, those findings can’t come soon enough. In the meantime, it’s reassuring to know there are dedicated professionals like Jo providing compassionate, personalised support throughout pregnancy and birth.