Giving birth is a psychological roller coaster ride, no matter what the circumstances. But the life-changing experience can become more daunting than joyful for many women who find themselves struggling to cope towards the end of their pregnancy in Abu Dhabi. Fortunately, help is at hand in the form of the city’s doulas.
A doula is a trained professional who provides emotional and practical support for expectant mums throughout the birthing process. This can include anything from helping to plan the birth itself and providing impartial advice and reassurance in the days beforehand, to advice on sleep deprivation, breastfeeding, bathing and general handling of their baby at home in the following few weeks.
New Zealander Fiona Vaughan, of Desert Doulas, is one of the few women in Abu Dhabi who provides this service. ‘I’m not here to replace medical services, but to empower women,’ she says. ‘A doula isn’t there to replace the husband’s role either, but to support him as well as his wife. The husband often feels very overwhelmed during the labour period and subsequent birth. They can ask me all the questions they think are too stupid to ask doctors.’
Since launching Desert Doulas six months ago, Fiona has been inundated with clients who are sorely in need of a temporary emotional prop. Most pregnancy care provided in hospitals in the UAE tends to focus completely on the physical aspect of childbirth, leaving women at something of a loss as to how to deal with the mood swings, the hormone surges and all the other general upheaval that being pregnant entails.
‘Many new mothers here don’t have family for guidance and support, and are very anxious both prior to the birth of their child and about the after birth care. Just knowing they have someone on the end of the phone day and night, and who can visit is sometimes enough to get them through the first few weeks,’ she says.
Maiko Davis found herself in this position when she was due to give birth to her first child, as her friends and family lived in Japan and Canada and her husband had to work very long hours. ‘I just couldn’t picture what I would do when the time came,’ she remembers. ‘And I really wanted the experience to be as positive as possible, so having a doula was the best decision I could ever have made. Fiona is so passionate, professional and positive, and really loves what she does. We’re still in touch and it feels almost as though she’s a family member now.’
Previously an occupational therapist, Fiona changed her focus to working as a doula after arriving in Abu Dhabi and hearing of couples who did not have their usual network of support. ‘I felt I could fill this role’ she says. ‘Personally, I had a very traumatic birth with my second child because of complications and severe post natal depression, in part due to lack of follow-up care and support in the home. I believe, looking back, if I’d had a doula at the time I could have had a more enjoyable experience at the start of motherhood.’
Now she finds playing such a crucial part in helping other families thoroughly fulfilling. ‘I’m always learning,’ she says. ‘Giving birth is such a memorable moment for a couple, helping them achieve this as a positive experience is very rewarding. I love seeing the baby emerge and being able to see the parents view their child at that first moment is amazing, and a real privilege. ‘
Dhs2,000-Dhs3,500 for birth doula, depending on level and intensity of service required. For more information, email fiona.vau@gmail.com or visit www.desertdoulas.com
