Exploring the role of a 'Birth Keeper'

Today we explore the reasons that an increasing number of women, pregnant people and families are utilising the services of a 'Birth Keeper' or 'Doula'. Our special guest Louise Clay of Loucina Birth Keeping, dives into this with us!

A Birth Keeper is described as someone who holds space for women & people to find the fullness of their power, to learn to truly trust, connect & listen to their bodies and to give birth in a way that makes them feel seen, heard, safe and respected. They help women & birthing people embrace the power within and encourage  them to take control of their birth by knowing their rights and becoming educated about the birth process so they are empowered to make choices that are best for their families. Birth keepers often have a background in Midwifery or healthcare profession. It is said that Birth keepers are doulas but doulas are not birth keepers as doulas are bound and limited in how they can support women by whatever scope their certifying organisation has set.

A Doula is described as a trained non-medical support person who provides physical, emotional and spiritual support to women & people during major medical events in their life. Those events can include fertility, birth, pregnancy loss and death.

A Midwife is described as a health professional trained to provide support and care during pregnancy, labour and birth. Midwives help promote a healthy pregnancy and are said to be autonomous and an advocate. If no complications arise, midwives are the main professionals who support you during your birth with little intervention. They are qualified professionals who work under a governing body.