“I’ve had maybe a dozen enquiries. A usual month for me would be like three' 🤰 There has been an increase in expectant mothers inquiring about doulas - as the NHS’s maternity services struggle 🔴 Exclusive AlannahFrancis1
Doulas are specialists who provide non-medical pregnancy, childbirth and postnatal support. And pregnant women are increasingly turning to them for help as pressures mount on the NHS and limit their access to continuous care from the same midwives.
The coronavirus pandemic, desires for alternative childbirth experiences and celebrities such as Meghan Markle enlisting their services, have all also helped to spread doulas’ popularity in recent years. Ms Ogier, from Marks Tey in Essex, has worked as a doula for more than 10 years and has seen a 25 per cent increase in yearly enquiries and the demand is continuing to increase.“This month alone it’s been ridiculous,” she said. “I’ve had maybe a dozen enquiries. A usual month for me would be like three. That would be a good month.”
Although she is a “big fan” of the NHS and has not experienced situations where she feels patients should have received better care, Ms Ogier said issues within the health service were one of the key drivers behind women seeking her support. “Within the last year it’s busier,” she said. “I think originally it was families who would have had support from their friends, families during the pandemic, they suddenly couldn’t fly into the country, so then they were looking for doulas.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Why the work of striking NHS physiotherapists is so vital for millions of patientsThousands of physiotherapists are going on strike today for the first time in a dispute over pay as industrial action escalates across the NHS ⬇️ They do vital unseen work, explains AlannahFrancis1
Read more »
NHS latest: New cancer treatment approved - as ambulance service facing 'catastrophic' cutsNHS waiting lists are at record highs, performance targets are getting worse, and a fresh wave of strike action has been launched. We'll be bringing you news updates throughout the day as Sky News launches a year-long project looking at the state of the health service.
Read more »
NHS Wales: Advanced paramedics try to ease pressuresBBC Wales is given exclusive access as advanced paramedics strive to treat patients at home.
Read more »
NHS latest: The cerebral palsy sufferer on waiting list for years and man 'struggling to walk' - viewers share NHS crisis storiesNHS waiting lists are at record highs and performance targets are getting worse. We'll be bringing you news updates throughout the day as Sky News launches a year-long project looking at the state of the health service. You can also watch our live phone-in from 2pm.
Read more »
NHS latest: Rishi Sunak 'should pack overnight bag and see what's happening in hospitals' - viewers share NHS crisis storiesNHS waiting lists are at record highs and performance targets are getting worse. We'll be bringing you news updates throughout the day as Sky News launches a year-long project looking at the state of the health service. You can also watch our live phone-in from 2pm.
Read more »
'Unless you're prepared to fight, you get nothing': One family's experience with the NHSWhen Paul last had to call an ambulance, the family had to wait 45 minutes - despite Levi bleeding heavily from the head and having seizures after hitting his head on a doorframe.
Read more »