SANU, Faculty of Health Sciences (FOHS) Midwifery department conducted a competency based two-weeks training for twenty-five Birth Companions/Doulas. These Doulas work as Antenatal, Birth and Post-Natal Doulas. The training entailed one week of theory and one week of practice.
Doulas are labour companions experienced in childbirth whose scope of practice is limited to providing informational, emotional and physical support before, during and after childbirth. A skilled doula empowers a woman to communicate her needs and perceptions and actualize her dream of a healthy, positive birth experience. During labour, women need to be comforted, encouraged and supported by having someone with them throughout labour and birth.
SANU has partnered with Siphilile Maternal and Child Health to train Doulas with an aim to improve pregnant women’s birth outcomes. This is supported by evidence which shows that continuous support by doulas significantly reduces caesarean births, instrumental vaginal births, need for oxytocin augmentation, and shortens durations of labour. On the 14th July 2023, the participants were awarded the certificates of completion in an event graced by the university’s Vice Chancellor.
