International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics

Expectant mothers are increasingly turning to doulas for care and support before, during and after childbirth, a new survey has indicated.

According to research conducted by Nurturing Birth, 48 per cent of first time mums in the UK consulted a doula – an experienced woman who offers maternal support services - during 2008.

Winnie Rushby, press officer for Doula UK, said a shortage of midwives was a major contributor to this emerging trend.

She commented that many women feel they are "not being heard" about their birth preferences, leading them to seek alternative advice.

Ms Rushby added that expectant mothers "may be finding that they're being left alone for long periods of time" and consequently turn to doulas.

"Our initial work is making sure that they [woman or couple] have all the information they need so that they can make the right birth choices for them. Then we support them in those birth choices," she added.

Last week, Dr Ibrahim Thorlie, chief medical officer of the Princess Christian Maternity and Child Health clinic in East End, Freetown, Sierra Leone, claimed that traditional birth attendants were no substitute for trained midwives in the African nation.