04/30/2024
Midwifery has existed for centuries prior to its earliest recorded practice in the United States. Experienced midwives were among the many enslaved individuals who survived the middle passage and continued to practice and train others as the primary source of birth care throughout the world.
The origins of doulas can be traced back to ancient Greece, where women supported each other during childbirth. These women provided emotional support, guidance, and comfort to the laboring woman, ensuring a safe and positive birth experience.
This tradition of women supporting women during childbirth continued throughout history in different forms. In many cultures, midwives took on this supportive role, while in others, the mother, grandmother, or other female family members provided this type of care.
However, with the rise of modern medicine and hospital births, the focus shifted from emotional support to medical interventions. This led to a decline in doulas and other forms of emotional support during childbirth.
It was in the 1970s that doulas began to emerge as we know them today. Women started recognizing the importance of emotional support during childbirth, and the doula movement was born.
Today, doulas are trained professionals who provide emotional, physical, and informational support to women and their families during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum. They work alongside medical professionals to ensure women have a positive and empowering birth experience.
Read entire article here: https://www.motherhoodcenter.com/history-of-doula-care/
