''How doulas adapt to client needs and complement care in the Victorian public maternity care system''

Sun 10:15am​

Birth for Humankind's community-based doula program supports women and gender diverse birthing persons living with socioeconomic adversity. Recent evaluation of the program showed that Birth for Humankind doulas worked in a range of ways, depending on their own perceptions of their roles, relationships with and the needs of women, and features of the public maternity care system. Doulas and clients reported doula practice across a spectrum that spanned preparing the woman for the system; accompanying her in the system; through to the facilitation of the woman's space in the system. Some doulas practiced within a narrow range on the spectrum, while others worked more dynamically, moving up and down, depending on the situation.
 
Complementary research investigated relationships between Birth for Humankind doulas supporting migrant women and maternity care providers in the public system. From the perspectives of these doulas and maternity care providers, it was found that collaborative working relationships were facilitated by provider knowledge and value of doula roles; doula-provider rapport and trust; doulas enhancing communication, relationships and respectful care between migrant women and providers; and perceived difference between volunteer and private practice doulas. Barriers included providers’ limited understanding of doula roles and service; behaviours limiting collaborative relationships; and limited rapport-building opportunities for doulas and providers.
 
This session will further detail these findings, and focus in on contexts and doula practice shown to enhance collaboration between doulas and maternity care providers in the public system - for increased care quality. It will also provide space for doulas present to reflect on their own practice in relation to these findings

​Kerryn O'Rourke (she/her)

Kerryn is a social science and public health researcher with expertise in social and health equity. She works as a Senior Research Fellow at Charles Darwin University (remotely from Naarm), conducting commissioned realist reviews and evaluations of public health, health and social care, and social change programs. She is also an Honorary Senior Fellow at the University of Melbourne’s School of Population and Global Health. For her PhD, Kerryn evaluated Birth for Humankind’s volunteer doula support program, and has a strong, ongoing interest in promoting equity and dignity in maternity care. She also has a Master of Health Sciences (Public Health Practice), a Master of Public Health (International Health), a Graduate Diploma in Health Promotion, and Bachelor of Nursing. 

Red Dearnley (they/them)

Red is an executive and non-executive leader and advisor to the for-purpose sector. They are currently CEO of Birth for Humankind and Founder (Principal Consultant) of the collaborative social change consultancy, Influence Global. With an activist’s heart and governance nerd’s head, Red is passionate about driving systemic change and understanding how change happens. Much of their work centres on applying intersectional feminist principles at all levels of organisational culture, governance and operations.
Red is Deputy Chair of WIRE, Victoria’s only free, generalist support service provider for women and gender diverse people and a Trustee of the Influence Global Impact Fund. They are a Certified Community Director and a member of the Institute of Community Directors, Australian Institute of Company Directors and GLOBE Victoria.

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