What is a Doula and Why Expat Women in Portugal Should Consider One.
Becoming a mother is one of the most transformative experiences a woman can have. For expat women in Portugal, this experience can be both beautiful and challenging as they navigate a foreign healthcare system, language barriers, and being far from their support network. On top of having a positive impact in your birth experience - backed by science - a doula can also play an invaluable role in bridging gaps when you are having a baby in a new country.
What Does a Doula Do?
A doula is a trained professional who provides physical, emotional, and informational support to a woman before, during, and after childbirth. Unlike midwives or obstetricians, doulas are not medical professionals; instead, they focus entirely on the non-clinical aspects of childbirth, ensuring the mother feels supported and heard throughout her journey.
Support Throughout the Stages of Motherhood
During pregnancy, a doula can help you understand your options, provide evidence-based information, and support you in creating a birth plan that aligns with your values. In labor, they are a calming presence, offering reassurance, pain management techniques. After birth, a doula can assist with breastfeeding, emotional recovery, and adjusting to life with a newborn. Their continuous presence and compassionate care can make a world of difference in how supported and confident you feel as a mother.
The Unique Benefits for Expat Women
For expat women, the benefits of having a doula are even more pronounced. Navigating birth in a new country often means dealing with unfamiliar medical practices and possibly a different language. A doula can bridge that gap acting as a guide and connecting you with a network of professionals aligned with your values. They also offer continuity of care, which can be a huge comfort when you're far from family and close friends.
Cultural Understanding
Having someone in your corner who understands the cultural nuances of both your home country and Portugal can be invaluable. This connection can help make your childbirth experience more familiar and less isolating, especially when communication barriers exist. A doula can also provide information about your rights in the Portuguese healthcare system, helping you feel more prepared and confident about your choices.
How I Can Help
If you're looking to find a doula in Portugal, I can help. Through my 1:1 motherhood in Portugal consultancy session, I assist expat women in connecting with doulas and other professionals aligned with their values. Whether you’re planning your birth, navigating postpartum, or looking for additional support, I’m here to guide you every step of the way.
Alternatively, my ebook, Pregnancy and Birth in Portugal – A Comprehensive Guide for Expats, contains detailed information about doulas, including how to find one in Portugal, for those who may not need a personalized consultation. Let’s make your motherhood experience in Portugal one of confidence, support, and connection.
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