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Doulan läsnäolo synnytyksessä

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Doulan läsnäolo synnytyksessä

The purpose of this Bachelor´s thesis was to describe mothers´ experiences about the presence of a doula during childbirth. The cooperation partner in this thesis was Aktiivinen synnytys ry which aims to increase the knowledge about expecting a baby, childbirth and family-oriented childbirth culture. Aktiivinen synnytys ry is an organization which advocates of family-oriented and active childbirth.

The aim of this thesis was to gather information of the support and presence of a doula in childbirth and to develop doula activity in Finland.

This qualitative study was carried out by interviewing three mothers having a doula in childbirth. The data was collected by using a theme-based interview. This study based on mothers' personal experiences of having a doula in childbirth. The data was analyzed with the help of databased content analysis and thematising.

Five themes of the data were formed that were: affecting the childbirth experience, the environment, a doula as a person, the needs of the mother and the presence of the doula. The role of a doula as a support partner and caretaker of a mother´s wishes were emphasised in this study. The interviewees had a need to get information about pregnancy, childbirth and puerperium, and they felt that a doula could give that to them. The mothers appreciated the doula´s experience and felt that the expertise of the doula was one of the most important things. The study also showed that the presence of the doula was experienced like being part of the pain relief. The presence of the doula gave mothers a sense of security. The mothers also appreciated the support that the doula gave them after the childbirth. The interviewees felt that a doula was an important factor in getting a good childbirth experience.

This study increases knowledge on the importance of continuous support and a good childbirth experience and doula activity. The results of this study can be used in the action of Aktiivinen synnytys ry and developing doula activity. It would be useful to carry out an information campaign on doula activity and the importance and benefits of the continuous supports to be implemented in child welfare clinics and in social media. A further study could be to gather information of childbirth with a doula in Finland.

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