Abstract (eng)
In my thesis I examine the ‘doula’ profession, both conceptually and in practice. Doula-work in the city of Vienna is examined in relation to the rest of German-speaking Europe (Switzerland, Germany and the rest of Austria), thus exemplifying both the professional and the social status of the ‘doula’ within these areas.
The word ‘doula’ comes from ancient Greek, and refers to a woman who personally serves a mother. A doula is an experienced, non-medical assistant who provides physical, emotional and informed choice support in prenatal care, during childbirth and during the postpartum period. A birth doula is a continuous care provider during labor in many settings, including transport from home to hospital or birth center. A postpartum doula may begin care in the home the day after delivery, and provides services throughout the first six weeks postpartum.
The social conditions of doula work are analyzed in reference to traditional and technological birth systems. Taking a culture-specific approach, I have collected narrative interviews with mothers, fathers, midwifes and doulas, according to an anthropological approach to qualitative research.
The MAIA Project, which I helped to initiate, was intended in part to help establish the doula profession in Vienna.