Learn more about Doula!
Doula! The Ultimate Birth Companion is a 65 minute, intimate and emotionally charged documentary about doulas and their part in pregnancy, birth and the first few weeks. Made by UK film-maker Toni Harman (Credo, Real Birth Stories), Doula! launched in June 2010 and screenings are being organised in the UK, Europe, the US, Canada, Australia and Japan.
Video diary and water births
Through close-up documentary footage of three doula-supported births, Doula! captures the non-medical but highly practical and emotional support given to the mother before, during and after childbirth. This unique look into a doula supported birth is captured through two intimately filmed home water births and accompanied by a video diary shot by the parents of a home birth that ends in a hospital caesarean section.
What inspired the film?
Film-maker Toni Harman said "I was inspired to make Doula! by my own difficult birth experience two years ago that ended in an emergency caesarean. I wish I had known about doulas then as I'm sure I would have had a much more positive experience. The film has really opened my eyes about the amazing difference having a doula can make and I'm hoping the film will empower other women to have the birth they want, with the help of a doula."
Doula! is supported by the UK's non-profit doula organisation, Doula UK. Bridget Baker, Doula UK co-chair said, "Doula! shows how the calm accepting presence of a doula can enhance the whole experience of childbirth. From the practical to the emotional, we become aware of some of the work an intuitive doula can do. The film is a joyful and inspirational view of doulas at work."
The production team behind Doula! created film screening kits in an attempt to encourage public screenings, which the film is licensed for.
Where and when will it be screened in Singapore?
The free Doula! film is being shown at Balanced Living Asia, 779 Bukit Timah Road, Singapore 269758 on the 22nd March, 7PM.
The screening is being organised by ParentLink, the first independent childbirth education and doula organisation in Singapore, since 1989. www.parentlink.org.
The evening will include a keynote speaker, Dr. Paul Tseng, the first OB/Gynae in Singapore to embrace women's choices in childbirth, photography by Terry Joshi, Lucky Draw, and a Q&A session with all the Doulas in Singapore.
For more related articles on pregnancy and childbirth, see:
Is a water birth right for you?
My home water birth
I gave birth at home!
