At the Afghanistan and Central Asian Association (ACAA), we continue to prioritise the health, wellbeing and empowerment of women in our community. On May 7th, we were privileged to host a Postnatal Support session led by Ann Thatcher, a professional doula. The session covered the stages of pregnancy and postpartum, offering practical advice for new and expecting mothers. The informative session provided a safe and supportive space for women to reflect, learn and share their own stories.
Understanding the Role of a Doula
The session began with an introduction to what a doula is and how they support mothers through the perinatal journey, from pregnancy to the first year of a child’s life. Unlike medical professionals, doulas do not provide medication or clinical advice. Instead, their role is rooted in advocacy, emotional support, and ensuring the mother’s needs remain central throughout her journey.
Each pregnancy is unique, and the doula reminded participants that no two births – even for the same mother – are ever the same. This gentle affirmation encouraged women to honour their individual experiences and speak openly about their own journeys.
A Safe Space to Share
Participants took time to share how many children they had, the timing of their pregnancies, and the reasons behind when they chose to grow their families. These deeply personal stories highlighted the many different paths to motherhood and underscored the importance of community support.
The doula emphasised the full perinatal experience, explaining key stages:
- Antenatal (pregnancy to birth): From the moment you suspect pregnancy, checking with a test and booking an appointment with a GP starts the process. Women are then referred to a midwife and given options for their care, including choosing a hospital.
- Routine appointments include screenings for infections and genetic conditions, as well as discussions about birth preferences — such as hospital birth, home birth, or even free birth (without medical assistance).
Gentle exercise, good nutrition, and maintaining mental and emotional health were all highlighted as crucial during this stage.
Birth Choices and What to Expect
Women were given clear, practical information about different birth settings, which included labour wards, birth centres and home births. The choice of a birth setting depends mostly on personal preference, as some women may feel more comfortable at home whereas others feel more comfortable supported by health staff.
Birth methods such as spontaneous labour, induced birth, and caesarean sections (both planned and unplanned) were covered. The doula encouraged women to feel empowered in their choices and know that support is available no matter the path their birth takes!
The Postnatal Journey
After birth, the focus shifts to recovery, bonding, and feeding. The doula explained that postnatal care is just as important as antenatal care. Mothers need time to rest and heal, while ensuring their baby is fed and nurtured.
Key points included:
- Breastfeeding and formula feeding: Both are valid and require time and patience. The doula shared helpful tips on feeding cues, hygiene, and seeking lactation support if needed.
- Physical and emotional recovery: Depending on the birth, physical healing can vary. Abdominal massage and gentle support techniques were discussed, as was emotional importance of talking about your experiences with others.
- Safe sleeping and co-sleeping: Practical advice was shared through the “7 Steps for Smart Sleeping,” helping mothers understand how to create a safe environment if they choose to share a bed with their baby.
The group also explored the often-overlooked reality of postnatal mental health. Building a strong support network, whether through family, friends, or local groups, was strongly encouraged.
Building a Community of Support
The most powerful message of the day was the need to spread love and build community around new mothers. Having someone to listen, help with meals, or simply be there during long nights can make a world of difference.
This workshop was a reminder of the strength in shared experiences and the importance of compassionate care. The ACAA is proud to continue offering such sessions to uplift, inform, and empower the women we serve.
If you or someone you know would benefit from pregnancy or postnatal support, please do not hesitate to contact us. Together, we can ensure no mother feels alone.
Written by: Amber Amir