Last Updated on September 09, 2024
As a doula, you bridge the gap for your clients and their families, especially those most vulnerable to maternal illness and death.
Any pregnant person may be at risk for developing preeclampsia, a life-threatening hypertensive disorder that can devastate the patients and families that experience it. Many newly expectant moms may not be aware of their risk factors for preeclampsia, or steps they can take to help decrease their risk. They may also not be aware of preeclampsia signs and symptoms -- but you can be!
Your personal support and professional expertise as a doula provides your clients with empowering tools to promote mental, emotional and physical health during and following pregnancy. That's why our team wants to ensure that you are equipped with educational resources and knowledge to help your clients navigate their preeclampsia experience.
Educate and empower all of your clients, so that if preeclampsia happens, you and she are ready!
Watch our special doula webinar
Educate your clients about preeclampsia
Educating clients about the signs and symptoms of preeclampsia is the first line of defense to prevent bad outcomes. Preeclampsia can occur rapidly and worsen quickly between regular prenatal appointments. As her doula, you can take the first step to educate your clients by familiarizing yourself with the signs and symptoms, and encouraging her to trust her instinct when something feels wrong.
Research shows that pregnant patients know that preeclampsia is serious, but also have a poor understanding of preeclampsia's signs and symptoms.
When women know their risk factors and how to recognize the signs and symptoms, they are also more likely to comply with prescribed preventions or treatments. This has a direct impact on reducing adverse outcomes. As a doula, your knowledge and encouragement might just save a life! Use the following tools in your sessions or on your social media channel to help educate your clients.
Printable Signs & Symptoms Bookmarks
Educational bookmarks (free to download and print)
Share our "7 Symptoms" Video:
Postpartum Support
Research shows that women who survive preeclampsia are four times more likely to experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) than women who undergo a healthy pregnancy. Having a trusted doula there to advocate for a woman and carry some of the emotional burden during such a distressing time can reduce short-term and permanent trauma and promote long-term healing not only for the mother, but for those close to her as well.
Hearing your pregnancy is "at risk" replaces pregnancy joy with fear, anxiety, and uncertainty about your future. As a doula, you may be one of the few levels of comfort a high-risk mom can have. Use your resources to help assess the emotional state and needs that a mom and her partner may have. Connect her to bereavement/loss and miscarriage doulas (if needed). Encourage her to find the support she needs.
Share our Postpartum Preeclampsia Video:
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Stories of our brave women and families who have been affected by preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome. Please note that due to a technical issue, we are currently fixing the images on this page.
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