Bringing a baby into the world can be both exhilarating and overwhelming, and having someone by your side who truly understands the journey can make all the difference. That’s where a doula comes in, a trained professional who offers continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to mothers before, during, and after childbirth. Unlike medical staff, doulas focus solely on the well-being of the mother and family, helping reduce stress, improve birth outcomes, and create a more empowering birthing experience.
One such doula making a real impact is Trusha Solankee, who supports families through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care, while also raising awareness about the unique challenges South Asian women face within the birthing system.
Speaking to Asian Voice about inconsistent support for pregnant women in the NHS, Trusha said, “Midwives and health professionals want patients to have a safe experience, but the system pressures them. A midwife may care for many women at once, and after 37 weeks, inductions or caesareans are often pushed due to limited staff or beds. This pressure falls on the women, some are sent home the same day without proper support, and alarming warnings about the baby can be used to speed decisions. Women deserve proper care and time without unnecessary pressure.”
“Doula support benefits mother, baby, and family”
On the research about disparities in childbirth for Black and Asian women, Trusha explained, “Sometimes its simple things like communication. If certain hospital staff don’t understand an accent or a patient’s language, it can create misunderstandings. Many women may not have English as their first language, and in those cases, they can be looked down upon or dismissed. Unfortunately, there is still underlying racism toward Black and Asian women. Black women, for example, are often perceived as stronger, so there’s an assumption that they don’t need pain relief, which can have deadly consequences. Asian women might be labelled as ‘drama queens’ or misunderstood, which again affects the care they receive.”
She added, “There’s a lot of training happening across NHS hospitals, including unconscious bias programs and initiatives to improve diversity and inclusion. I volunteer at some hospitals supporting breastfeeding, and I’ve seen that new staff and midwives undergo thorough training. There are also charities like Five Times More, which focus on Black and Asian women, and their work has helped reduce maternal mortality rates significantly. For example, the figure for Black women, who were once five times more likely to die during childbirth, has now dropped to four times, which is a major improvement. But there’s still a long way to go. Training new staff is important, but it’s equally vital to retrain those already in the system, particularly when it comes to challenging unconscious bias, prejudice, and ensuring that every patient is given the care, attention, and respect they deserve.”
Many South Asian families assume a large family network means extra support, so a doula isn’t necessary, Trusha explained. “It’s wonderful to have family around, especially in villages where it really does take a village to raise a child. But often, the mother ends up trying to care for everyone, entertain guests, and make sure everyone gets time with the baby, which can limit her one-on-one bonding. I didn’t have a doula myself and had a long, traumatic birth. My mum was there, and she’s a physiotherapist, so knowledgeable, but when it’s your own child, emotions run high, and it’s hard to think clearly. A doula can step back, provide calm emotional support to both the mother and extended family, guide them through options, and focus on crucial moments like breastfeeding and skin-to-skin contact, helping the mother and baby have privacy and care without the emotional overwhelm of relatives.”
On advice for South Asian women and families hesitant about hiring a doula due to cultural expectations, Trusha said, “The World Health Organization recommends every woman have a doula. It’s not a luxury, its essential support. While the NHS doesn’t provide them, many charities do, helping single mothers, refugees, and others. A doula brings knowledge of birth, postpartum care, breastfeeding, and emotional support for both the mother and partner. They don’t replace family—they support everyone and help ensure the mother gets the care and attention she needs.”
