Doula CH association

Development of the Doula CH association

“Doula CH” was founded in 2006 in Brugg, the association logo was chosen, the statutes were established and the board elected. Further trainings took place, for the first time also in the French speaking part of Switzerland. Regional groups were formed within the association, which worked closely with the board to intensify the local and regional advertising as well as create an information campaign in the media. The goal was to improve the prominence of the Doula occupation to a larger community. The networking with topically related associations and organisations increasingly takes place, thus more and more clients find the doula companionship through other specialised units.

In 2016 there were 151 active members in the Doula CH association, who lead 199 statistically recorded accompaniments. Members and support members as well as donations finance the association through contributions. 

More information on Doula CH can be found here:  FactSheet_2017 link in German

Origins of the profession

The Doula-Birth Accompaniment relies on the tradition, where the birthing woman would have as support in addition to the midwife, a familiar birth experienced woman of her choosing. This ancient “profession” has been rediscovered in the 1970ies in the USA, through studies and observations in hospitals by Klaus Kennell, Marshall and Phyllis Klaus.

The beginnings of the Doula profession in Switzerland

The first Doula training in Switzerland took place in 1996 supported by Phyllis Klaus. In the year 2000 the website doula.ch was created and an information centre was founded. With the rising numbers of trained Doulas and birth companions, the wish was uttered to create a professional association, which would represent the doulas’ interests in public and which would be a support for the entire professional field.

The Doula association

“Doula CH” was founded in 2006 in Brugg. The goal was to improve the prominence of the Doula occupation to a larger community. The networking with topically related associations and organisations increasingly takes place, thus more and more clients find the Doula companionship through other specialised units.