FAQS
Discover the answers to the most frequently asked questions about our work and our services
Does Birth for Humankind support home births?
At this stage we only provide support to clients who are registered to birth at a public maternity hospital or at home, through a public maternity hospital home birthing program. Whilst we support the right to choose, if someone is birthing at home with a private midwife, they would not meet our financial hardship eligibility criteria. Birth for Humankind does not support births without registered clinical professionals present.
Does Birth for Humankind support free births?
Birth for Humankind does not support medically unassisted births, often known as ‘free births’. Our doulas are skilled and trained to provide complementary non-clinical support to birthing people during pregnancy, birth and early parenting – however we will not provide doulas to birthing parents who are not planning to have clinical (medical) support at their birth. Our volunteers must abide by our Doula Code of Conduct at all times, which ensures this standard is maintained.
We do however believe there is a difference between having a medically supported birth (with a medical professional, such as a registered midwife present) and having potentially unnecessary medical intervention during birth. We fully support an individual’s right to choose the level of medical intervention that is right for them. Therefore, our doulas can help clients understand all the potential options available to them so that they can make a free and informed choice about what medical interventions they may want.
Does Birth for Humankind encourage natural births?
Our priority is ensuring that all women and gender diverse birthing parents receive equitable and respectful maternal care, which includes the right to understand all the birthing options available and choose the one that is right for them – this includes medical interventions and ‘natural’ options. We will not encourage one option over another, but instead inform clients about all options available.
However, we know that many birthing parents do not receive full information about all interventions available and may receive unnecessary medical interventions. Evidence also shows that appropriate social support and interpersonal care can reduce the need for medical intervention – which can both improve experiences of birth, reduce risks to maternal and child health, and reduce the cost to the public healthcare system. Therefore, whilst reduced medical intervention may have benefits, we fully support everyone’s right to know all the options available to them so that they can take best advantage of everything available to them in our public health system.
Is Birth for Humankind a pro-choice organisation?
Yes. We believe that every woman and gender diverse birthing parent has the right to make their own decision about a pregnancy and should be able to access an abortion if that is their choice. Everyone should have access to safe and legal abortions regardless of their culture, religion, geographical location, gestation of pregnancy, or financial situation, and it should not be restricted. Abortion is a human rights and social justice issue.
Our clients are usually referred to Birth for Humankind after they have decided to proceed with the pregnancy. However, should a client at any time be in doubt as to whether they wish to terminate the pregnancy, we are committed to ensuring they have access to all the information needed to make a free and informed decision. Birth for Humankind does not provide any form of pregnancy or abortion counselling and would refer clients to other relevant services. However, our doulas will support clients through an abortion, if they so wish.
Does Birth for Humankind only support women?
No. We support people of any gender identify who can get pregnant, birth or have an abortion. We will provide inclusive, appropriate, personalised support to everyone.
We commonly refer to ‘women and gender diverse birthing people’ within our work, because as we recognise the gender diversity of our clients. We know that transgender, non-binary and gender diverse people face unique barriers and experiences of disadvantage when pregnant, birthing, parenting or having an abortion.
Whilst our programs focus on the needs and rights of the birthing parent, we actively consider the involvement of other parents, family members and friends, if the client feels comfortable in doing so. Read more about our approach to gender inclusivity.
Does Birth for Humankind provide interpreters and/or provide translated materials?
Yes. We believe everyone has the right to access safe, respectful, high quality, inclusive care, with provision of an accredited interpreter in-person, where required, in line with the Australian Charter of Healthcare Rights in Victoria.
Free interpreters are available via the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs, Translating and Interpreting Services (TIS). We are disappointed that this service does not provide interpreters for Aboriginal language groups, as we believe that equitable access to health care is a fundamental human right. Regardless, we are committed to seeking out interpreters for all clients and will make all efforts to provide in-language support. Unfortunately, due to limited availability this may mean that only phone-based interpreting is available.
What’s the difference between a doula and a midwife?
A midwife is trained to provide clinical (medically based) care and support to women during pregnancy. A doula is trained to provide non-clinical support – including personal, practical, social and emotional support.
Whilst a midwife could theoretically provide equivalent support to a doula, the reality of the public health system means that the vast majority of birthing parents are not able to see the same midwife continuously throughout their care. Only 10% of people have continuous care from a midwife or other medical professional during pregnancy and birth. A midwife’s workload means that they not always able to remain with the woman or gender diverse birthing parent throughout the whole labour. This means there is a critical role that the doula can play in providing continuity of support, that complements the clinical care provided by midwives and medical professionals.
There are a lot more points of similarity and differences, that we would be happy to discuss with you! But it is important to note that these are complementary roles, that together can provide the best possible care, support and experience for our clients.
Does Birth for Humankind have any religious or political affiliations?
No. Birth for Humankind is an independent and secular organisation. We have no membership or affiliation to any political party or religion.
Does Birth for Humankind abide by the Victorian Child Safe Standards?
Yes. We are committed to child safety and wellbeing. We want all children to be safe, and to feel listened to and empowered. All employees and volunteers must abide by our Child Safe Commitment Statement and Code of Conduct. Our CEO is a designated Child Safety Officer, with accountability for reporting any known or suspected risk of harm to children.
To find out more, please contact us.
I don’t have Medicare or Private Health Insurance that covers pregnancy and birth, and need help to pay expenses. Can Birth for Humankind pay for my medical fees?
Unfortunately, Birth for Humankind cannot pay for pregnancy and birth care. We have no relationships with organisations that are able to provide this type of support.
Birth for Humankind provides free labour, birth and early parenting support. To find out more about our volunteer doula support, click here.
Does Birth for Humankind follow COVID-19 protocols?
Yes. We have firm policies and processes in place to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. This includes actively encouraging all staff and volunteers to maintain relevant COVID-19 vaccinations. Please note that under current Victorian Government regulations, Birth for Humankind is prohibited from collecting personal data about staff and volunteer vaccination statuses. However we continue to uphold strong standards, including preventing people with known symptoms of COVID-19 from any in-person contact with clients.
The following resources may be useful to you, or clients that you know or work with.
Victorian Department of Health: Multi-language translated resources on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Better Health VIC: General advice and information
Australian Department of Health: General updates
Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecology (UK): Coronavirus and pregnancy
Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstericians and Gynaecologists: COVID-19 statement and advice
World Health Organisation: General information and advice
Still have questions? Please feel free to contact us for more information.