Doula – I build relationships with families

Tracy Hanna, a birth doula from Benoni, has dedicated her life to supporting mothers and babies across Ekurhuleni.

Her journey into the world of doulas began in 2016 when she discovered her inclination to help pregnant friends and family could become a professional career.

With this revelation motivating her, she pursued formal training through Women Offering Mothers Birth Support (WOMBS).

According to Hanna, during her practical training at a State hospital, she saw a heart-wrenching scene: a mother leaving the hospital with her newborn wrapped in the mother’s clothes because she had no baby clothing.

“This experience sparked a profound commitment in me, leading to the creation of my charity, Love and Dignity. I promised myself that never again, if I could help it, would a baby go home with no clothes.”

As a doula, Hanna’s role encompasses more than just assisting during childbirth. During pregnancy, she provides education and emotional support to expectant mothers, their partners, and their families.

“I answer their questions about their bodies, emotions, and hormones and offer relationship advice based on my 37 years of marriage.

“In labour, my role is centred on love and support. I build relationships with families through birth education classes, teaching breathing techniques, and offering pain relief methods in private settings.

In State hospitals, her introduction to the mother often occurs just moments before labour begins.

“I have three minutes to make a connection, gain her trust, and guide her through her birth experience.

“During postpartum, I continue to support new mothers with breastfeeding and emotional and physical care.”

Respected
Hanna adds that she helps new moms navigate this often challenging journey, having championed breastfeeding for over 30 years.

For her, the most rewarding aspect of her work is helping women have positive birth experiences.

“At Little Toes Birthing Home, which I co-founded, families are empowered to choose their birth experience.

Whether it is a water birth, a garden birth, or a serene setting with candles and music, I ensure the mother’s preferences are respected and honoured.”

Hanna’s charity is vital in supporting new mothers and babies in need. It provides clothing, blankets, and essentials to mothers in State hospitals.

“We distribute between 20 and 100 parcels monthly. Despite challenges in obtaining the toiletries, I remain committed to my mission always.”

Balancing being a doula and running a charity is no small feat.

“Between seeing my clients, preparing gift packs, conducting classes, supporting breastfeeding moms, and volunteering, I sometimes just need to stop and breathe.

“My husband’s support is crucial to my ability to juggle these responsibilities.”

Hanna’s advice to aspiring doulas and charity founders is clear, “Ensure your aim is to help others. For those wanting to start a charity, do your homework and identify unique needs in your community.”

Among the many memorable birth stories Hanna has experienced, one stands out – a Muslim couple giving birth at Little Toes.

The father, a Maulana, recited verses from the Quran throughout the labour, bringing serenity and spirituality to the room.

“The connection between that couple and their faith was mesmerising,” she recalls.

For self-care, Hanna relies on her husband’s support and the occasional getaway to the bush, which helps her recharge.

Looking to the future, Hanna hopes Love and Dignity will always be able to provide for mothers at the Far East Rand Hospital.

Her dream for Little Toes is to offer each family a birth experience that is truly “Your Birth, Your Choice”.
Hanna thanks all who support her work.

“Thank you to everyone who donates to charities like mine. Seeing the joy of a new mother when you gift her baby clothing and blankets is incomparable,” she says.

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About Hanna
Hanna’s professional journey includes working as one of the first call centre agents for FNB in 1993, later moving to the IT department.

She then worked for an IT company specialising in business analysis and systems installations.

A severe car accident led her to leave the corporate world and dedicate her life to helping others as a doula and charity founder.

“I saw it as a wake-up call from the universe, signalling that I was on the wrong path.

“This prompted me to leave the corporate world entirely and shift my focus outward towards understanding the needs of others and finding ways to assist them,” says Hanna.

Hanna recommends searching for training programmes through WOMBS or the South African Doula Association for those inspired by her story and interested in becoming a doula.

For more information or to support Hanna’s initiatives, call 076 929 5152.

Also Read: Alternative birthing methods for expecting moms