To celebrate International Women’s Day 2011, today we’re looking back at last December’s TEDxAmsterdamWomenwith a series of articles and videos.
In the Netherlands 30% of births are planned home births. being or going to a midwife is quite a common procedure. As a trained midwife Diana Koster realized that her role should be more then providing the solutions for the practical elements of baby delivery and furthered her education to become a life coach. and even furthered by specializing as a woman’s coach – helping women deal with their pregnancy and motherhood.
10% of pregnant women are clinically depressed – thats 20,000 women in the Netherlands alone. Right now. Suicide being the main cause of death for post natal mothers.
Diana believes that there needs to be a widespread support system for pregnant women so they can get more emotional and psychological support during the pregnancy (and straight after delivery) in order to improve their emotional balance, as well as prevent stress/depression related medical complications. Creating a smoother process for the mother and baby, during and after the birth.
As social structures change and shared communal knowledge and support systems disperse pregnant the role of the professional and medical team is more important then ever. Midwifes, psychologists, gynecologists and doctors should start listening and supporting pregnant woman in order to help them get a better psychological balance as well as to prepare them better for motherhood.
Research shows that 4-5 support meetings have the same success in reducing depression as medication – without the side effects, dependency or medical complications.
As the waiting list for her services gets longer and longer, Diana is urging for a rapid, efficient solution and support. After all its only a 9 month window of opportunity.
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