Why more Nigerian women are embracing doula care — Osunlolu Abimbola

The practice of doula care is gaining significant traction among Nigerian women, driven by a growing awareness of maternal mental health and the desire for personalized childbirth experiences. Doulas provide crucial physical, emotional, and educational support throughout pregnancy, labor, and postpartum.

Osunlolu Abimbola, a certified labor and postpartum doula and wellness educator, highlights that expectant mothers are increasingly realizing that pregnancy is as much an emotional journey as it is a medical one. While acknowledging the indispensable role of hospitals in ensuring safe deliveries, Abimbola notes that many mothers seek continuous support from someone who can offer reassurance, answer questions, and help them prepare for life after childbirth.

"Women don’t just need medical care," Abimbola stated. "They also need someone who can support them emotionally, educate them, advocate for them where necessary and remind them that they are not alone." She emphasizes that motherhood should be viewed as a continuous process, not just an event limited to labor and delivery.

Abimbola's approach, through her organization A3 Botanical World, blends modern maternal care with indigenous wellness practices. She advocates for a holistic view where conventional medicine and traditional knowledge can complement each other. Her professional journey includes an apprenticeship in Medical Herbs and Research and obtaining international certification in childbirth support. She now uses both experiences to educate women on pregnancy, postpartum recovery, and holistic well-being.

Beyond consultations, Abimbola has cultivated a substantial digital presence, attracting over 300,000 followers across platforms like TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram. Through educational videos and wellness content, she addresses various aspects of motherhood and spiritual well-being, further expanding the reach of doula care and holistic health education in Nigeria.

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Women don’t just need medical care. They also need someone who can support them emotionally, educate them, advocate for them where necessary and remind them that they are not alone.