The term "doula"--used to describe someone occupying a position somewhere between midwife, friend and birth coach--is becoming better known as people recognize the benefits of having unconditional support during labor. But what about those who can't afford to pay for a doula's services? What about pregnancies that don't culminate in a natural birth, but in abortion, miscarriage or stillbirth? What about births resulting in adoption? The Doulas: Radical Care for Pregnant People documents the work of the Doula Project, founded by authors Mary Mahoney and Lauren Mitchell, which connects underserved clients with what they term "full-spectrum doulas." Mahoney and Mitchell envision a "holistic service and advocacy model that challenges stigmatized, artificial divisions among pregnancy outcomes," aiming to provide support and advocacy for all pregnant people, particularly those with fewer resources and women of color.
The Doulas presents with candor the many experiences and emotions navigated by volunteer doulas and their clients. Individual narratives appear alongside chapters geared toward aspiring full-spectrum doulas, who will find valuable guidance about working with clients, moving from activism to direct care, avoiding burnout and building a new doula organization.
The work of a full-spectrum doula comes with its fair share of political tension, and the stories collected here are moving, personal and informative. Activists and healthcare professionals will gain particular perspective. The Doulas addresses the healing nature of face-to-face connection and the benefits of having additional support to help deal with the emotionally and physically challenging experience of pregnancy. --Richael Best, bookseller, Elliott Bay Book Company, Seattle, Wash.