What’s in your doula kit?
So this is a question I get asked a LOT!
And the answer does vary from time to time depending on what kind of births I’ve been attending and what new and wonderful things I’ve found useful in supporting people.
The first thing that I probably use the most is a birth pool, liner,
There’s a doula for everyone
“If doulas were a drug it would be unethical not to use it” (Dr John Kenell)
I strongly believe this to be true! But what does this mean for those who’s finances don’t afford them a doula? And who do we make birth work pay in a patriarchal capitalist society that necessitates us charging “our worth” and yet devalues our “women’s work”?
I was recently chatting with one of The Original Birth Connection Birth Worker Training Programme trainees about this and I thought it would be useful to others to share some thoughts.
Whilst in ancient history doulas were in effect slaves without income, modern doulas, or birth workers, aim to make a living supporting birthing women and people, in order to support themselves and their families.
