“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.