The following was, more or less, a speech I gave at the 2014 Doula UK conference. I am passionate about breastfeeding and the ways in which doulas fit into the breastfeeding support landscape. I'd like to take you on a little tour of some of the social attitudes to breastfeeding that interest me Continue Reading
Because…by Maddie McMahon
Because birth isn’t like extracting a rotten tooth. Chemically, emotionally, it’s more like making love. Because when babies are born in fear and trauma, mothers are broken. Because women need to be treated with respect and love and be given choices. Because black mothers are more likely to die Continue Reading
Feminism and Birth, By Evony Lynch of Mamacafe
There’s a movement happening. #feministbirth. Birthworkers across the UK are joining forces to declare their feminism and what it means to them in their work with women. But what does it mean? Feminist come in all shapes and sizes and this one loves everyone – menincluded. I have two fab sons who Continue Reading
‘It’s not RAPE rape’, By Amity Reed
A flurry of reports on birth rape have prompted a backlash against women who use the term to describe their assault experiences. Amity Reed responds Amity Reed, 30 September 2010 Birth rape is not rape because: the intent was not likely malicious; you solicited the services of the midwife or doctor Continue Reading
Not a happy birthday
Threatened, intimidated, bullied, violated: this is hospital birth as many mothers experience it. Amity Reed reports on the little-recognised crime of birth rape Amity Reed, March 2008 When Lynsey* went into hospital to have her baby, she expected to leave a mother. After many hours of difficult Continue Reading
A Woman’s Wish List, by The Noble Savage
The first of a few articles by the wonderful Noble Savage, ex-Doula, Student Midwife and all round good egg. Give women absolute rights over their bodies and reproductive choices. This means allowing women as young as 25 to be sterilised if they do not wish to have children; granting Continue Reading
Feminist Birth and Motherhood Musings
We identify as feminist birthworkers. The posts on this website in the catagory, 'Feminism' are written by doulas, midwives and other birthworkers about feminist issues in general and specifically about how sexual politics intersects with our work with new parents. We have a facebook discussion Continue Reading