Imagine a world in which postpartum care is not seen as a luxury, but as a self-evident a necessity; where it is understood that the most valuable thing a new mother can do is feed, love, and bond with her baby, while other people take care of her; where the work of those who care for mothers and babies is valued as much as - or more than - a high income, high status career. 

Society has evolved in such a way that few people in the developed world can rely on the support of a network of extended family or friends to participate in the upbringing of their children in a regular, ongoing way. But if we want to have any chance of getting back to a world where mothers have time to rest and recover post-birth, allowing them to nourish and bond with their babies, and parents are supported in the critically important work of raising children with love and connection, then we have to start asking for, and offering, help.

With the excitement of a new baby, many people - often including the mother herself - forget that mom needs someone to make sure that her physical and emotional needs are met after the all-encompassing transition of birth.

When we support families, we strengthen communities. And when we prioritize emotional wellness, we help break cycles that have existed for generations.

My brother reached for my mother’s hand and then they walked up the driveway and then he let go of her hand. And she wrote in the story, “sometimes your children will hold your hand for perhaps the last time and you have to have enough common sense and grace to let them let go and then use that hand to wave them on.” That little quote of hers is such a gift for grievers too because we do also need that courage and grace to let go and wave them on. It's so hard. It's the hardest thing.

Doula care is often associated with low intervention, medication free, home births, and it’s true that parents who seek doula support are often those looking for a more “natural” birth. However, mothers who plan to give birth by cesarean section (c-section), whether for personal preference or medical necessity, can also greatly benefit from doula support before, during, and after birth. Here are some reasons why doula care can be highly valuable for c-section births.

For me, the path to becoming a birth worker is deeply intertwined with my own journey of healing, empowerment, and reclaiming sovereignty over my body and wellness.

The statistics for black and brown birthing people are terrible. In Tennessee black people are 69% more likely to die than white people. It’s heartbreaking and maddening and dire. I asked Kaila, “Why? What can we do?”

When Taja Iglesias, a young BIPOC girl with a Spanish last name, gave birth in southern Florida over a decade ago, she had no idea that her experience would inspire her to create a doula agency that would support families in the U.S. and beyond.

Doulas support all kinds of people and all kinds of births, without judgement. If every mother felt heard and supported in her birth, just imagine the potential impact on maternal physical and mental health worldwide.

Before my first baby was born I remember being home on maternity leave and feeling a bit lost, like I didn’t have a purpose…