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Reviews
The Doulas: Radical Care for Pregnant People by Mary Mahoney, Loretta J. Ross, Lauren Mitchell
lizzycatslibrary's review against another edition
3.0
This was definitely an interesting read, but it starts to get repetitive about halfway through. Once I got towards the end I just wanted to be done with it.
tcjax's review against another edition
5.0
This book is amazing. A wonderful addition to any Doulas library; the stories help to connect with the work, as well as teach newer doulas (like myself) what a snapshot of the life we are choosing can look like.
The Doulas is powerful. Necessary. A must read for anyone who works in or has an interest in reproductive justice.
The Doulas is powerful. Necessary. A must read for anyone who works in or has an interest in reproductive justice.
hanatursic1's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
4.0
lmorrissey1's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.75
claudyne's review against another edition
5.0
This book is a realistic view of a doula's various roles. I have a newfound respect for doulas and the book is so well written!
katrinky's review against another edition
5.0
reviewing for the fall issue of bitch magazine! must-read for doulas especially. reminded me of the most valuable work of my life. Its call is clarion.
gaiusgallus's review against another edition
3.0
This book covers the history of The Doula Project, (based in NYC), and presents some stories and tips from the founders/doulas working in this field of care. I learned quite a bit about the shifting landscape in presenting pregnancy narratives, and really felt touched to read some of the stories in this book.
My mid range review comes from 2 places: gender ideology and the centering on doulas with little outside perspectives.
The authors note that their services cater to people of various gender identities and say they have shifted to using "pregnant people" as a term instead of "woman", but the book barely addresses this. In the final chapters, it explicitly states *women* are at the center of their care work. It's obviously not done maliciously but it did create a dissonance while reading.
Obviously this is a book about doulas, but I guess I hoped to hear more from the people they worked with, that being either their clients or the medical providers at the clinics they were practicing in. This is more of a personal gripe, I just felt I was getting a limited and tailored version of stories.
My long (for me) review is just a reflection of my complicated but mostly positive feelings towards this book. It was a fascinating read that brought the realities of reproductive care closer to my mind than they'd ever been before. I would recommend it to anyone who has an interest in reproductive rights or activist care work in general!
My mid range review comes from 2 places: gender ideology and the centering on doulas with little outside perspectives.
The authors note that their services cater to people of various gender identities and say they have shifted to using "pregnant people" as a term instead of "woman", but the book barely addresses this. In the final chapters, it explicitly states *women* are at the center of their care work. It's obviously not done maliciously but it did create a dissonance while reading.
Obviously this is a book about doulas, but I guess I hoped to hear more from the people they worked with, that being either their clients or the medical providers at the clinics they were practicing in. This is more of a personal gripe, I just felt I was getting a limited and tailored version of stories.
My long (for me) review is just a reflection of my complicated but mostly positive feelings towards this book. It was a fascinating read that brought the realities of reproductive care closer to my mind than they'd ever been before. I would recommend it to anyone who has an interest in reproductive rights or activist care work in general!
masch212's review against another edition
5.0
Such a heartfelt, moving description of creating a collective of full-spectrum doulas. I loved the individual stories of accompaniment, setting boundaries, challenges, growth as a group, differing visions of how the work can be done. So much respect for these folks!
mzjai117's review against another edition
4.0
When I found out this book would be available late this year I wanted to rush out and buy it. Then it was discussed in a full spectrum group that I participate in as well. I really wanted to read it because I'm an aspiring full spectrum doula. It discusses providing care for people during an abortion, adoption and birth. It also gives advice for doulas in particular related to business, organizing and how to practice self care ultimately. Reading the book helped me to deal with my feelings that I have as a new doula and starting out. I don't feel alone in my struggles.
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