Miriam Zoila Perez

A very quick read--both because it's quite brief and because of its accessible, friendly, but still thoughtful tone--The Radical Doula Guide would be an important supplement to any doula training. The length of this guide means it doesn't achieve much depth, but--as Perez establishes clearly--its aim is to raise questions and put a thought process into motion.

The takeaway is that doulas should be aware of and educated about the inequalities and histories that affect pregnant/birthing show more individuals: race, nationality and citizenship, dis/ability, sexuality, gender, and so forth. Perez also introduces the idea of "full-spectrum" doula work, which encompasses abortion and miscarriage support as well as birth support. Even a person who would not choose to attend an abortion procedure would do well to think compassionately about the full range of pregnancy outcomes and be prepared for the reality that not every client's pregnancy ends in birth. show less