For years I felt like I was doing something rare and special, because I became a doula in 1995 before almost anyone, including me, knew or used that word to describe birth and postpartum support. As doula popularity grew, and some doulas started scrambling to set themselves apart, I simply became one of many.
After years of pioneering and over-working and over-committing, I often joke that these days I aspire to be average, meaning, I do my work in a balanced way, and it resonates with some people and not with others. I'm no longer out to save anyone... It takes a lot of ego to think that we can save others. As doulas and as humans, we can do good work, offer support and advocacy and education, and all the other beautiful things we have to give, and not put ourselves at the center of it.Β Putting ourselves at the center, especially in advocacy work, often drowns out the voices of the very people we think we are advocating for, and it's a tricky line to walk. Let's walk it in love and mutual respect. π€
#average #recoveringworkaholic #doula #doulatrainer #goodenough #balance #advocacy #love #support
YES. Black Mothers DO breastfeed, and white saviorism IS happening in the birth & postpartum world. Check yourself. Educate yourself. π€
#Repost @mothermother_doula
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A tiny part in an important campaign.
Go and follow @_marslord, follow @rachel.cargle, follow @nowhitesaviors ...and, if you're white, consider not using your voice unless it is totally appropriate to do so. And then check again β€οΈ that feeling of discomfort is good - it's the starting point and it gets better the more we listen.
I chose this picture because it is ok to be angry when things are not ok. And there is plenty for us to be angry about.
#blackwomenbreastfeedtoo
#Repost @blackmomsbreastfeed
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#blackmomsbreastfeed #blackwomenbreastfeedtoo #breastfeeding #breastmilk #breastfeedingisbeautiful #normalizebreastfeeding #blackgirlsrock #mothersinprotest #takebackpostpartum #birthwithoutfear #breastfeedwithoutfear #breastisbest #curlbox #naturalhair #berrycurly #naturalhairdaily #naturalhairdaily #kinkychicks #trialsntresses #myhaircrush #naturalhairdoescare #naturalhair #blackgirlmagic #blackbreastfeedingweek
