The Herbal Doula

The Herbal Doula by Marie White explores herbal medicine benefits for fertility, pregnancy, postpartum, and children's health. It is designed to be a reference manual for those interested in combining herbal medicine with reproductive wellness. Each chapter is organized according to a specific stage in the reproductive process, and herbs are tailored to that stage.

This book contains the following chapters:

Foundations of Doula Herbalism

Herbal Basics

Fertility and Conception

Miscarriage and Abortion

Pregnancy and Birth

Postpartum (Fourth Trimester)

Breastfeeding

Baby and Child Care

Herbal Medicine for Doulas and Birthworkers

Doula Herbalism Materia Medica

Doula Herbalism Recipes

There was a lot of valuable information in The Herbal Doula. The things mentioned in this book would have helped me years ago if I had known them then as I have six children of my own.

It's really nice that the author extends the discussion beyond just postpartum to include advice for babies and children.

The recipes are such a helpful addition to the extensive lists of herbs throughout the book. The recipes found in this chapter are:

• Herbal Bliss Balls

• Lactation Cookies

• Calendula Oil

• Herbal Salve

• Fennel Glyecerite

• Elderberry Syrup

Herb lists throughout each chapter demonstrate the author's dedication to research. Herbs are discussed according to their origin, personal experience, and how they benefit specific stages.

I have multiple issues with the book as a whole. It is extremely disappointing that something so beautiful as pregnancy and childbirth is marred by those who cannot accept that God gifted women and only women the ability to conceive, carry, and give birth to babies. She discusses chestfeeding. Chestfeeding cannot be done, only breastfeeding can.

The author states, "The Herbal Doula is meant as a guide and helpful reference for all people, but it is not specifically or uniquely focused on the queer, trans, or gender nonbinary experience. Some pregnant and birthing people are indeed women, and many doulas identify as women too."

Due to the fact that only women are capable of carrying and nurturing babies through birth, I take issue with the above quote.

Due to my anti-abortion stance, I found the abortion section disturbing.

"With abortion, it is assumed that the pregnancy ending is the goal, and ffor that reason, abortions can be a positive experience for some people and in some circumstances. A completed abortion can leave people joyful and content. After all, abortion is a normal health care procedure that supports people to be healthy and well."

Abortion doula Hannah Matthews says, "Abortion can be a powerful act of love –– for one's self and one's own future, for one's existing children and family."

Some of these positions were hard to ignore. I felt compelled to discuss my negative takeaways from the book since I cannot support its views due to my personal morals and values. I realize that not everyone will agree with me on this, but I wanted my readers to know that I do not support or agree with everything said.

Disclaimer - I received this book in exchange for my honest thoughts. 
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