About the Author

Angela Castañeda is Associate Professor of Anthropology at DePauw University. Her research in Brazil, Mexico, and the U.S. explores questions on religion, ritual, expressive culture and most recently, the cultural politics of reproduction, birth and motherhood. In addition to her work as a practicing birth and postpartum doula, she also volunteers as a Spanish childbirth educator in Bloomington, Indiana, where she lives with her family.

strong>Julie Johnson Searcy is finishing her PhD in Anthropology and Communication and Culture at Indiana University. Her dissertation research in South Africa examines the space where reproduction, disease and technology intersect as women navigate pregnancy, birth and high rates of HIV/AIDS infection. Interested in issues of gender, reproduction and performance, she also works as a doula and childbirth educator.

Reviews

?Doulas and Intimate Labour: Boundaries, Bodies and Birth is a comprehensive compendium of scholarly contributions from a diverse group of doulas, researchers and midwives. This book provides insight, clarification, direction, and considerations, for present and future growth of the doula model of care. This model of care has been, and will continue to be, a powerful conduit for changes in childbirth, and maternity support and care. Highly recommended for required reading in nursing courses, women's studies, doula programs, and midwifery training. An outstanding contribution to the literature!? ?Susan K. Grabia, Faculty Associate, UoW, School of Nursing, Madison, WI This is a brilliant book which any midwife or student midwife would learn from and enjoy reading. It is ironic that it is not written for midwives but for doulas. This is partly because it comes from Canada where midwives are few but also because it addresses the intimate care which is transformative but which is steadily being squeezed out of midwifery by mounting bureaucracy and technology. It is an acknowledgement of the need for such care that the book was funded by the government of Canada. The value of continuity of carer and the importance of relationships and ?relational work? underpin all the chapters. Relationships with mothers, the community and with institutions are examined together with relationships between those working around birth. All the chapters focus on the individual mother's journey and how she can be ?empowered not overpowered?. The needs of vulnerable groups, such as relinquishing mothers and prisoners, are addressed with respect. The facilitation of transformation and grief are also are examined. The caregiver's own experience is explored and the development of ?expertise of the self? as in dealing with our own ?birth baggage?, so we are free to hold safe space for mothers. There is a perceptive chapter on ?story-centred care? and the need for ?wise witnesses? and ?narrative humility?. The final chapters focus on the positive potential for change within truly woman centred care, an aim which unites midwives and doulas. ?Mavis Kirkham