Ep.003 Birth In The Matrix, Birth Culture & White Supremacy
Olivyah Bowens is the conscious doula behind Her Holistic Path. Together we take a critical look at todays birth culture, and dive into white supremacy in birth, and how the origins of gynecology and obstetrics are still affecting the way women birth today. We also talk about the troubling things happening in the doula profession, and how women can prepare for birthing on their terms. This is a must-listen for anyone interested in birth, and particularly for birth workers ready to advocate for truly woman-centered birth.
A radical look at today's birth culture
Supporting women across all seasons of womanhood is at the heart of my own work, and that includes pregnancy and birth. But with the state of obstetrics, midwifery, and even the doula profession becoming so regulated and medicalized, I often find it tricky to open a conversation that is built on participating in a system that I feel is fundamentally disrespectful to women.
That’s why I love this conversation with Olivyah Bowens, a holistic doula, birth educator, and birth photographer, with her eyes wide open to the mistreatment of pregnant and birthing mothers. She is actively doing her part in supporting women to create a new paradigm of respectful, woman-centered care.
This is a longer episode to go with the big topic of birth. We talk about the complex and layered terrain of navigating choices in birth, Olivyah’s birth journeys, and how she became a doula. We also uncover how white supremacy caused the fear of home birth, where the idea that “birth is dangerous” comes from, and how doula regulation is damaging women’s sovereignty in birth. Finally we also touch the amazing hormones that keep birth safe when undisturbed, and how the trap of trying to control birth, often ultimately harms ‘motherbaby’ (a term reflecting the concept that mother and infant are not two separate people, but an interrelated dyad). It’s a great listen for anyone ready to think critically about our current birth culture.
Resources & Links
Connect with Olivyah: herholisticpath.com | Instagram: @herholisticpath | Patreon: Her Holistic Path
Listen to Olivyah’s new podcast: Her Holistic Path
The racist roots of gynecology: James Marion Sims (January 25, 1813 – November 13, 1883) was an American physician and a pioneer in the field of surgery, both known as the “father of modern gynecology” and as a controversial figure for the unethical approach to developing his techniques.
The pathologization of childbirth: Joseph Bolivar DeLee (October 28, 1869 – April 2, 1942) was an American physician who became known as the “father of modern obstetrics”. He spread his argument that childbirth is inherently dangerous and pregnant women need to be saved by doctors. A belief that still permeates today’s birthing culture. Read more here.
The hormonal blueprint of natural childbirth: Dr. Sarah Buckley has written extensively on the hormonal physiology of childbirth. Download + learn more here.
 Birth In The Matrix, Birth Culture & White Supremacy with Olivyah Bowens){kind=link}
Kaya
I love this conversation! I really love how you get around the issue of organizing doulas, and making their work regulated. We are in a time where you can do an online course that’ll get you certified as being qualified to support women as a doula (amongst almost any other things in the world), with almost no requirements besides money, and at the same time, so many women with no education or certifications have the heart and experience to give that support. Regulation comes from an organisation or institution, and I fear it being more of a check-list certification with profitable benefits to some, than a service to provide birthing women with more safety.
Personally, I believe it’s all about empowering the woman to trust and listen to her own inner wisdom. Prior, during, and after birth – and life in general, as a doula, friend, midwife, doctor, neighbor or whatever. Regulations and institutionalization do in my perspective create a lot of fear and moves the authority and responsibility outside the birthing woman, even though I do also understand the comfort in trusting an organization or institution instead of diving into everything yourself, even though I don’t see it as a solution for myself.
This is what was ignited in me from your conversation, besides just enjoying both your passionate beings 🙂 there’s so much to unfold and it’s such an important conversation to have. Hot topics indeed! Thank you both <3
Indigomoon
Thank you for listening and commenting Kaya! It’s so nice to hear what it ignited in you. I’m with you, and it makes me think how interesting it is what we put into the meaning of being “qualified” – trainings can lead to amazing growth, but they also often serve as a check-list certification as you say – which doesn’t mean much. xo Indigomoon
Kenya
This conversation was everything! As a WombMan who supports other WombMen in the journey of birth, this is right on time. Birth is a divine act of creation not a medical condition and that frame of reference is important, especially when it comes to sovereignty as you both mentioned.
Though I understand the need for organization in the birthwork community, criminalization of birth outcomes is horrendous and incarceration of workers is reprehensible.
Thank you for bringing this first to enlighten the historical reference points for the distance between medical institutions and cultural/community birth workers. Those origins need to be discussed for us to navigate this divide successfully- for the sake of all life.
Can’t wait for the next episode.
Indigomoon
So glad you loved it Kenya! And so beautiful to share this conversation with birthkeepers like you! The origins are so important to understand and I love the way Olivyah shares it. Thank you for listening! xo Indigomoon