Episode 33: The Myth of the Doula Sisterhood

Hang around doulas long enough and you’ll hear it. Those two words that seem so innocent and inviting, doula sisters (or doula sisterhood). But take a closer look and you’re likely to find that the notion of the doula sisterhood has a darker meaning and intent.

How can a sisterhood exist when doulas are actively being excluded?

Can a sisterhood exist when in 2020 doula forums and organizations exist that are rampant with white privilege, racism, and white tears? Is it acceptable for “doula sisters” to silence Black and BIPoC people’s voices? To delete posts, to shut off comments, to archive entire groups to shut down the conversation surrounding racism and doula work.

It isn’t sisterly when a sisterhood refuses to use inclusive language to include our Queer community as well. That doesn’t even touch on the vitriol that has existed for so many years towards men who dare to step into our profession.

Many of us have experienced the dark side of this sisterhood. Where your “sisters” seek to control your words, manipulate your emotions, and to silence your voice. It’s still happening today!

Come join us as we explore the idea of “sisterhood” and share why we believe it does not exist in the doula community. We share 5 tenants of sisterhood and tackle them one by one to explore exactly how the sisterhood is a mythical relationship between doulas that just doesn’t seem to exist in the community at large.

Are we ready to redefine the term to be inclusive? Or should we let it go and build something different from the ground up?