Episode 36: Empathy & Compassion in Birth Work

Empathy and compassion are two common foundational elements of birth work.

While not a required trait, many birth professionals will readily admit that they have a strong empathetic nature. Their ability to empathize with growing families and the struggles they may face is often what prompts them to explore a career in birth work. Their compassion for the struggles of growing families is what motivates them to take the next step.

Yet many birth workers often use the terms interchangeably.

But empathy and compassion are two distinct personality traits. One is passive, and the other is active. Empathy is inherently passive. Our connection with others allows us to come to an understanding of their feelings. It is the understanding or sharing of another person’s state of mind.  Compassion is active. Compassion compels us to take action. To relieve the suffering of another.

As birth worker, it is important that we understand how empathy may influence compassion. Equally important is the understanding of the potential downsides of empathy but especially compassion and how it can influence how we work with clients.

Birth work is one of the fields that tend to experience high burnout rates. Attrition rates for labor doulas average around 1-3 years. Compassion fatigue and vicarious trauma are two of the most prominent reasons that birth works leave the field. Birth workers are also subject to vicarious traumas that many are unprepared to process on their own.

Come join us as we discuss complex interplay and the influence and impact of empathy and compassion on birth workers.