This is a series highlighting folks who identify as Radical Doulas. Are you interested in being part of the series? Email me.
Sarah Hawkins is a proud feminist and birth doula. She received her training through Natural Resources in San Francisco, California by a local midwife. She is familiar and deeply interested in meditation and homeopathy as resources for pain relief. Sarah has volunteered at hospitals as a birth doula and offers low-cost services to her community. Sarah’s website is www.homegrownheartsbirth.com.
What inspired you to become a doula?
I became inspired to become a doula when I realized how women are treated in the US’s medical care system. There are so many times when having a gynecological appointment that I wished another person was there to provide me strength, comfort and knowledge. I can now provide that for expected mothers in their most life-changing time.
Why do you identify with the term radical doula?
I identify with the term “radical doula” because I see every doula as doing something radical. Each and every doula is changing the approach to birthing by being present, passionate, and knowledgeable.
What is your doula philosophy and how does it fit into your broader political beliefs?
My doula philosophy is that every birth is spiritual and a celebration. No matter the plans that go astray or the special circumstances that arise, a baby is still coming into this world and that is the joyest of occasions.
What is your favorite thing about being a doula?
My favorite thing about being a doula (aside from just being apart of a beautiful birth!) is helping a person realize their inner strength and that they are capable of birthing.
If you could change one thing about birth, what would it be?
I would change the stigma that birth is a medical event. Birth is natural process that our bodies were built to handle and that it is “pain with a purpose”.
Radical Doula 