This is a series highlighting folks who identify as Radical Doulas. Are you interested in being part of the series? Go here to provide your responses to the profile questions and I’ll include you!
About Liz Jones: I am a labor and postpartum doula and certified lactation counselor located in Baltimore, MD. I am also the founder of the community doula collective, Wildcat Birth. As a collective, we work to provide doula care to the whole community by offering our services on a sliding scale and providing volunteer services to birthing parents with significant barriers to care. I can be contacted at liz@wildcatbirth.com or www.wildcatbirth.com.
What inspired you to become a doula?
I was inspired to become a doula by the birth of my son and an abortion I had two years later. I had always felt passionate about reproductive justice, but these experiences really opened my eyes to the need for support across the spectrum of pregnancy. I am continually shocked by the stigma pregnant people face through a wide range of choices and experiences and want to do something about it.
Why do you identify with the term radical doula?
I identify with the term radical doula because my work is firmly grounded in my ideals of social and reproductive justice. I am fiercely pro-choice and work hard to make my services available to everyone, regardless of funds. I believe in growing communities not profits, and believe that this work is both sustainable and important.
What is your favorite thing about being a doula?
My favorite part about being a doula is holding space for birthing parents and helping them recognize their strength in trying times. I love being another person in a birthing parent’s corner, because I believe that you can never have too much support.
Radical Doula 