Adela Stockton

"In this fascinating book we see how the help that doulas offer is not really a matter of 'training', but of personality, and that everything depends on the quality of human relationships. It is an excellent introduction for anyone considering becoming a doula and basis for preparation and reflection on good practice."

 

Sheila Kitzinger, founder of Birth Companions, author of Birth Crisis

"...an excellent look at the “politics” of the doula movement and the professionalization and motivations of such, as well as at the role and purpose of the doula in women’s lives."

 

Molly Remer, http://talkbirth.wordpress.com

"...provides a thoughtful, enlightening analysis of the fast-growing worldwide phenomenon called the doula, who may represent the most significant positive influence in re-humanizing childbirth. Adela Stockton traces the organic growth of the international doula movement - a grassroots reaction against maternity care that devalues the mother’s emotional and spiritual experience and harms women...This book should be read by anyone who is connected with childbirth in a personal or professional way."

 

Penny Simkin, co-founder of DONA International, author of The Birth Partner: A Complete Guide to Childbirth for Dads, Doulas, and All Other Labor Companions

 

Brilliant book, read it in a day and found it very difficult to put down despite a hungry baby daughter yelling at me! Has convinced me even further that I want to become a doula and is packed full of information and wisdom. I feel all warm and glowy having read it, a great book, would highly recommend.

Mother (AOC), via Amazon reviews

"This is the doula book that I have been waiting for, for over a decade: essential reading for everyone wanting to know about, or become a doula, (and with) clear tribute to all the many midwives across the world who provide outstanding care. I hope that Gentle Birth Companions opens doors for doulas, so that they can respectfully work alongside maternity carers in providing wholesome support for women and their families during the childbirth year."

Vida Rye, founding member of Doula UK

"Thank you Adela for a lively historical journey through the new and yet ageless doula movement; a beautiful, subtle and accurate description of what a doula is really about. This book is a must for all would-be doulas and for future parents seeking that special ‘tender loving support’ around childbirth that is desperately missing nowadays."

 

Valérie Dupin, Co-Présidente de l'Association Doulas de France

"...a very welcome addition to current birth literature. Adela chronicles the history and evolution of the modern doula, bringing much needed clarity to the role of the doula for health professionals and parents. With the thoughtful observations and inspiration for doulas everywhere, Doula UK is delighted to be associated with Gentle Birth Companions."

 

Bridget Baker, ex Co-Chair of Doula UK 

"Adela Stockton engages the reader with this thoughtful, accessible, and well-researched account of the doula movement: its evolution, its current form, and its possible future role in birth care provision. A book like this is long overdue, and should be required reading for anyone interested in supporting women during the childbearing year."

 

Leah Hazard, ex-doula, student midwife and author of The Father's Home Birth Handbook

"...an exemplary exploration of how women have provided empathetic support for each other during birth since the beginning of time. I am overjoyed at the author’s loving, thorough and inclusive (yes doulas support fathers too) treatment of the subject matter. She establishes doulas’ historical and cultural context, their local and global significance and the modern implications of their vocation. This is a warm, engaging and comprehensive book in which parents and birthcare professionals alike can find support.’"

 

Patrick M. Houser, author of Fathers-To-Be Handbook, director FathersToBe.org

"I attended a beautiful, challenging and wonderfully successful VBAC today. I took Gentle Birth Companions with me, as I had a feeling reading in the corner was going to be my role in the early stages. It was, and although I had read the book once already, to read it cover to cover in this sacred space was exactly what was needed. Thank you for this much needed, simple journey into the emerging role of the doula. It helps also for me to explore in myself where we are in Holland as doulas, and where we want to go."

 

Jennifer Walker, experienced doula, Amsterdam