Hello witches, seekers, and friends! Thanks for tuning in to episode 34 of The Fat Feminist Witch Podcast, the show where we do a little ranting, raving, and wand-waving!
Today we’re talking about a profession and mission that’s common in witchy and pagan circles – midwifery, doulas, and birth work. Is Midwifery witchcraft? Why are there so many witchy and pagan doulas? When did that happen?
I’ll talk a bit about the history of the european witch trials and how many of those persecuted were accused of possessing the power to heal through natural remedies and … satanic witchcraft? How the rise of Doctors as a profession cost many women healers, and the women who depended on them, their lives and own rights to understand their bodies. Also how completely non-scientific and downright DISTURBING accepted medicine was at the time. ( soooooooo many laxatives and suppositories!)
I also share stories and experiences from other witchy parents, midwives, and doulas – including yours truly, a former doula.
I reference a BUNCH of great sources for you to continue your own research on this topic, including:
The Birth House by Ami McKay (and the #WitchyWednesday tag on twitter)
Witches Sluts Feminists by Kristen J. Solee
Witches, Midwives, and Nurses by Barbara Ehrenreich and Deirdre English
The Story of Jane by Laura Kaplan
Basic Witches by Jaya Saxena and Jess Zimmerman
The Wise Woman Herbal for the Childbearing Year by Susun Weed
Witches: A Century of Murder doc on Netflix (also the Pendle Witch Child on YouTube!)
Modern Marvels S06E16 “Physical Fitness”
I loved this episode, Paige! I’ve been at a roadblock of sorts, and hearing you talk about midwifery and doulas really made me interested in pursuing a career in birth work 🙂 listening to your podcast always makes my day so much better!
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