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Heart of the Doula: Essentials for Practice and Life

The heart of doulaing is the relationship between the laboring person, their intimate family, and the doula who serves them. Through her clear use of language and vivid metaphors, Gilliland’s writing lingers long after you’ve finished reading her words.

About Heart of the Doula

Available in three languages, Heart of the Doula delves into the nitty-gritty reality of birth doula work in North American hospitals and the personal price many doulas pay to fill this highly important and beneficial role in people’s lives.

In her triple roles as researcher, doula, and world class doula trainer, Gilliland’s insight is unparalleled. Anyone wanting to understand the complexity of the modern maternity care system and how to navigate the power structure in hospitals more effectively will gain from reading this book.

Empowering Doulas Everywhere

Throughout Heart of the Doula, Dr. Amy Gilliland outlines the true power in being a doula – to serve clients in a way that they are encouraged to become more empowered and authentic versions of themselves. Culling wisdom from over sixty birth doulas in Dr. Gilliland’s landmark research study, she promises to transform your relationship with clients and medical care providers alike.

A must for anyone doing empowerment work, especially with people frequently disempowered in our care system.

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Hear from Your Peers

Real Heart of the Doula Reviews

“Amy’s essays left me with a warm, tender, deep, and purposeful feeling – the kind of renewal every doula (and every human) needs once in a while...Her illustration of the complexity and variety of doula work is astounding, and she shows deep understanding of the way doula skills develop and complement existing supports.”

Molly Mendota, AdvCD/BDT(DONA), DONA International Birth Doula Trainer, Health Connect One Birth Equity Leadership Faculty

“This is a great book for student doulas, new doulas, and those already in the field that can help them understand some of the professional boundaries that they will encounter as we work to define what it really means to do our job...I would love to recommend this to my own students.”

Rachel Leavitt, RN, BSN, CD, New Beginnings Doula Trainings

“Im reading it with lots of smiles and nods and some tears, as your words speak the truth about this amazing calling/career/vocation. I'm so glad you've written this and I can't wait to add it to my Steps for Success for new doulas, and to recommend it as a keeper for their entire journey!”

Ana M. Hill, IBCLC, CLD, CLE, CCCE, Rocky Mountain Doula Training

“The Heart of a Doula should be a prerequisite for all doula training programs. Amy accurately captures the intricacies and nuances of what it means to be a doula and her insights will help the reader to not only be a better doula but a better human as well...It is a must read for new and seasoned doulas alike.”

Caity Ann Mehl, Columbus Birth & Parenting; Birth/Postpartum Doula Trainer (DONA International & ProDoula, retired)

“She has answered the questions the majority of new doulas have on their minds. This book can serve the purpose of an experienced mentor, helping doulas to think more critically and expansively about the nuances of this privileged role they are fulfilling, thereby bolstering their self-confidence...Most of all, I felt that I had just had a very in-depth conversation with a wise and trusted colleague.”

Sunday Tortelli, LCCE, AdvCD/BDT(DONA), DONA International Birth Doula Trainer

“Being a doula can in some ways be a lonely job...when we can, doulas gravitate towards each other to talk shop, compare notes, share what we have learned, and process the good, the bad, and the ugly about what we have experienced supporting others in labor...Amy embodies that cooperative spirit with this new work, a gift to the doula community.”

Julie Brill, IBCLC, CLD, CCCE, CAPPA Labor Doula Faculty, author of Round the Circle: Doulas Share Their Experiences