Ep 33 | The Politics of Presence: Why Doulas Make Some Providers Uncomfortable with HeHe Stewart
Description
Why do doulas sometimes make doctors and nurses uneasy? And what does their presence reveal about the way our medical system handles birth?
In this episode, we talk with HeHe Stewart, founder of The Birth Lounge and a doula with more than 10 years of experience. She shares about the politics of presence to explore why doulas sometimes make providers uncomfortable and why their role matters more than ever.
Inside this episode, you’ll learn:
What doulas really do (beyond the stereotype of “crunchy” home births)
How doulas protect informed consent and help families navigate hospital policies
Real-life examples of doula advocacy during cervical checks, inductions, and C-sections
Why some providers push back against doulas, and how true collaboration improves outcomes
Smart questions to ask when interviewing a doula for your own birth plan
Whether you’re a mom preparing for birth, a partner wanting to support better, or a provider curious about doula collaboration, this conversation sheds light on the advocacy in birth that every family deserves.
Because at the end of the day, informed consent isn’t just about what’s written on a chart. It’s about having the right people in the room, the right questions on your lips, and the courage to claim your role as the decision-maker for your body and your baby.
Well Considered Resources:
Read the free Motherhood Guide
Build your birth team from our Pro-Informed Consent Provider Directory
Follow on Instagram & X: @JustTheInserts
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