Being Born

The Doula’s Role by Jewel Hernandez - Illlustrations by R. Michael Mithuna Pages: 32 pages Size: Paperback, 8.5 X 6 inches ISBN: 978-1-935826-12-5 This children’s picture book with simple text and soft watercolors explains in friendly terms to kids and parents about the role of a doula – a healthcare professional who offers physical and emotional support to a pregnant woman and her family. Research confirms that the support of a doula throughout pregnancy optimizes a woman’s chances of having a healthier birth experience as well as a healthier newborn. This book celebrates birth – as a natural and whole-family experience. Both its text and images present the subject clearly, but in child-appropriate language. Its gentle advocacy of a doula’s role make Being Born an invaluable resource for childbirth educators to use with first pregnancies, teenage mothers, and with families for whom English is a second language. When read to younger siblings, this book will be a source of comfort to those who wonder about all the people involved when mom is “having a baby.” No other child-oriented picture-book covers the subject of doulas. BOOK REVIEW: "Using simple words and watercolor paintings, this book is aimed at teaching children about the role of the doula in birth. Through the paintings, it shows the universality of birth and, through the words, it describes how a doula might help a mom, before, during and after birth. A sweet book for educating older siblings about the doula, it is a good resource for birth providers to have available."  —Midwifery Today, Summer 2009