Plant Medicine for Fertility, Community Care, and Birthwork–An Inclusive Guide from Contraception to Postpartum”
By Marie White
North Atlantic Books, 2024
240 pages, paperback, $19.95
Marie White’s “The Herbal Doula” is a comprehensive and inclusive guide that delves into the use of herbal medicine throughout the reproductive journey, encompassing fertility, conception, pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and beyond. White approaches herbal care with a Health at Every Size (HAES) perspective, while also acknowledging anyone with a uterus can become pregnant, and explains how she uses different terms for pregnant people throughout the book, ensuring the content is relevant and respectful to readers of all body types.
A whole chapter of the book is dedicated to herbal basics, making this a great guide for anyone who works in the birth world that may be less familiar with herbal medicine or for someone interested in gaining more knowledge to support themself through a fertility or pregnancy journey. For the seasoned herbal practitioner, this chapter serves as a great review of some basics, such as how to source or store herbs; it then goes on to talk specifically about some essentials for the doula’s apothecary.
The main section of the book is thoughtfully structured to address various stages of the reproductive process from fertility and conception to postpartum. Each section has well written and informative suggestions for each stage of the process. White addresses the diverse experiences birthing people may have and not only suggests herbs but lifestyle actions as well. Readers will see some herbs repeated in different chapters but will learn new information each time they are presented and how to apply them to various situations. There is a chapter dedicated to miscarriage and abortion that is written with care and sensitivity to the topic as well. The postpartum section carries the reader through after birth care with a nice recipe for lactation cookies, among other recipes, and some remedies to support new babies.
A wonderful addition to this book is the chapter addressing “caring for yourself as a doula.” Working on-call and having irregular eating times as a result are discussed, and herbs to support stress and sleep are as well. The overall attention that is paid to giving care to the caretaker is an important take away.
“The Herbal Doula” is a compassionate and empowering resource that recognizes the diverse needs of people on a reproductive journey. The attention to inclusivity, practical knowledge, and self-care makes this book a valuable tool for both birth workers and individuals seeking natural support. It leaves readers feeling informed, inspired, and ready to integrate the wisdom of herbal medicine.
– Denise DeSpirito, Of the Spirit Herbals
This review was originally published in the spring 2025 issue of The Maine Organic Farmer & Gardener. Browse the archives for free content on organic agriculture and sustainable living practices.
