The Herbal Doula: Plant Medicine for Fertility, Community Care, and Birthwork

A modern, inclusive guide to plant-based reproductive medicine: herbal remedies and collective care for conception, pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and beyond

30+ herbal protocols and preparations for morning sickness, fertility, and postpartum healing

Herbal medicines are effective for a host of pregnancy and birth-related concerns. From nausea and mastitis to c-section wounds and fertility assistance, all-natural remedies can be used safely and effectively—and can even amplify the positive outcomes of conventional reproductive medicine treatments. Yet many women and birthing people don’t know where to start, or how to find reliable information that’s vetted, trustworthy, and—most importantly—safe for their fertility, babies, and babies-to-be.

The Herbal Doula demystifies herbal reproductive care, offering open and expert guidance in being your own budding fertility, conception, and pregnancy doula—or supplementing your existing care plan with your midwife, doula, or physician. Practical chapters explore:
• Herbs for fertility, infertility, and inclusive conception
• Herbal remedies for common pregnancy side effects like nausea, heartburn, constipation, hemorrhoids, edema, UTIs, fatigue, and prenatal mood swings
• Miscarriage, abortion, and caring for yourself after pregnancy loss
• Herbs for the fourth trimester: perineal injuries, C-section wounds, breast care, and postpartum depression
• Herbal approaches to breastfeeding and chestfeeding: increasing and decreasing milk supply, plugged ducts, and mastitis
• How, when, and when not to use herbs while pregnant and breastfeeding
• How to source, store, and use herbs safely
• Care and herbal medicine for doulas and birthworkers
• A doula’s essential materia medica

While many traditional herbals rely on outdated gender norms, classist assumptions, or problematic standards of care, The Herbal Doula is written for readers of all genders and body types, approaching herbal care with a HAES (health at every size) lens. It celebrates herbal pregnancy and birth work as collective care, recognizing chosen family, disability dignity, and the importance of daily practice in a guide you’ll return to again and again throughout any and all stages of your journey.