In this episode, Part 4 of our ongoing Post Capitalist Parenting series, Robina Khalid joins us to talk about the process of birthing from the perspective of a midwife.

Robina is a mother of four, a writer, former academic, and activist. In this conversation, Robina shares with us the fascinating history of the field of obstetrics and its white supremacist, colonialist, and capitalist roots. We explore what midwifery is, the role it has traditionally played in society, and how capitalism's devaluing of this important health science and profession has negatively impacted the birthing experience in the contemporary world. Additionally, in this episode, Della shares about her recent birthing experience and Robina describes how we can simultaneously hold an appreciation for modern medicine while being critical of Western medicine under capitalism. Finally, Robina shares with us her vision of what post capitalist birthing could look and feel like and provides some invitations for everyone listening. 

Further resources:

• Small Things Grow Midwifery
• Small Things Growing (Substack)
• "Beyond too little, too late and too much, too soon: a pathway towards evidence-based, respectful maternity care worldwide," Lancet
• Mama Sana Vibrant Woman

Related episodes:

• Listen to our ongoing Post Capitalist Parenting series
• A Socialist Perspective on Abortion with Diana Moreno & Jenny Brown
• Decolonizing Medicine with Rupa Marya and Raj Patel
• Post Capitalism w/ Alnoor Ladha

Intermission music: "Labour of Love" by Carsie Blanton

Covert art: Palestine Poster Project, Naim 1975

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