Doulas as Time Brokers: Biomedical and Reproductive Time in Birth Doula Narratives

Abstract

The birth doula movement highlights a fundamental conflict between biomedicine’s relationship with time and the uncertain processes of birth, demonstrating how speed at which interventions are offered and the timetables within which choices are made can interrupt and undermine patient autonomy, health, and safety. Drawing on 25 interviews with birth doulas in 2022–23, we present a theory of sociotemporal brokerage, arguing that doulas represent themselves as temporally attuned social brokers situated between hospitals and birthing people. We highlight various ways they claim to flow with the unpredictable rhythms of reproductive time and against harmful intrusions of biomedical time. In minimizing clocks and schedules and prioritizing emotions, informed consent, and relationships, doula narratives highlight the role the doula movement can play in humanizing reproductive care. We conclude by suggesting avenues for future research on reproductive justice and sociotemporal brokerage.