This episode continues the conversation between Montse Olmos, Mujer dela Tierra, Mayte Acolt, The Womb Doula, and Maggie identifying elements of cultural appropriation in the birth community and how we can respond to it, holding ourselves & the institutions we’re affiliated with accountable.
If you missed part 1, click here or head back one episode! The first part of our recording centers around their petition requesting removal of Rebozo training from doula workshops, and we discuss the response to that petition in this episode as well!
Montse Olmos & Mayte Acolt are Totonaca Indigenous birth companions and migrants in the United States. Mayte is a traditional Sobadora since age seven, taught by her grandmother. Montse was raised by her family elders who practiced herbal medicine, Sobadas and energetic healing. They host “What You Didn’t Know About the Rebozo” together and share about the history of the Rebozo from an Indigenous perspective, while connecting it to the work of anti-racism, Indigenous liberation and becoming an accomplice to historically oppressed communities.
Mayte and Montse began a movement in March 2021 to remove Rebozo birth techniques from Doula Training Organization in the U.S., as a result of the excessive and inappropriate use of this sacred textile amongst Doulas and Midwives. They conduct this work with genuine concern for the commercialization and dilution of the Rebozo and propose that extensive mentorship and hands-on learning from expert Elders is necessary in order to practice Rebozo body-work in an ethical way.
You can follow them on IG: Montse is found at mujer dela tierra & Mayte is at maytethewombdoula.
Cultural appropriation continues in birth because white supremacy has been fostered in the birth community.
Join us as we discuss:
~white saviorism in birthwork
~accountability in community…calling in & calling out
~birthwork as a political act
~examining our positionality as birthworkers
If after these interviews you are left wanting to know more, and be in a community space to process and reflect, we cannot recommend highly enough Montse & Mayte’s ongoing knowledge shares, which are offered every few weeks and (scheduling is kept up to date through Montse’s linktree).
Mayte & Monte are leading two session of their incredible knowledge share centered around use of the Rebozo and the role of birthworkers in ceasing cultural appropriation over the next few weeks. You can find out more about the two options: starting 5/11, and starting 5/17.
Montse & Mayte will be launching a podcast soon! You can follow along for updates at their shared IG: comadres_indigenas
To deepen your understanding of allyship, being an accomplice, and holding yourself accountable to your community, here are a few resources:
~Lesson 1: Actor, Ally, Accomplice
~Moving from Ally to Accomplice
~Allies, Accomplices, & Saviors
Check out this episode’s full transcript or tune in wherever you enjoy podcasts.
We’d love to hear from you; join our community group to discuss!
Music from https://filmmusic.io
“Gonna Start” by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)
License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)