---
title: "DIY Doula: Self-Care Before, During and After Your Abortion"
date: 2018-08-22T03:00:00-04:00
author: OBOS Admin
canonical_url: "https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/diy-doula-self-care-before-during-and-after-your-abortion"
section: Resources
---
[Donate](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/donate)

[Health & Sexuality Info](/health-info)# DIY Doula: Self-Care Before, During and After Your Abortion

This zine aims to be a “long-distance doula” to help anyone seeking an abortion. It debunks myths about abortion, provides information on how to prepare for an abortion, lists questions to ask your provider, details practices that can aid the healing process, and more.

> The Doula Project is changing the culture and conversation around information and choice: everyone should be trusted to make the decisions right for their body or pregnancy. That’s why we created DIY Doula, a ‘zine all about self-care and agency – two things we all need. Our goal for this 48-page Zine is to be 'long-distance doulas' to our readers who might not have access to a doula in their communities.

[View the site ](http://www.diydoula.org/)

SOURCE: The Doula Project

![DIY Doula- Self-Care Before, During and After Your Abortion](data:image/png;base64,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) Ivan Samkov/Pexels

![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)Topics

- [ abortion](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/subject-area/abortion)
- [ access to abortion](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/themes/access-to-abortion)
- [doula](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/doulas)
- [self-advocacy](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/self-advocacy)
- [self-care](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/self-care)
- [support](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/support)

![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)### *Why You Can* **Trust Us** 

- We rigorously evaluate all content
- We embrace a reproductive justice framework
- We don’t accept ads or sell products
- We reject funding from the pharmaceutical industry
- We counter misinformation and disinformation
- We address the social, political, and economic factors that affect health and sexuality

[read more](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/why-you-can-trust-us)

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##### More to Explore

[ResourcesRead

## 35 Self-Care Tips for Black Women

A collection of self-care tips for Black women

![Brandy kennedy 7 P1mau71k JA unsplash scaled jpg](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACAAAAAgCAIAAAD8GO2jAAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAD0UlEQVRIiV1WW5LDNgwDQDpX7hk6vfIa6Acl2YnGs+skNsAnSP7z738AEBBg5iIBgQRFSZSkKpVUUs9NSVJJkkiRBNcrLzQAwjn5vsvPt/l9jHgf/jy3H+svwAAJQiTZj+V1fhC5cF+3yGNJAKDnHxMEWQRB4FBkyAwNCQ1HcHBJkHyBP9AJAmQ8OD4EcBIw4eBQ8xvJWOc1AOTDwB2hAx2PvStEj/mxuTgAIDRSQEQmThSEwJg9Z30CN0Qw6E6CfqKdxIYTG3eYBBAFBSiTKsVPiHmOiKkZLpiBGid6g+9s2rlv3KbDIBRKBEzZrngcP9DU8mIiMeCxczv2EAzvYp3f8HfDZhASKQKWclde6FqXNn4CTg4dj6Fx+iR/e+bcd/5u3PcicETGd2Ik3DmgRA0+J/PhLmvHvn0ICBor9bF9377/8Gc6IZlYchv2qahjviSSSAzQnHj7nPvu04OZIDp2fBt/f3BAGnDdsacJuCN0zgSZdE6rLTvv3HeTk38+fWuvTNgkLcZGvBRmbBffBEmUhHzh275tNykgIKdrVjHYiWGHv+jf1kuq88ZpuGOo7/sQZFFsVUnCHFUAd9e+bR9NBZA4IvgyMXGSuCXNB47win5aCK+/33arlmJLABxIWSW7WJY+NiVOhUqeyqtlJJJlcD1XVZ1xMEQAcCPM6bsjhgG6pIwWyZp3q1DlNskSq7u6ztFcWh8prcqRvzp761OrVn/Clap04a/QrQRyiX11ddf8fRHN2QTxM9smUYRIsqVCQgBOVaUb1007BD0EV3+uRbM5jh+jdEje+TlNmGJX1apgB92wedvJCHRxCD59XX11d1e3evtQW4iSPbufImOJrkUQEjNnbCYmIDEp8bqu63P1ddV11bXysT3QVHm2B6+KqCrBalUhMYkp/IRAiJSUlNRX9+fTn8+K0mbQ3iiCaOXg1SAlVyXpUgU5xcWtmagSUlJ3X59Pf66+ru5+4Y8HTIC5ezXJVBmS5UGGIBFiIhLtcePqWug7zys+JUnYrmv36dqaqtQVpKuUIJ5lCyYERGIsoMTu3ujXg/5WOiTKOMAnRorHAykBiBBeygvYTARUsav7uqqvOvF/FePMQ4WWePDHCTs4BDlDGyEgMxFRUnXt4um9MdYp9u8FQD+ahVSTmolEaAbfmh+IjlRUreCodmq1d5avDUPUGtRLptIcUYOiLVAEQh2CE/Q6ajC6ebrsYcAzS2mJSa+HCJgUA62Om9p99efXnrLWudn/skp8dPodLrLnqwQks/thXpiy+z2zMK7dFFyb2BpWzwN7ivwPs3voTemrN/kAAAAASUVORK5CYII=)

A collection of self-care tips for Black women](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/35-self-care-tips-for-black-women)

[ResourcesRead

## Five Tips to Handle Holiday Stress

Top five tips from the American Heart Association to help you manage holiday stress and maintain your heart health.

![pexels-askar-abayev-6192017](data:image/png;base64,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)

Top five tips from the American Heart Association to help you manage holiday stress and maintain your heart health.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/5-tips-to-handle-holiday-stress)

[ResourcesRead

## A Disabled Person's Guide to Talking With Your Partner(s) About Sex

Disabled writer Carrie Kaufman created this excellent guide for disabled people who want help communicating sexually with their partners.

![Pexels judita tamosiunaite 2026764 scaled jpg](data:image/png;base64,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)

Disabled writer Carrie Kaufman created this excellent guide for disabled people who want help communicating sexually with their partners.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/a-disabled-persons-guide-to-talking-with-your-partners-about-sex)

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## Dealing with Mental Health Issues

MB describes her struggle coming to terms with mental health issues. She shares how her parents hindered her from getting help, but her friends supported her.

![Marisa](data:image/png;base64,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)

MB describes her struggle coming to terms with mental health issues. She shares how her parents hindered her from getting help, but her friends supported her.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-dealing-with-mental-health-issues)

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## Dealing with Infertility

ES describes her journey of infertility as she and her husband tried to get pregnant and a painful procedure with a male doctor while seeking a diagnosis.

![Elena](data:image/png;base64,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)

ES describes her journey of infertility as she and her husband tried to get pregnant and a painful procedure with a male doctor while seeking a diagnosis.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-dealing-with-infertility)

[ResourcesRead

## A Toolbox for Coping with Anxiety amid Heart Failure

Our Bodies Ourselves content expert Maggie Teliska offers tools to cope with anxiety, from the perspective of a heart failure patient.

![lenin-estrada-GCpyNh39kOc-1024x683](data:image/png;base64,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)

Our Bodies Ourselves content expert Maggie Teliska offers tools to cope with anxiety, from the perspective of a heart failure patient.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/a-toolbox-for-coping-with-anxiety-amid-heart-failure)

[Stories & ConversationsRead

## If I Had Listened to Abortion Protesters, Things Would Be Different

A'yen talks about the forces that tried to prevent her from getting an abortion and how grateful she is that she was able to make the choice that was best for her.

![abortiontshirt](data:image/png;base64,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)

A'yen talks about the forces that tried to prevent her from getting an abortion and how grateful she is that she was able to make the choice that was best for her.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-if-i-had-listened-to-abortion-protesters-things-would-be-different)

[ResourcesRead

## Afiya Peer Respite Center

Afiya, one of about a dozen peer-run respite centers in the U.S., provides alternatives to psychiatric hospitalization and other more invasive or disruptive treatments.

![pexels-tim-mossholder-942317](data:image/png;base64,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)

Afiya, one of about a dozen peer-run respite centers in the U.S., provides alternatives to psychiatric hospitalization and other more invasive or disruptive treatments.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/afiya-peer-respite-center)