Birth Bruja Podcast

Spoiler alert! These are two success stories! Our host Eri, dedicates this episode to fellow survivors. "Recently, Rachel & I realized we've both had similar experiences of navigating reproductive care as survivors of sexual assault. It can be powerfully healing to see yourself reflected in someone else's story. We knew, as survivors and community educators, that this is a conversation we wanted to share with others. Join us for a two part, vulnerable deep-dive into what it can look like to navigate reproductive care as a survivor. In part 1, Rachel speaks to her experience in somatic therapy, strategies utilized prior to her medical visit, and what an empowering experience can look like! MEET RACHEL Rachel Sementilli (she/her) is a queer full spectrum birthworker, holistic fertility & menstrual cycle healing guide and a reproductive health educator based in so-called Southeast Michigan. She also spends time doing work as an intuitive energy healer and yoga teacher. Rachel was brought to this work, like so many of us, by her personal experiences, healing journey and drive for political activism. She is passionate about this work and about devoting herself to a praxis that is self-healing, community healing and cultural healing all at once. Learn more about her work on social media @The_Rach_S and by visiting RevenirServices.com. Podcast production by Cat Petru of We Rise Production. Questions & feedback welcome! Contact cat@birthbruja.com | https://www.weriseproduction.com/

For those dedicated to healing & justice, to unlearning harmful ways of being… Let's explore the colonial concept of the gender binary & toxic gendering. Our guest, Khye Tyson guides us through examples of how toxic gendering perpetuates systemic violence, particularly inside the US, as well as in the birthroom. We'll talk about the complexity - especially for those of us who identify as BIPOC - of maintaining connection with our communities & families, while simultaneously challenging the gender binary within these beloved circles. We'll take a look at gender & power dynamics in labor, media, and daily life, and explore how to connect across difference & support folks as they navigate gender on their birthing journeys. MEET KHYE Khye Tyson (they/them) is an unapologetic southern queer Black femme who enjoys yoga, building community, laughing, subverting the gender binary, and reminding people that they can fire their doctors. Khye is a sacred transition guide, entrepreneur, healer, consultant, and educator. As the founder of Kuluntu Reproductive Justice Center (founded in 2018), Khye is working toward a world in which Black women and femmes can live, thrive, and raise healthy families freely within a healthy community. Khye loves to hike, sew, thrift, create art, sing, and dream of a world in which education is intuitive and culturally responsive. They are originally from Nashville, TN and currently reside in Atlanta. @kulunturjc | http://kuluntu.center/

After the second series of their workshop Decolonized Approaches to Facilitation, Eri sits down (virtually) with co-facilitator king yaa and participant & birthworker Josie Rodriguez-Bouchier to explore lessons learned, challenges experienced, and growing edges still to come in decolonizing their approach to facilitating reproductive care education, and… their lives. MEET OUR GUESTS king yaa (always lowercase, thank you!), pronouns are they/them/king! king yaa is a genderqueer person of trans masculine experience and their sexuality is queer AF. Their Blackness is their superpower! king is an intersectional feminist and their work centers queer, trans, and non-binary folx well-being through full spectrum of life experiences, including grief & loss and sex & pleasure. They also train intentional health and wellness practicioners on developing the competencies to care for and to create safer and inclusive practices for queer, trans and gender diverse people. king yaa supports folx of all gender identities, sexual orientations in all bodies to have the audacity to intentionally & unapologetically have compassion for self, in all their complexities, as a radical act of taking up space and insisting on themselves. They are invested in decolonizing health and queering up reproductive justice, as well as, the collective healing and liberation of queer, trans and nonbinary folx, especially People of the Global Majority, aka BI&POC. links: www.kingyaa.co.za https://www.instagram.com/queerbirthworker/ Josie Rodriguez-Bouchier L.Ac. (they/them) is a queer, non-binary, Latinx fertility acupuncturist, and Queer Reproductive Health and Justice advocate. Since 2008, they have been supporting folks with wombs to conceive with the help of Traditional Chinese Medicine and other ancient healing modalities. Josie's mission is to re-center queer, trans, and non-binary BIPGM in the reproductive healthcare realm and beyond. Josie is the host of The Intersectional Fertility Podcast and creator of the Whole Self Fertility Method™. They live on stolen Cheyenne land, colonially known as Lakewood, Colorado, with their wife, two children, and two rescue pups. links: https://www.intersectionalfertility.com/ @intersectionalfertility

This episode is a love & inspiration fest. You've been warned! Eri is joined by Emilie Rodriguez and Guramrit LeBron of The Bridge Directory (www.thebridgedirectory.com). Em & G share their journey as Black and Brown birthworkers who answered the needs of their community through building The Bridge Directory- a direct response to addressing the Black maternal mortality rate in NY and a community that is spreading across the US. We talk about building a business & community that is based in activism, mentorship, and connection. They share experiences & strategies that range from how to build community through social media, building accountability with a council of elders, connecting to funders, and more. Learn more about their work! @The BridgeDirectory & @BridgeCommunityFoundation www.TheBridgeDirectory.com MEET OUR GUESTS Emilie Rodriguez (she/her) Founder, Operations Emilie is a Black traditional birth and postpartum doula and founder of Ashe Birthing Services based in the Bronx, New York. After spending several years supporting hundreds of families in NYC, she dreamed of creating a resource to help families of color find providers who understood, believed, and trusted them. We know the statistics. Emilie believes we can create real change from grassroots efforts by community. Guramrit LeBron (she/her) Founder, Chief Marketing Officer + Communications Director Guramrit is a birth and postpartum doula and Certified Lactation Counselor. She studied Magazine Journalism at Syracuse University and spent the first few years post college working at various publications including Parenting Magazine before working in marketing at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. Guramrit completed training as a holistic health counselor and transitioned to working at GrowNYC Farmers Markets as a Market Manager all while publishing her first cookbook, Yogi Eats. After much resistance to birth work, she jumped right in and immediately felt in alignment. Guramrit believes that all people deserve to have the birthing experience they desire in an environment where they feel safe and supported because birth is sacred and transformative. Nurturing, educating and uplifting families during such a transformational event is essential to her work as a doula.Guramrit calls the boogie down Bronx her home and lives with her partner and son. Guramrit is currently pursuing a masters in Infant + Maternal Nutrition with a focus on a holistic approach to pregnancy, postpartum and infant/toddler feeding.

In this episode we are joined by Angelique "Omi" Geehan (any pronoun); a baby wearing consultant focused on transformative justice, cultural competency and diversity. We discuss the ways in which baby wearing has helped Omi heal through reparenting, parenting their own children, their journey to becoming a baby wearing consultant; and ways in which birthworkers and people alike can advocate, and help ensure baby wearing remains accessible to everybody that wants to baby wear. MEET ANGELIQUE Angelique works as a coach, consultant, editor, and facilitator to support and repair the connections people have to themselves and their families, communities, and cultural practices. She builds intergenerationally, with a commitment to transformative justice, to question and depolarize the beliefs and practices that can lead to isolation and feelings of powerlessness — and co-create or reclaim ways that can promote resilience and healing from historical and social harms. A queer asian gender (binary) non-conforming parent, Angelique founded Interchange, a consulting group that offers anti-oppression support through materials and process assessments, staff training, and community building. She organizes as a part of Baby Carriers Provided, the Baby Carrier Industry Alliance, Houston Babywearing Resource, National Perinatal Association's Health Equity Workgroup, the Health and Healing Justice Committee of the National Queer and Trans Asian and Pacific Islander Alliance, the Houston Community Accountability and Transformative Justice Collective, the Taking Care Study Group, QTPOC+ Family Circle, and Batalá Houston. ag@angeliquegeehan.com / fb and twitter: mumwooga / linkedin and ig: AngeliqueGeehan

Ep. 24 | Decolonize Birth: A Traditional Birthworker's Story with Mickey McHenry Mickey McHenry (she/her/ella) is a Traditional Birthworker and the Operations Manager at Birth Bruja! She shares her journey of being raised with ancestral knowledge of birth & postpartum care, navigating the pressures for certification to be a "legitimate" birthworker, how she has woven social justice/political consciousness into her birthwork, and more. MEET MICKEY Micaela "Mickey" McHenry (she/her/ella) has been a full spectrum doula for over a decade. Mickey's work is rooted in her ancestral traditions; Lakota/Apache/Mexika, and focuses on navigating reproductive care, birth and the postpartum experience holistically. Mickey has worked with various family centered non-profit organizations throughout her lifetime, and believes that through healing families we can heal communities. Additionally, she enjoys spending time in community with other birthworkers, and is always ready to lend an ear, and share experience. Some of her hobbies include cooking, eating, napping, writing, yoga, hiking, dog momming, and traveling. Follow Mickey on Instagram @Bossa_Novaaa

Ep. 23 | Running an Anti Capitalist Doula Business with Khye Tyson We are joined by Khye Tyson (they/them) to discuss the foundation of building an anti-capitalist doula business. We answer the following questions & more: *Why is having a critique of capitalism, let alone a strategy for anti-capitalism, something that we should be considering when we are shaping our business plans? *What did the process of evaluating their relationship with giving & receiving look like and how did they use this information to inform their business structure? *What are some examples of reciprocity outside of monetary exchange? *What can it look like to weave your values into your business plan? How do you know if you've veered off track? Khye Tyson (they/them) is an unapologetic southern queer Black femme who enjoys yoga, building community, laughing, subverting the gender binary, and reminding people that they can fire their doctors. Khye is a sacred transition guide, entrepreneur, healer, consultant, and educator. As the founder of Kuluntu Reproductive Justice Center (founded in 2018), Khye is working toward a world in which Black women and femmes can live, thrive, and raise healthy families freely within a healthy community. Khye loves to hike, sew, thrift, create art, sing, and dream of a world in which education is intuitive and culturally responsive. They are originally from Nashville, TN and currently reside in Atlanta. Follow Khye on social media: @KuluntuRJC Check out the Kuluntu Center's Birth Justice Guardians: Birth Justice Guardians is a 3 month container for birthworkers who are working toward birth justice, burnt out, and looking for a community to strengthen their work. This pilot program will be a group of 10-15 birthworkers looking to deepen their practice through self and community care. Check out their full list of courses & resources: https://kuluntureproductivejusticecenter.vipmembervault.com/

This is Part 1 of the We Rise Series- a series dedicated to showcasing soulful decolonizing strategies. This episode is for all of those who are wanting to move from theory to action. TO SIGN UP FOR THE GATHERINGS: Consciousness Rooting in the Heart of Autumn Inspired by the legacy of Consciousness Raising circles from 1960s & 70s freedom movements, Consciousness Rooting is about: grounding & deepening ~ reflecting on our origins, our ancestors’ lineages & histories ~ storytelling & remembering as a form of resistance, to begin to heal and to help us navigate these tumultuous & transformational times… This work aims to inspire deep reflections, help us center through ongoing distractions & stresses, and support us as we face daily struggles & many frontlines. racialized as white circle Tuesdays 6PM-7:30PM PST pilipinx circle Wednesdays 6:30PM-8PM PST open circle Thursdays 6PM-7:30PM PST ~~~ by donation / no one turned way for lack of funds to register email: weriseproducers@gmail.com by October 13th* *Please email us if the date has passed and you are still interested in registering! ABOUT OUR GUESTS: We Rise Production is a collective of cultural producers who engage creative collaborations to support the freedom movements of our time. Through multimedia, digital and live productions, We Rise challenges audiences to think critically about the systems that oppress us all, and uses community-driven art to inspire active solidarity. Our collaborators include Movement Generation, Palestinian Youth Movement, KPFA/First Voice Media, DiaspoRADiCAL, Mycelium Youth Network, Liberation Spring, Birth Bruja, Cal Shakes, TheatreFIRST, the Bay Area Transformative Justice Collective, and decolonial, feminist artists, educators, and organizers. We vision with ancestors and future generations in mind. IG: @weriseproduction TW: @weriseproducers weriseproduction.com FB: @weriseproduction Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/werise

This is Part 2 of the Black Diamonds Series: Journey of a Queer, Black Student Midwife. Rafeal joins us 1 month into her student midwifery journey and has a powerful & juicy report back! She speaks to navigating an education that centers the cis, white experience while grounding herself in her practice of self nourishment. We speak to the themes of healing & justice, Dharma and spiritual practice, the need to uplift our youth and our elders, how to have a sex life amidst a student midwife life, and SO MUCH MORE! Be a part of Rafeal's journey! Support their work by donating and including #BlackDiamondsSeries in the notes

This is part 1 of the Black Diamonds Series: Becoming a Queer Black Student Midwife with Rafeal Newport. This 12 month diary will document the first year of Rafeal's student midwifery journey. In today's episode, we will meet Rafeal and dive into the how and why she found this work. We talk about ancestors, community, universal calling, the DIRE NEED for queer & trans black femmes to be doing this work and much more. Be a part of Rafeal's journey! Support their work by donating and including #BlackDiamondsSeries in the notes

You are listening to episode 19, part 4 of the Supporting Survivors Who Birth Series- A dive into the intersections of sexual violence and birthwork and what we can do to best be of support for survivors. In this episode, we speak with birthworker, single mother, and sexual assault survivor advocate Melissa Lucchesi, for powerful story telling of her hospital birth experience as a survivor of sexual assault. If you haven’t already, I encourage you to stop this episode and listen to the first two parts of this series so that you can listen with a strengthened ability to recognize the aspects of survivorship that surface throughout this birth story. Interested in learning more about supporting survivors? This series is in celebration of my upcoming training through Cornerstone Doula Trainings in December 2019 called Supporting Survivors Who Birth. It’s a 4hr online intensive with an anti-oppression based exploration into the intersections of sexual violence and birthwork. In this training you will... *Deepen your understanding of the workings & impact of sexual violence *Unveil the ways in which trauma can manifest for survivors through birth, pregnancy, & postpartum *Embody these practices through role playing to FEEL what it can be like to provide support in the moment *Identify and strengthen your abilities to best be of support The first two parts of this series are a sneak peak into the training- go to BirthBruja.com to see a detailed description of what the course will cover. One final note before we begin- as with any topics related to trauma, please take gentle care of yourself. Press pause to take breaks, call to debrief with a friend, or spend some time moving your body to help process and integrate what you’ve heard. The music you heard in today’s show is entitled “ Quiet,’ by Milck. Deep gratitude to Melissa Lucchesi for joining me in today’s episode and to We Rise Productions for assistance in production. Go to BirthBruja.com to learn about upcoming trainings, mentorship circles, and more. Follow me on social media @birthbruja to continue the conversation.

You are listening to episode 18, part 3 of the Supporting Survivors Who Birth Series- A dive into the intersections of sexual violence and birthwork and what we can do to best be of support for survivors. In this episode, we once again speak with somatic coach, rape crisis counselor, and birthing person, Tabitha Thomas, for candid story telling of her two birth experiences as a survivor of childhood sexual assault. If you haven’t already, I encourage you to stop this episode and listen to the first two parts of this series so that you can listen to this story with a strengthened ability to recognize the aspects of survivorship that surface in an otherwise common experience of birth and postpartum. Interested in learning more about supporting survivors? This series is in celebration of my upcoming training through Cornerstone Doula Trainings in December 2019 called Supporting Survivors Who Birth. It’s a 4hr online intensive with an anti-oppression based exploration into the intersections of sexual violence and birthwork. In this training you will... *Deepen your understanding of the workings & impact of sexual violence *Unveil the ways in which trauma can manifest for survivors through birth, pregnancy, & postpartum *Embody these practices through role playing to FEEL what it can be like to provide support in the moment *Identify and strengthen your abilities to best be of support The first two parts of this series are a sneak peak into the training- go to birthbruja.com to see a detailed description of what the course will cover. The music you heard in today’s show is entitled “ Warrior,’ by Demi Lovato. Deep gratitude to Tabitha Thomas for joining me in today’s episode and to We Rise Cultural Productions for assistance in production. Go to BirthBruja.com to learn about upcoming trainings, mentorship circles, and more. Follow me on social media @birthbruja to continue the conversation.

You are listening to episode 17, part 2 of the Supporting Survivors Who Birth Series- A dive into the intersections of sexual violence and birthwork and what we can do to best be of support for survivors. As some of you may know, I am a rape crisis peer counselor and a birthworker that specializes in supporting survivors through the birth experience. In this episode, I offer a step-by-step breakdown of some of the primary ways in which I offer support to birthing survivors. This is a sneak peak into my upcoming training through Cornerstone Doula Trainings in December 2019 called Supporting Survivors Who Birth. It’s a 4hr online intensive with an anti-oppression based exploration into the intersections of sexual violence and birthwork. In this training you will... *Deepen your understanding of the workings & impact of sexual violence *Unveil the ways in which trauma can manifest for survivors through birth, pregnancy, & postpartum *Embody these practices through role playing to FEEL what it can be like to provide support in the moment *Identify and strengthen your abilities to best be of support The first two parts of this series are a sneak peak into the training- go to birthbruja.com to see a detailed description of what the course will cover. One final note on sound quality before we begin- I had family visiting and had to record atop our bed. As such, you’ll occasionally hear sounds of a rustling weiner dog’s collar along with whooshing sounds of her moving to cooler spots on the bed. #MomLIfe The music you heard in today’s show is entitled “Healer,’ by Sampa the Great. Deep gratitude to We Rise Production for assistance in production. Go to birthbruja.com to learn about upcoming trainings, mentorship circles, and more. Follow me on social media @birthbruja to continue the conversation.

You are listening to episode 16, part 1 of the Supporting Survivors Who Birth Series- A dive into the intersections of sexual violence and birthwork and what we can do to best be of support for survivors. In this episode, we speak with social justice advocate, somatic coach, & rape crisis counselor, Tabitha Thomas, for an indepth exploration into the prevelence of sexual violence, common barriers survivors may face in in reporting & seeking support, what healing from sexual violence can look like, and what we can do to best be of support when someone discloses their survivorship. This series is near and dear to my heart as I’ve been a rape crisis peer counselor with San Francisco Women Against Rape for over a decade and as a birthworker, specialize in supporting survivors through the birth experience. I’m launching this series in celebration of my upcoming training through Cornerstone Doula Trainings in December 2019 called Supporting Survivors Who Birth. It’s a 4hr online intensive with an anti-oppression based exploration into the intersections of sexual violence and birthwork. In this training you will... *Deepen your understanding of the workings & impact of sexual violence *Unveil the ways in which trauma can manifest for survivors through birth, pregnancy, & postpartum *Embody these practices through role playing to FEEL what it can be like to provide support in the moment *Identify and strengthen your abilities to best be of support The first two parts of this series are a sneak peak into the training- go to birthbruja.com to see a detailed description of what the course will cover. One final note before we begin- as with any topics related to trauma, please take gentle care of yourself. Press pause to take breaks, call to debrief with a friend, or spend some time moving your body to help process and integrate what you’ve heard. The music you heard on today’s show is entitled “Healer,’ by Sampa the Great. Deep gratitude to Tabitha Thomas for joining me in today’s episode and to We Rise Production for assistance in production. Go to birthbruja.com to learn about upcoming trainings, mentorship circles, and more. Follow me on social media @birthbruja to continue the conversation.

You are listening to episode 15, part 3 of the Bookworm Series: Where we are reading chapters from Birthing Justice: Black Women, Pregnancy & Childbirth. Edited by Julia Chinyere Oparah & Alicia D. Bonaparte. In this episode, we explore “Birthing Freedom: Black American Midwifery and Liberation Struggles” written by Ruth Hays. This powerful chapter traces the history of black midwives in slavery, after emancipation, and during contemporary times. Hays explains that by reviving these community-building practices, black birthing women can benefit in a myriad of ways. There are SO MANY incredible chapters in this book! I struggled deciding which chapters to feature in this series considering there are so many that are noteworthy. If you are wanting to dive into this book with the support and accountability of a community to back you up- join me and Tabitha Thomas, a bi-racial politicized healer & somatic coach as we launch the first session of the Birth Bruja BookClub. Starting in September 2019, we will join with folks across the country to dive into the featured book of this series- Birthing Justice. Go to BirthBruja.com to learn more. Without further delay…let’s dive back in.. Music: “Lullaby’ by Tasha Follow @BirthBruja on Instagram and Facebook to continue the conversation

You are listening to episode 14, part 2 of the Bookworm Series: Where we are reading chapters from Birthing Justice: Black Women, Pregnancy & Childbirth. Edited by Julia Chinyere Oparah & Alicia D. Bonaparte. In this episode, we cover two chapters- the first is” Birthing Sexual Freedom and Healing: A Survivor Mother’s Birth Story” written by Biany Perez and the second is “A Love Letter to my Daughter: Love as a Political Act” Written by Haile Eshe Cole. One of the reasons why I love this book is because it includes various writing styles and perspectives that center the subject of placing black women’s voices at the center of the birth justice conversation. These two chapters are written in first person- thus, it is written as if the authors were speaking directly to us. This book- and especially these two chapters- moved me deeply to continue pondering my own role in fighting systemic racism and uplifting the voices of black women in this work. To create a place in which folks can gather and dive into such questions- I have joined up with Tabitha Thomas, a bi-racial politicized healer & somatic coach to launch the first session of the Birth Bruja BookClub. Starting in September 2019, we will join with folks across the country to dive into the featured book of this series- Birthing Justice. Go to BirthBruja.com to learn more. Without further delay…let’s dive back in.. Music: “Lullaby’ by Tasha Follow @BirthBruja on Instagram and Facebook to continue the conversation

You are listening to episode 13, part 1 of the Bookworm Series. We are reading chapters from Birthing Justice: Black Women, Pregnancy & Childbirth. Edited by Julia Chinyere Oparah & Alicia D. Bonaparte. This book is a collection of articles that place black women’s voices at the center of the conversation around what should be done to fix the violent maternity system of this country. By placing black women’s agency at the foreground of the emerging birth justice movement, we are best able to identify the ways in which systemic oppression contribute to the modern birth experience within the US and what we can do to change the horrific Black maternal and infant mortality rates. This book- and especially this episode’s chapter- is a MUST READ for any and all birthworkers. Birth affirmations and hip squeezes aren’t going to do shit in changing oppressive birth culture unless we pair it with critical thinking and action. To support this process, I have joined up with Tabitha Thomas, a bi-racial politicized healer & somatic coach to launch the first session of the Birth Bruja BookClub. Starting in September 2019, we will join with folks across the country to dive into the featured book of this series- Birthing Justice. Go to BirthBruja.com to learn more. The chapter covered in THIS episode is the opening to the book- entitled “Beyond Coercion & Malign Neglect: Black Women and the Struggle for Birth Justice. Written by Julia Chinyere Oparah with Black Women Birthing Justice. It begins with the birth stories of two black women, a journey through history to outline the racist, sexist, & classist origins of obstetric medicine and the ways in which these systems have shaped todays birth culture, and continues with an exploration of the birth justice movement. Without further delay… let us begin. Music: “Lullaby’ by Tasha Follow @BirthBruja on Instagram and Facebook to continue the conversation

Guests: Birthworkers Daniella Morales, Keelia Alder, & Brooke Patmor This is part 2 of a 2 part series where we dive into vulnerable conversations about identity and birthwork. In this episode, we continue exposing our proverbial underbelly by diving into the conversation around money, privilege and birthwork. Guest Bios & Contact Info: Daniella Morales | DaniellaMorales.com Daniella was born and raised in SF and I now lives in Berkeley. Her ancestry is rooted through indigenous peoples from central america specifically Nicaragua. Family is the base of everything she does. She has a wonderful son who’s birth was the most enlightening experience she’s ever had. With her family’s support and love she is able to serve the creating of mothers and families through birthwork. Daniella is a birth and postpartum doula, childbirth educator, and hold mothers blessing ceremonies. She honors the wisdom and medicines that come from her ancestors and those that have lived these lands before her. What she loves most about birth is how the birthing person is so present in a primal and pure way. Everything else in the world ceases and they go deeply inward to a place of origin. Instincts guide them on this journey and when ready, they are born as mothers… She is continuously amazed by the strength and power it takes to do this primal dance. Keelia Alder | DoulaKeelia@gmail.com I've always loved birth. My mom was a childbirth educator, so I was lucky enough to grow up with expectant parents practicing breathing techniques and birthing positions in our living room every Tuesday night. Becoming a doula was the most natural thing in the world for me, and I've loved every sweaty, beautiful second of it since I became a certified birth and postpartum doula in 2015. As part of the birth justice movement, I believe that all parents deserve an empowering and celebrated birth experience regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, class, sexuality, body type, or religion, and I am over-the-moon excited to work with you towards the birth experience you're hoping for. Brooke Patmor | BrookePatmor.com I am passionate about supporting birthing people and their families through the transition to parenthood. This is such a sacred time. I believe in the importance of offering evidence based information about birth, giving you a full scope of all your options so that you can make well informed decisions that feel right for you and your family. I believe people should birth where they feel comfortable, safe and empowered and have supported clients birthing at home, in hospitals and at birth centers. believe in the wisdom and intuition of the human body and am honored to help safeguard the birthing process. As a queer person myself, I am dedicated to offering inclusive care. I welcome people of all identities and family structures. I am down-to-earth and compassionate in my care offering a steady sense of peace to your process. I rely on my intuition and learned skills to help meet you and your partner where you are. I want you to feel safe, supported and educated going into your birth experience. Music: “Pynk” by Janele Monae Follow @BirthBruja on Instagram and Facebook to continue the conversation

Guests: Birthworkers Daniella Morales, Keelia Alder, & Brooke Patmor This is part 1 of a 2 part series where we dive into vulnerable conversations about identity and birthwork. In this episode, I sit with three friends and colleagues and dive into that ugly voice that tells us that we aren’t enough. That we aren’t professional enough. That we aren’t brown enough. That we aren’t white enough. That we aren’t femme enough. That we aren’t educated enough. That we aren’t enough... We aren’t enough... We aren’t enough... We touch upon themes such as racism, homophobia, classism and more. We reveal the parts of our identity that can sometimes feel like barriers in this work. In short, we showed up bravely and wore our hearts on our sleeves.

Guests: Linda Jones and Michi Arguedas from the Roots of Labor Birth Collective. This is part 3 of a 3 part series where we dive into the badass organization that is the bay area based, RLBC- aka Roots of Labor Birth Collective. These doulas of color provide full price, sliding scale, and volunteer doula services. In addition to serving private clients, they partner with Santa Rita Jail and Bay Area clinics to serve low-income and communities of color. In this episode, we explore RLBC’s approach to Decolonizing Birth, Our guests reflect upon the significance of Serena WIlliams speaking out about her traumatic birth, the many ways systemic oppression can show up in birthwork, ancestral calling in more. Please consider making a donation in support of this crucial work! Visit www.RootsOfLaborBC.com Links and Resources: Music: "Freedom," by Beyonce Roots of Labor Birth Collective: www.RootsofLaborBC.com Linda Jones- is a Birth and Postpartum Doula and mother of two, grandmother of three and great-grandmother of one, who lives in Oakland, CA. She founded and owned Waddle and Swaddle Baby Boutique and Resource Center in Berkeley, CA and has been a part of the natural birth advocacy community in the Bay Area for over two decades. She is one of the co-founders of Black Women Birthing Justice She was one of the founders of a volunteer Doula group that provided services for low income, uninsured and teen moms that birthed at Alta Bates Hospital in Berkeley. Michi Arguedas- @himichiii Michi Arguedas is a multi-racial, queer doula from Monteverde, Costa Rica. She’s honored to be part of a collective that provides culturally-humble and healing-informed doula care to members of our communities. As a doula, she believes that birthing people carry the instinctual wisdom and ability to have beautiful, empowered births and seeks to add a calm, consistent, and gentle presence that encourages you to manifest your ideal experience. She is a full-spectrum doula, placenta encapsulator, herbal medicine student, and speaks English, Spanish, and Portuguese.

Guests: Ixel Chavez and Rebecca Orozco from the Roots of Labor Birth Collective. This is part 2 of a 3 part series where we dive into the badass organization that is the bay area based, RLBC- aka Roots of Labor Birth Collective. These doulas of color provide full price, sliding scale, and volunteer doula services. In addition to serving private clients, they partner with Santa Rita Jail and Bay Area clinics to serve low-income and communities of color. In this episode, we dive into their full-spectrum doula work within Santa Rita Jail. Discussion Topics: *A basic run through of what it is like to provide prenatal and birth support to non-free folk in Santa Rita Jail *Some of the challenges expecting and birthing folk may face when being within the prison industrial complex *RLBC's systems of support that cultivate sustainability in this SUPER INTENSE and challenging work *The struggles of talking about this work without being able to TRULY TALK about this work (aka Security Culture). *And more! Please consider making a donation in support of this crucial work! Visit www.RootsOfLaborBC.com Links and Resources: Music: “This is Not Our Home,” performed by the Lady Lifers. Roots of Labor Birth Collective: www.RootsofLaborBC.com Ixel Chavez- I am of Guatemalan descent and have some knowledge on herbs, nutrition and traditional practices. I encourage self empowerment. I have experience with different comfort measures during labor. I am respectful, attentive, patient and adaptable Rebecca Orozco- is a Spanish-speaking Chicana Doula, a Reproductive Justice and Family Advocate, and an aspiring activist. Before coming into Birth Work in 2015, she spent 8 years supporting families of diverse structures as an Early Childhood Educator. She has a background in Medical Anthropology, and sees Birth Work as Social Justice in action. As a Doula, she wants you to have all the information you seek and to feel empowered by your choices at every step - your body, your baby, your birth. She is ecstatic to be in community with so many inspiring, conscientious doulas.

Guests: Kai Shatteen and Melissa Reyes from the Roots of Labor Birth Collective. This is part 1 of a 3 part series where we dive into the badass organization that is the bay area based, RLBC- aka Roots of Labor Birth Collective. These doulas of color provide full price, sliding scale, and volunteer doula services. In addition to serving private clients, they partner with Santa Rita Jail and Bay Area clinics to serve low-income and communities of color. In this episode, we explore an an outline of RLBC's work with a special focus on their doula training- taught by people of color, FOR people of color, to SERVE people of color. Additional Topics: *The importance of folks being served by people who share aspects of their identity. *Differences between trainings created and led by white folk vs trainings created and led by people of color *Ways that national doula training organizations can exploit/let down marginalized communities *How choosing a one-sized-fits-all approach to providing doula services through medicare can backfire for those who need it most *And more! Please consider making a donation in support of this crucial work! Visit www.RootsOfLaborBC.com Links and Resources: Music: "A Change is Gonna Come," sung by Aretha Franklin Roots of Labor Birth Collective: www.RootsofLaborBC.com Kai Shatteen- www.kindredsouldoula.com Melissa Reyes- www.remediosbirthandhealing.com

We begin this episode with a call to action. Nia Wilson's death reminds us, once again, of the urgency that surrounds the need to dismantle oppressive systems in this society. Let our birthwork be an expression of our justice work. Let our birthwork be an embodiment of healing and collective liberation. This episode, we listen to birthworker and co-found of the Roots of Labor Birth Collective, Elena Aurora. We dive even deeper into ways loss and grief can manifest in the birth experience, what we as birthworkers can do to be of support, and how we as birthworkers can best support ourselves through such work when we are struggling with our lives. Join the conversation on instagram by following @birthbruja. More Show Notes

Last episode, we spoke with therapist Shawneshia Hoover and cultural producer Cat Petru of We Rise for a foundational conversation around Loss & Grief. We covered topics such as coping mechanisms, harm reduction, the power of community, the role of professional help, and more. This episode, we listen to birthworker Maureen Buttner as she tells the tale of her mother giving birth to her and her twin, Sydney. Listeners, please take extra care around this episode as this story includes the death of a grandmother in addition to a 2nd trimester miscarriage. Following this heartfelt storytelling, we discuss the dual gates of life and death, the need and power of community, healing as a cyclical journey, and power of intuition- especially as a birthing person! Stay tuned for our next episode with birthworker and co-found of the Roots of Labor Birth Collective, Elena Aurora. We dive even deeper into ways loss and grief can manifest in the birth experience, what we as birthworkers can do to be of support, and how we as birthworkers can best support ourselves through such work when we are struggling with our lives. Join the conversation on instagram by following @birthbruja. More Show Notes

Episode 5 is part one of a series dedicated to exploring and holding space for loss & grief. As with all of our series, the first conversation aims to create a baseline understanding of the topic. We look at Loss & Grief in its entirety and dive into its impact outside of the birth room. We talk about coping mechanisms, intergenerational trauma, harm reduction, how to best provide support, and more. In today’s episode, we are joined by two steller humans- community worker, artist, and marriage family therapist, Shawneshia Hoover as well as artist, dancer, cultural producer, and producer of the Birth Bruja Podcast, Cat Petru. Follow Shawneisha @lapreebarber and Cat at @weriseproductions

Last episode, we connected with birthworker Jenny Silva to explore more specifically what it looks like to weave ancestral medicine into our lives and birth work. We answered the questions- How can ancestral medicine support our wellness as birth workers? Why is it important to decolonize birth and stay connected to ancestral traditions? What could our birth offerings look like if we were to specifically include our traditions in our offerings? In THIS episode, we speak with Heaven Celeste Thunder, a mother and medicine maker about her journey into ancestral medicine and motherhood. Heaven’s current education in traditional Chinese medicine and traditional Mexican medicine began alongside her involvement with Aztec dance and ceremony. She entered a formal Master’s program in Traditional Chinese Medicine and an informal regathering and remembering of ancient Mexican medicine. Both of these forms of nature-based medicine look at the entire health of the individual instead of looking at the symptoms or diseases. The vision of Heaven’s private clinical practice will tie East Asian and Meso-american medicine together to support health and well-being on all levels: mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical. She plans to emphasize her pursuit of studying Womxn’s Health and Pediatrics with a strong foundation in the emotional-spiritual. You can find her chasing her Master’s at Oregon College of Oriental Medicine in Portland, on hikes with her boo and their baby, in Aztec dance ceremonies/demonstrations/rallies, and in Native American healing ceremonies. Connect with Heaven on instagram @amomati medicinals or via email at heaven.nunez@ocom.edu. Follow me, Eri, on instagram @birthbruja to continue the conversation of ancestral medicine in birthwork.

Last episode, we connected with healer, community worker, and Curandera Batul True Heart for an introductory conversation into Ancestral Medicine. We answered the questions- What does ancestral medicine mean? Why is it powerful? How can we begin or deepen the journey of exploring the healing modalities of our ancestors? In this episode, we speak with birthworker Jenny Silva to explore more specifically what it looks like to weave ancestral medicine into our lives and birth work. Jenny Silva is the youngest out of 8 children, whose parents migrated from Mexico. Born in the Los Angeles area, Jenny found a connection with her indigenous roots as a youth. After many years of studying the red road, it wasn’t till 2010 where she found her calling as a Spiritual Birth worker/ Doula of color. Jenny is a mother to 4 warrior sons, a step mother, and a Tia to many. This is her inspiration to continue her ancestral ways of healing. Using Plant medicine, ancestral nutrition, rebozo techniques and abuelita wisdom. Jenny reminds women & families of their own inner strength, through mind, body, and spirit. She supports them in bringing forth their own unique birthing ceremony and postpartum journey. Connect with Jenny on instagram @doulajennysilva or email her doulajenny13@gmail.com. How can ancestral medicine support our wellness as birth workers? Why is it important to decolonize birth and stay connected to ancestral traditions? What could our birth offerings look like if we were to specifically include our traditions in our offerings? Jenny and I answer these questions and more. Stay Tuned

Studying and practicing one’s ancestral medicine can be a potent place for healing and wellness. Especially in relation to my practice of birth work, I have found these lessons to be invaluable as they enable me to cultivate wellness in mind, body, heart, and spirit. In this episode, we dive into the subject of ancestral medicine with healer, community worker, and Curandera, Batul True Heart. Batul has dedicated her life to keeping the traditional healing practices of her ancestors alive in order to heal herself, her community, and the earth from the devastating effects of colonialism, capitalism, and patriarchy. Walking the path of Curanderismo, Batul cultivates her connection to her ancestors, the plants, and the elements by respectfully bringing her ancestral medicine to the world while empowering others to do the same. Connect with Batul on instagram @batultrueheart or email at maaso medicina@gmail.com. What does ancestral medicine mean? Why is it powerful? How can we begin or deepen the journey of exploring the healing modalities of our ancestors? Batul and I answer these questions and more. Stay Tuned

Episode 1 of The Birth Bruja Podcast Featuring: May Elawar Host Eri Guajardo Johnson jumps into the meaning and vision behind The Birth Bruja Podcast. We talk about birth as a powerful place for healing and transformation, the need for intersectional and liberational approaches to birth work, the reason behind using the term "Bruja", and more. Scholar May Elawar joins us to talk about reclamation work, connecting with our mother line, valuing alternative ways of knowing within medical spaces, and beyond. Mentioned Resources: California Institute of Integral Studies- Women's Spirituality Program https://www.ciis.edu/academics/graduate-programs/womens-spirituality "Witches" by Fleassy Malay: https://www.facebook.com/upliftconnect/videos/1213620145441631/ Music: "Green & Gold" by Lianne La Havas For questions or comments