Musings of a Black Doula

In this episode, I share an epiphany I had while teaching a birth class.  When we talk about the maternal health crisis in the US, especially for Black women, we're leaving out some critical information- what birthing parents & loved ones can do! Listen to this episode for what I'm doing about it.    Get the show notes at: https://www.musingsofblackdoula.com/episodes/whats-missing-when-we-talk-about-black-maternal-health   In the DMV? Hire your own postpartum doula from DC Metro Maternity. And anywhere in the US, sign up for Expecting Excellence, a 5 day guide for pregnant Black women to feel safe, empowered and ready for the joy of giving birth.  Subscribe to Musings of a Black Doula on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Stitcher!

When you're planning your birth, your postpartum period and how you're going to raise your baby, it can be tempting to get as many opinions possible to be sure you're doing the "right thing". I call this birthing by committee. Listen to today's podcast to hear how this can cause some problems you may not have considered, and what to do instead. 

EPISODE DESCRIPTION   In the second episode of this podcast, I said that the perineum deserves it's own episode, so here it is! Tune in to learn what perineal massage is, and why some people recommend it. We also talk about what actually reduces tearing during childbirth, as well as episiotomy, and other alternatives to handling the second stage of labor (pushing). Listen for what conversations you should be having with your OB or midwife if you're pregnant.   Get the show notes at https://www.musingsofblackdoula.com/episodes/is-being-controlling-in-pregnancy-a-bad-thing   In the DMV? Hire your own postpartum doula from DC Metro Maternity.   And anywhere in the US, sign up for our online course for Black women giving birth in the hospital here- https://dcmetromaternity.com/online-pregnancy-birth-postpartum-class-for-black-women/   Subscribe to Musings of a Black Doula on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Stitcher!

On this episode, in observance of National Diaper Need Awareness Week, Samantha interviews Shelly Tucker, founder of the Maryland Diaper Bank. The Maryland Diaper Bank is a non profit organization whose vision is to reduce the struggle of Maryland Families in providing babies with adequate diapering essentials. Before starting the nonprofit, Shelly created Moms with Tots, a local parenting guide to resources and activities in the Maryland/DC area.   Get the show notes at http://www.musingsofblackdoula.com/episodes/what-is-diaper-need-with-shelly-tucker-of-the-maryland-diaper-bank   In the DMV? Hire your own postpartum doula from DC Metro Maternity.   And anywhere in the US, sign up for our online course for Black women giving birth in the hospital here- https://dcmetromaternity.com/online-pregnancy-birth-postpartum-class-for-black-women/   Subscribe to Musings of a Black Doula on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Stitcher!

You may have been given the idea that trying to make a birth plan or wanting to have things your way when you have a new baby is a bad thing. But trying to let go of control can create more stress if making a plan and executing it is how you get things done. In this episode, we discuss whether it's best to just let birth happen.   Get the show notes at https://www.musingsofblackdoula.com/episodes/is-being-controlling-in-pregnancy-a-bad-thing   In the DMV? Hire your own postpartum doula from DC Metro Maternity.   And anywhere in the US, sign up for our online course for Black women giving birth in the hospital here- https://dcmetromaternity.com/online-pregnancy-birth-postpartum-class-for-black-women/   Subscribe to Musings of a Black Doula on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Stitcher!

On average, women in the US- including Black women- are having their first child at older ages. So why are we warned against having children at "advanced maternal age"? Should there be so much concern about having your children after 35? The term "geriatric pregnancy" can be alarming, but this episode will tell you some reassuring facts, and give you action steps to care for your health and fertility as an older mom.   Get the show notes at http://www.musingsofblackdoula.com/episodes/baby-after-35-advanced-maternal-age    In the DMV? Hire your own postpartum doula from DC Metro Maternity.   And anywhere in the US, sign up for our online course for Black women giving birth in the hospital here- https://dcmetromaternity.com/online-pregnancy-birth-postpartum-class-for-black-women/   Subscribe to Musings of a Black Doula on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Stitcher!

As a labor doula, I've done my research over the years on natural ways to start labor. Pregnant folks typically get anxious after their due date passes and they start to get creative on ways to induce labor. Or maybe you have a medical reason that's necessitating an induction. So do these remedies really work? Are they safe? And have they been studied to be effective?   Get the show notes at http://www.musingsofblackdoula.com/episodes/do-natural-induction-methods-start-labor    In the DMV? Hire your own postpartum doula from DC Metro Maternity.   And anywhere in the US, sign up for our online course for Black women giving birth in the hospital here- https://dcmetromaternity.com/online-pregnancy-birth-postpartum-class-for-black-women/   Subscribe to Musings of a Black Doula on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Stitcher!

As a Black postpartum doula, I've had to confront the idea that my role is that of a servant, a mammy or "the help". There is so much honor is domestic labor, but in the US it's been looked down upon, and Black communities have a fraught relationship with hiring help, or being "the help. What do postpartum doulas do actually do, and do we have expertise? Should Black families hire postpartum doulas or is that weird?   Get the show notes at www.musingsofblackdoula.com/episodes/are-postpartum-doulas-the-help.   In the DMV? Hire your own postpartum doula from DC Metro Maternity.   And anywhere in the US, sign up for our online course for Black women giving birth in the hospital here- https://dcmetromaternity.com/online-pregnancy-birth-postpartum-class-for-black-women/   Subscribe to Musings of a Black Doula on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Stitcher!  

Musings of a Black Doula provides a view into the life of a 30something Black woman who makes her living serving families, and has built a business helping families of color have empowered births at a time when Black mothers are confronted with terrifying statistics everywhere they turn.    What should Black families really expect when giving birth in the hospital? How do I find a doctor, midwife, doula or lactation consultant I can trust? Is wanting an epidural enough of a birth plan? What should I actually expect postpartum? Is postpartum depression common for Black women? How can I get through pregnancy, birth and raising a newborn without completely losing myself? Is it possible to have a birth that's not traumatic as a Black woman? How can I advocate for myself in labor? Is breastfeeding really that hard? How do I practice self care as a new mom? What is it really like to be a doula?    This podcast is for you if you're looking for:  Information about birth and parenting tailored to Black mothers & families of color What OBGYNs, midwives, doulas and other birthworkers really think about birth and postpartum  An honest but hopeful perspective on reproductive and maternal health in the US Opinions formed over nearly a decade of experience being surrounded by pregnancy, birth and babies Lessons learned while running a Black owned business What it's like to be a Black doula Go to www.musingsofblackdoula.com for more information.