Podcasts about black doula

In this episode, Michaela Ayers explores the transformative power of love, creativity, and community care. Reflecting on her journey through the Seeda School for Black feminist worldbuilding, Michaela shares how the recovery of her creative spirit has shaped her latest offering—The Art of Black Love, a collage and memory workshop. Join us inside Wa Na Wari, a historically Black home turned cultural space, where participants gather to reflect on love in all its forms. Listen as workshop attendees, including Rachel Chapman, bring their memories to life through creative writing and collage. Resources: Sign up for Michaela's Creative Moments newsletter to learn more about her offerings. To listen to Act II, join BHS on Substack. Discover the work of Rachel Chapman, Associate Professor of Cultural Anthropology. Learn more about Ayana Zaire Cotton and Seeda School, a liberatory space that explores Black feminist worldbuilding and creative actualization. Check out Wa Na Wari's work advancing belonging through Black arts and Culture in Seattle. 

Check out my newest episode- The Importance of Black Doula's & Midwives Part. 2. I had the opportunity to chat with local, abroad, and community doula's. You contact via email: Onika.Carrine517@gmail.com IG: OnikaCarrine X: OnikaCarrine Panel Amirah Grasty Certified Community Doula  IG: @amirahaneesah Email: ⁠amirahgrasty1@gmail.com⁠ Devon Kitzo-Creed (She/Her) Certified birth & postpartum doula and childbirth educator. @DevonDKC on IG, Tiktok, and YouTube.  Email: ⁠devondkc@gmail.com⁠ Website: www.athenabirthservices.com Imani Davis ( She/Her) Community Specialist & aspiring doula IG : @miss_gp Email: ⁠imanid3029@gmail.com⁠ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theocpodcast/message

Check out my newest episode- The Importance of Black Doula's & Midwives. I had the opportunity to chat with both local and abroad doula's. You contact via email: Onika.Carrine517@gmail.com IG: OnikaCarrine X: OnikaCarrine Panel Kristin Murphy A Mother's Empowerment IG: @kristin_yourdoula Email: k.mcneair2@gmail.com Edoukou Aka-Ezoua Certified Full Spectrum Community Doula  IG: @nurturethrivedoula Email: nurturethrivedoula@gmail.com Website: https://www.nurturethrivedoula.com/ Devon Kitzo-Creed (She/Her) Certified birth & postpartum doula and childbirth educator. @DevonDKC on IG, Tiktok, and YouTube.  Email: devondkc@gmail.com Website: www.athenabirthservices.com Imani Davis ( She/Her) IG is miss_gp Email: imanid3029@gmail.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theocpodcast/message

In this episode, we dive deep into the experiences and wisdom of Sabia Wade, a remarkable Black Queer CEO, Investor, Educator, and Author who's been making waves in the world of birthing and beyond. We reminisce about her childhood and her early concept of "Black luxury." From there, we journey through Sabia's path, from a small business owner to an audacious visionary, embracing her creativity and her resolute belief in the power of asking, "Why not me?"Sabia's journey is an inspiration for many, and her commitment to self-care and representation is a powerful message for anyone on their path to personal and professional growth. Listen in as Sabia takes us through her journey, offering insights and inspiration along the way. Some key points discussed in this episode include:The importance of having a community that validates and values your work, especially as a black creatorUnveiling shared stories of the trauma and experiences of black-birthing individualsRecognizing your needs and not feeling guilty about self-careBuilding and maintaining a supportive team for your personal and professional lifeThe true meaning of restGEMS DROPPED“...you're having this issue in your business because in your personal life, you need to work on that so you can incorporate that into your business”. - Sabia“We can all be of high maintenance, we can all do that at the same time and show up for each other in the ways where it's just like, this is the strength that I have to give it, we're all focused on that..” - Monique“If you don't invent the thing, then you never know what's gonna go right.  Everything that we have on this planet has been created by someone, some brain somewhere, right? And it's like, they didn't know if that thing was gonna pop off …But I just feel like why can't it be me?” - Sabia“For most people, folks of color, in particular, and for many entrepreneurs… if you're thinking differently, you're dreaming differently, you want to create something different, you may not come from some, very specific special, “pedigree,” and is not necessary” - Monique “Every day I can still choose my liberation, even more being in the matrix, right? Because we're in it. We all got capitalism. We all got sexism, bigeye, racism, right? We got all these phobias, all of these things. And, I still choose to do something every day. That is for my liberation”. - Sabia“Everything you do doesn't have to make sense” - Sabia“When you take care of yourself? Yeah, it's always a benefit to the team, right? Whether it's emotionally, financially, whatever the next thing we're gonna do on our part, like, it's always a benefit for me to care for myself”. - Sabia“It takes surrounding yourself with the right people to rest, right. Like we have to build that up around you. We all need that”. - Monique GUEST LINKSLearn more about Sabia Wade | Website | Book | Newsletter | InstagramSTAY IN TOUCHCome and follow me on Instagram @moniquershields and I would love your feedback so send an email to ambition@moniquershields.com. 

According to the CDC, death rates for women giving birth in the United States jumped from 23.8 deaths to 32.9 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2021. The data also shows that mortality rates are the highest among Black women, who are two to six times more likely to die from a pregnancy-related cause than white women.While the data cannot pinpoint specific causes for the disparities between white and Black women, studies suggest the care provided during pregnancy and postpartum are contributing factors. Celebrities like Serena Williams, who had to advocate for proper medical attention, and Beyonce, who experienced pregnancy complications, have highlighted the dangers of giving birth in the U.S.Although several countries have higher maternal mortality rates, studies show that women in the U.S. face the highest rates of preventable maternal mortality when compared with women in 10 other wealthy nations.These startling numbers have led to an increase in women having doulas in their birthing plans. A doula is a non-medical professional trained to offer support during pregnancy, birth and postpartum.On this episode of "The Word" podcast, Monique Cowan, a trained Long Beach doula featured on the Dove Black Doula Directory, reveals how little most people know about childbirth and everything that comes with it.To learn more about Cowan, you can visit her website or email her at TheCompleteDoula@gmail.com.

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!

Sabia Wade (she/they), doula, entrepreneur, and angel investor, joins Black Feminist Rants to give the rundown on what angel investing is, putting money into the futures we want to see, and what luxury can mean for Black people. Sabia discusses how they got their start as a doula, putting your ego aside when you're doing the work, and platonically raising kids with her friend. They also share about their new book coming out later this year and the publishing process. Action Items: Be sure to check out Sabia's website to keep up-to-date with everything they're doing. Pre-order Birthing Liberation at any of the sites listed here. To find out more about Loads of Pride and SOLOTIS wine, go here. Learn more about BADT and For the Village here. Stay connected to BFR! Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter! Donate to BFR to support the work that we do! Want to work with us? Click here to be a sponsor. Click here to request to be a guest speaker. Sign up for the BFR Newsletter Credits: Producer: LaKia Williams Audio Engineer and Technical Support: Annaya Baynes --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lakia-williams8/message

Ep. #75 - Dominique Jones is the owner and CEO of Mom's Advocate & Maternal Advisor (M.A.M.A.). As a Black mother of three young girls (ages 3 months, 2 and 4)  she knows firsthand how scary pregnancy, birth and the thought of motherhood can be. Listen as she shares about M.A.M.A.  Mom's Advocate and Maternal Advisor (M.A.M.A.) is a full spectrum virtual birth services company. They're committed to serving mothers and families across the nation, advocating for improved maternal outcomes and providing support services, from pre-conception through motherhood. Website - https://mamabirthservices.com Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mamabirthservices Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/safepeacefuljoyous Video - And Then She Was Gone - Kira's Story (Part 1) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QvUkR-mmrpU And Then She Was Gone - Kira's Story (Part 2) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DrT0VX1bVEw Article about Kira Johnson – Husband of Woman Who Died After C-Section Speaks About Black Maternal Health While Raising His Boys Alone https://people.com/health/tk-dad-raising-sons-alone-after-wife-dies-in-childbirth How to Find A Black Doula - https://www.babycenter.com/pregnancy/your-body/how-to-find-a-black-birth-doula_40007260#:~:text=Ask%20your%20network%20if%20they%20know%20any%20Black,they%20provide%20services%20for%20pregnant%20or%20breastfeeding%20moms. The Black Nonprofit and Business Podcast Website - https://www.blacknonprofitsandbusinesses.com Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/black_nonprofits_biz_podcast

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!

Michelle and Keshia Lockett are celebrating the release of Keshia's book, Birth Undisturbed: How to Have an Undisturbed Unmedicated Hospital Birth, on Amazon and the success of her Black Doula Tour as well the release of Calm Birth's new meditation app for pregnancy, birth, and parenting which features Michelle's voice in the audios. Keshia shares all about The Black Doula Tour and her book. Together, they discuss the sacredness and sanctity of birth and why knowledge, education, and choosing a provider that reflects your values for your pregnancy and birth are vital.  "And that's what The Black Doula Tour is really, really all about. It's about connecting with people. It's about finding your soul drive. It's about getting education that you need during pregnancy. It's just about so, so much. Every tour we aim to have different speakers that can come and share their knowledge. So every tour will be absolutely different with different faces. You won't get the same thing out of each tour." —Keshia LockettGrab a  copy of Keshia's book on Amazon: Birth Undisturbed: How to Have an Undisturbed Unmedicated Hospital BirthGet your tickets for The Black Doula Tour About Keshia:Keshia Lockett is a certified birth and postpartum doula, certified breastfeeding counselor, childbirth educator, author, and podcaster. She has a passion for childbirth, empowering birthing people, and fighting racial disparities in the medical field that started from a very young age. She realized black women giving birth are at a major disadvantage, and so she made it her mission to change that! Connect with  Keshia:Website: https://www.embraceyourbirthdoula.com/Instagram: @empoweredblackdoula, @embraceyourbirthdoula_Facebook: @Empowered Black Doula, @Embrace YourBirth DoulaPodcast: Empowered Black Doula Connect with Michelle:Classes with Michelle: birtheaseservices.com/birth-ease-childbirth-educationFacebook:   Birth Ease,   The Birth Ease Podcast,  Birth Ease Baby Loss SupportInstagram:    @birtheasemichellesmith,  @birtheaselossssupportYouTube:    Birth EaseLinkedIn:  Birth Ease Michelle SmithWebsite:  BirthEaseServices.com Thank you for listening! 

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 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!  

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!

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.

INTERVIEW: What's a doula? Do I need one? What are the things I should be advocating for around my pleasure? On the podcast today Sabia Wade is here to explain it all! From their experience as a birth worker to the taboos of pregnancy Sabia joins Bedside in conversation around how we can better empower ourselves and our community around reproductive justice.On this episode we cover:Systems Doulaship Westernized birthing experiences How to find the right doula Accessibility to doulas Racism and discrimination in healthcare How to actually be any allySustainable allyship Advocating for your pleasure + rest Human design Mentioned Resources:The Nap Ministry Why Hormones + Holistic Wellness F*cking Matter (episode with my OBGYN)Connect with Bedside:@thebedsidewww.thebedside.coConnect with Sabia Wade:sabiawade.com@sabiawadeBe sure to rate, review, and share this episode with a friend!

Boitumelo Dibakoane is a registered birth doula. Her harrowing experience as a young, scared, first time mother inspired her to help others. This story comes with a trigger warning for obstetric abuse and birth trauma. Unfortunately this is a common theme for many who give birth in South Africa. Find out how Boitumelo is fighting for the rights of black women in particular.

Boitumelo Dibakoane is a registered birth doula. Her harrowing experience as a young, scared, first time mother inspired her to help others. This story comes with a trigger warning for obstetric abuse and birth trauma. Unfortunately this is a common theme for many who give birth in South Africa. Find out how Boitumelo is fighting for the rights of black women in particular.

We love Black doulas, and in this episode, we unpack why they are so vital to the Black birthing community. What we know is that Black people are three to four times more likely to die from childbirth-related complications than anyone else. What we know is that infants born to Black people are dying at twice the rate as infants born to anyone else. And no, these statistics are not due to the lack of education or socioeconomic status, research supports that no matter the education level or socioeconomic status of the black birthing person, they are still more likely to experience life-threatening trauma during their birth. I gave birth to my first child last May, and even being a trained birth doula, being able-bodied, being "educated," of a particular economic bracket, and having a firm understanding of the English language, I still experienced a doctor yelling at me while I held my baby in the neonatal intensive care unit (continued shame on you George Washington Hospital) and felt rushed into an "emergency" cesarean which was traumatic with a long a lengthy recovery.I, unfortunately, did not have a birth doula at my birth, but my team of post-partum doulas saved us (hi Zaynab, JoAn, and Vanessa!) and in today's episode I chat with one of my post-partum doulas Leah Hairston of Sweet Bee Doula Service! Leah is a full spectrum traveling doula who supports mostly Black families in envisioning a birth that feels safe and peaceful. We talk about why birth in the community is our ancestral right, why white parents are not thinking about dying during birth in the same way we are, and how liberation is at the core of her doula and life philosophy. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A doula is a trained professional who provides physical, emotional, and informational support through a significant health-related experience, especially childbirth. Though many studies have shown that the services of doula benefit the birth outcomes, the doula is still an overlooked position.  To mark World Doula Week, this week on Match Volume, Nataly Joseph chatted with Andrea Weaver, a certified Black doula based in LA and the founder of Nurture and Flow, an organization giving personalized care back to women and pregnant people, especially Black and brown birthing people. Andrea believes that the birthing person must be informed and empowered with the freedom and authority of making choices, which ensures a positive birth experience. The two also discussed the importance of Black doulas for Black women considering the maternal mortality rate for Black mothers is nearly three times that of white mothers nationally.

Why is need for more African American Doulas on the rise?! What is happening to our Mothers who are giving birth with so many complaints/complications?! Let's talk about with Enfinitee, from Healing Gems LLC of South Carolina! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/erica-jones3/support

Meet the founding members of The Alabama Birth Collective. Learn more about ABC members Charity Moore, Jasmine Merritt, Mariah Brown, Nadia Gramby and Tori Rodriguez, or visit their Instagram.For transcripts and more, visit natalstories.com. Follow NATAL on Twitter and Instagram.

The babies are coming. For more on birth plans, listen to our NPR Life Kit episode.For transcripts and more, visit natalstories.com. Follow NATAL on Twitter andInstagram.

Alabama Birth Collective founder Jasmine Merritt on answering the call to serve.For transcripts and more, visit natalstories.com. Follow NATAL on Twitter and Instagram.

Ciara explores the multitude of care options after learning she's pregnant.Guests featured this episode: Oriaku Njoku, Quita Tinsley Peterson, and Tanya Smith-JohnsonFor transcripts and more, visit natalstories.com. Follow NATAL on Twitter and Instagram.

We head home for a final good-bye to hear how Anasia, Ciara, Erick, Shayla and more are building new legacies exactly where they are.Featured guests: Crystal Starr Flowers, Katy Kozhamminil, PhD, DaLyah Jones and Tanya Smith-JohnsonFor transcripts and more, visit natalstories.com. Follow NATAL on Twitter and Instagram.

Taking matters into her own hands, Anasia charts new pathways to parenthood uniquely her own.Featured guest: Dr. Tonya Hawkins HunterFor resources on pregnancy loss, listen to our NPR Life Kit episode. For transcripts and more, visit natalstories.com. Follow NATAL on Twitter and Instagram.

Anasia Sturdivant and Ciara Hunter leave city life behind to find new places to call home.For transcripts and more, visit natalstories.com. Follow NATAL on Twitter and Instagram.

Fannie Lou Hamer, Southern freedom fighter and one of the oldest Black-founded towns in the country spark The Browns' most transformational decision yet. Featured guests: Katy Kozhamminil, PhD and Arrianna Planey, PhD.If you loved learning about Mound Bayou, check out this video.For transcripts and more, visit natalstories.com. Follow NATAL on Twitter and Instagram.

Alabama Birth Collective founding member, Nadia Gramby, on the sisterhood of birthwork.For transcripts and more, visit natalstories.com. Follow NATAL on Twitter and Instagram.

The moments that (re)introduced Shayla, Erick and Anasia to their bodies.For transcripts and more, visit natalstories.com. Follow NATAL on Twitter and Instagram.

Hosts Gabrielle Horton and Martina Abrahams Ilunga share what inspired this season. Interwoven between narrative interludes, this 10-part story album highlights the rich traditions and structural challenges that have moved four Black rural parents to birth new life and legacies on their own terms.Featured guests: Arrianna Planey, PhD and DaLyah Jones.If you loved learning about Black rural communities, check out this article by DaLyah.For transcripts and more, visit natalstories.com. Follow NATAL on Twitter and Instagram. 

Eight months pregnant during the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, Shayla and Erick Brown return home to rural Mississippi for a chance to finally get it right.For transcripts and more, visit natalstories.com. Follow NATAL on Twitter and Instagram.

The parents adjust to life postpartum and the powerful transformations they've undergone.Guest featured this episode: Crystal Starr FlowersFor transcripts and more, visit natalstories.com. Follow NATAL on Twitter and Instagram.

Coming Soon: NATAL heads to rural America for season two.

This week, guest host Adilia Watson talks with Jazzmine Brooks, "The Rural Black Doula," about advocacy, mental health, and how doulas can improve birth outcomes in rural places.

Please give a peach packed welcome to Sabia C. Wade (aka The Black Doula)!!! In this EP we dive into the world of doulas and Sabia's journey to CEO and as we all know nothing worth having comes easy. Sabia talks about how they built their business and what challenges they faced along the way. We also talk about the black maternal mortality rate in America, which was so so eye opening. This is a good one Peaches, so get listening! SHOW NOTES Let's Talk, Peaches IG: @letstalk_peaches TikTok: @letstalk_peaches Website: www.letstalkpeaches.com Merch: https://www.letstalkpeaches.com/shop Sabia C. Wade IG: @theblackdoula, @birthingadvocacy, @forthevillageinc Website: https://theblackdoula.com

This week, Brittany and Aleen host Sabia Wade, aka The Black Doula, to talk all about how doulas can impact the birthing process from beginning to end. They start off with some background on how Sabia got involved in her role before diving into all the details of how doulas can help make the birth a breeze. They also get into how doulas can fill in the gaps that the medical system can leave open for expecting mothers, and how they can make sure you're advocating for yourself through it all. They also cover at what stage of you pregnancy you should hire a doula as well as what the costs of a doula can be. Follow @theblackdoula to learn more about Sabia's work! 

We're joined by special guest Kie Edwell, Founder of The Elephant Song Doulas in Pittsburgh. We cover the #hottopics from #DrDre being the recent example of “cheaper to keep her”, why black IG & YouTube wanna cancel #kevinsamuels and #lebronjames is speaking out on the Olympics trolls! Plus, we have #whotfcares News and a super emotion friend needs to chill out inside Fan Mail!All this AND MORE this week!

We're joined by special guest Kie Edwell, Founder of The Elephant Song Doulas in Pittsburgh. We cover the #hottopics from #DrDre being the recent example of “cheaper to keep her”, why black IG & YouTube wanna cancel #kevinsamuels and #lebronjames is speaking out on the Olympics trolls! Plus, we have #whotfcares News and a super emotional friend needs to chill out inside Fan Mail! All this AND MORE this week! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Michelle shares her guest appearance on the Empowered Black Doula Podcast with host Keshia Locket. In the episode, Michelle shares her 20+ year journey as a birth professional, how her work has evolved over the years, and some of the insights she has received along the way. Together they discuss the nature of birth work, the impacts of stress and trauma,  and the experience of being a doula.  Michelle also shares the events that lead her to become a bereavement doula and Certified Grief Counseling Specialist in order to more fully support families experiencing pregnancy and infant loss. "Find a caregiver that reflects what your values and wishes are for your baby's birth. ...  Because you only get one birth with this baby, and it's yours and it's precious. And you deserve to be listened to and heard and honored. And if you have a caregiver that is bullying you, shaming you, being condescending: run. Run and muster the courage to switch [providers].”—Michelle Smith  As mentioned in the episode introduction, for those wishing to listen to the conversation yet need to skip over the discussion of perinatal loss, those time markers are: 6:30-12:00,  36:27-36:51, 40:01-40:23, and 44:16-45:21.Thank you for listening to the 100th episode of The Birth Ease Podcast!  Connect with Keshia Lockett:Website: https://www.embraceyourbirthdoula.com/Instagram: @empoweredblackdoula, @embraceyourbirthdoula_Facebook: @Empowered Black Doula, @Embrace YourBirth DoulaPodcast: Empowered Black Doula Connect with Michelle Smith:Classes with Michelle: birtheaseservices.com/birth-ease-childbirth-education, birtheasehypnobirth.com/hypnobirthing-classes-orlando-michelleFacebook:   Birth Ease,   The Birth Ease Podcast,  Birth Ease Baby Loss SupportInstagram:    @birtheasemichellesmith,  @birtheaselossssupportYouTube:    Birth EaseLinkedIn:  Birth Ease Michelle SmithWebsite:  BirthEaseServices.com  birtheasehypnobirth.com 

Keshia Lockett shares what brought her to her doula work and inspired her to write her book, "Birth Undisturbed: How to have an unmedicated Hospital Birth". Together Keshia and Michelle discuss the joys and frustrations of being a doula in Central Florida and the importance of doing your own inner work as a doula. "I want all women to know that your birth is yours. And I want women to be truly empowered by saying, 'NO.'  No is a complete answer. You don't need to explain anything…. It is fully your decision. And just truly be empowered by your voice, 'cause you have one and you can use it." —Keshia Lockett About Keshia:Keshia Lockett is a certified birth and postpartum doula, certified breastfeeding counselor, childbirth educator, author, and podcaster.She has a passion for childbirth, empowering birthing people, and fighting racial disparities in the medical field that started from a very young age. She realized black women giving birth are at a major disadvantage, and so she made it her mission to change that! Connect with  Keshia:Website: https://www.embraceyourbirthdoula.com/Instagram: @empoweredblackdoula, @embraceyourbirthdoula_Facebook: @Empowered Black Doula, @Embrace YourBirth DoulaPodcast: Empowered Black Doula Connect with Michelle:Classes with Michelle: birtheaseservices.com/birth-ease-childbirth-education, birtheasehypnobirth.com/hypnobirthing-classes-orlando-michelleFacebook:   Birth Ease,   The Birth Ease Podcast,  Birth Ease Baby Loss SupportInstagram:    @birtheasemichellesmith,  @birtheaselossssupportYouTube:    Birth EaseLinkedIn:  Birth Ease Michelle SmithWebsite:  BirthEaseServices.com  birtheasehypnobirth.com

If it shocks you to hear that black women in the US are three to four times more likely to die in childbirth than white women, hold onto your chair. In this Express Yourself Podcast Interview, BeauGen sits down with Erryn Tanner. After the birth of her children, Erryn became a postpartum doula. Working with other black women in her community, hearing and seeing their birth experiences shed light on a big problem. Black maternal health matters, but why are we still hearing stories of inequality, in the way women are spoken to, treated, and judged. Erryn shares personal stories that might shock people outside of the black community. She's on a mission to change this, to empower black women by helping to cover the cost of a doula so that black mothers can birth with a voice. What we covered: Erryn's Birth Stories. Erryn's journey to becoming a postpartum doula. The personal experiences of friends and clients. The mission of the Black Doula Project. What it means to birth with a voice and you can make an impact.  Related Episodes: Hey, Black Mom! Find out more about The Black Doula Project: Website Instagram Erryn's Bio: After experiencing racial bias within her own maternal health care and hearing the stories of other black women who had instances of racial inequality during their pregnancies, Erryn Tanner decided to become a postpartum doula. This passion project helps black families settle into life with a newborn and help families adjust to their new normal. After trying to balance being a wife, a mother to two children, and having a full-time career, it became apparent that she couldn't do it all. Erryn and her co-founder Stephanie Kimou-Hardy refocused their efforts to provide a way to fill the need of providing doula support to black families so black women could birth better and safer. With this vision in mind, the Black Doula Project went from providing doula services to operating as a grant fund dedicated to partnering black expectant families with doulas to help reduce maternal health risk, provide support, and empower black families to be advocates for their self-care during their maternity journey. The work of the Black Doula project is focused in Washington, DC, and Baltimore, Maryland. Head over to our website to learn more about us: beaugen.com!

My guest this episode is Jamarah Amani. Jamarah is a community midwife who believes in the power of birth and the right of every birthing person to the care and services they need. Jamarah's lived mission is to do her part to build a movement for Birth Justice locally in South FL, nationally in the US, and globally. A community organizer from the age of sixteen, Jamarah has worked with several organizations across the United States, the Caribbean and in Africa on various public health issues, including HIV prevention, maternal and infant mortality, access to emergency contraception and access to midwifery care. She's  currently the director of Southern Birth Justice Network, a non-profit organization working to demand dignity for pregnant and parenting people and to make midwifery and doula care accessible to marginalized communities. Jamarah is also the co-founder of National Black Midwives Alliance and was the 2019 recipient of the Trailblazer Award from the City of Miami.Our conversation centers around Birth justice, racial maternal disparities, the power of alignment, and doing life (and birth) on your own terms. Mentioned in this episode:Statistics on black maternal health Black women are three to four times more likely to experience a pregnancy-related death than white women.Black women are more likely to experience preventable maternal death compared with white women.Black women's heightened risk of pregnancy-related death spans income and education levels.Kira Dixon Johnson, 4Kira4MomsBlack Mothers Keep Dying After Giving Birth. Shalon Irving's Story Explains WhySouthern Birth Justice NetworkDonate to Southern Birth Justice Network via PayPalBlack Midwives AllianceLegacy Power Voice: Movements in Black Midwifery (documentary film)How to Survive the End of the World podcast Emergent Strategy : Shaping Change, Changing Worlds by adrienne maree brownThe Body is Not an Apology by Sonya Renee TaylorParable of the Sower by Octavia ButlerTomi Adeyemi Crafts Fantastic Worlds with WordsYour Attention Please - A Hulu PodcastBlack Stories Presents: Your Attention Please

Listen in to the second part of Michelle's conversation with Sabia Wade. Together, they explore the ways in which the current medical system is failing us from patient to physician and the reality that many birth professionals carry secondary trauma due to the hierarchical system and the very nature of birth itself. They discuss why self-care is a vital responsibility for all birth workers. Sabia encourages expecting families to demand and require curiosity from the providers and caregivers that are assisting them with their care. "For me, it is always important for anyone that I interact with to know that they are the expert of themselves. And that I am here to assist in whatever ways that I can. That's my job. That's who I am. I am never going to be the person who is the all-mighty knowing. But I can assist you in what you know about yourself. And I can assist you in learning new things about yourself, and you can assist me in learning more. That's the kind of energy that needs to be brought to birth work and just to people to people interactions."—Sabia WadeAbout Sabia C. Wade:Sabia is a radical doula, educator, doula business coach, reproductive justice advocate, and somatic practitioner in training that is elevating the voices and experiences of marginalized communities. Sabia embraces the role as a liberator of self by equity, autonomy, and justice for every body!In 2015, Sabia's doula journey began as a volunteer doula with The Prison Birth Project. In the role as a volunteer doula, Sabia assisted incarcerated and formerly incarcerated parents, as well as parents in recovery for two years. In these two years, Sabia gained knowledge not only about birth but also about topics such as obstetric violence, the Black maternal crisis, and reproductive justice. That experience has been the foundation of who Sabia is, all that Sabia does, and who Sabia is becoming.In 2018, Sabia founded the nonprofit organization, For The Village, a community doula program that provides free and low-cost doula services to underrepresented communities. They are currently partnered with Project Concern International and Birth Roots Birth Center to better outcomes for Black birthing people in San Diego, CA.Sabia's experience and knowledge inspired the creation of the Birthing Advocacy Doula Trainings (BADT) in 2019. The goals of BADT are bringing necessary education to birth workers seeking to go beyond the standard doula role and into advocacy for the underrepresented and increase accessibility to BADT by creating an online platform, as well as providing affordable options to participating birth workers. In 2020, Sabia officially started the training to become a Somatic Experience Practitioner with the Somatic Experience Trauma Institute (SETI) after embodying the practice into her own life for about two years, and is now a proud member of the board of directors for SETI.   Connect with Sabia Wade:Websites: https://theblackdoula.com/,   https://www.badoulatrainings.org/Facebook:  @doulasabia, @birthingadvocacyInstagram: @theblackdoula, @birthingadvocacy Connect with Michelle Smith:Website:  BirthEaseServices.comFacebook:   Birth Ease,   The Birth Ease Podcast,  Birth Ease Baby Loss SupportInstagram:    @birtheasemichellesmith,  @birtheaselossssupportYouTube:    Birth EaseLinkedIn:  Birth Ease Michelle SmithShow:  Birth Ease

Listen in to part 1 of this 2 part conversation as Sabia Wade shares how the mix of birth, trauma, anti-racism, and advocacy has brought purpose and drives Sabia's mission for equity, autonomy, and justice for every body and the revolutionary projects she is up to. Together Michelle and Sabia discuss the importance of being your full self as a birth worker and remembering to openly focus on the spaces that fill you with joy. They explore the shifts that are happening within the birth community, why it is a disservice to those we serve if we avoid harder conversations, the reality that  everyone deserves to be seen, and why trusting relationships are paramount to affecting change."Really what I like is birthing new aspects of people. Really what I like is holding space for people. Really what I like is celebrating and being present for the good and bad. ... I try to put it out there to be my full self so that people can come to me as their full selves and know that I can hold that space because I, too, am a full person."—Sabia WadeAbout Sabia C. Wade:Sabia is a radical doula, educator, doula business coach, reproductive justice advocate, and somatic practitioner in training that is elevating the voices and experiences of marginalized communities. Sabia embraces the role as a liberator of self by equity, autonomy, and justice for every body!In 2015, Sabia's doula journey began as a volunteer doula with The Prison Birth Project. In the role as a volunteer doula, Sabia assisted incarcerated and formerly incarcerated parents, as well as parents in recovery for two years. In these two years, Sabia gained knowledge not only about birth but also about topics such as obstetric violence, the Black maternal crisis, and reproductive justice. That experience has been the foundation of who Sabia is, all that Sabia does, and who Sabia is becoming.In 2018, Sabia founded the nonprofit organization, For The Village, a community doula program that provides free and low-cost doula services to underrepresented communities. They are currently partnered with Project Concern International and Birth Roots Birth Center to better outcomes for Black birthing people in San Diego, CA.Sabia's experience and knowledge inspired the creation of the Birthing Advocacy Doula Trainings (BADT) in 2019. The goals of BADT are bringing necessary education to birth workers seeking to go beyond the standard doula role and into advocacy for the underrepresented and increase accessibility to BADT by creating an online platform, as well as providing affordable options to participating birth workers. In 2020, Sabia officially started the training to become a Somatic Experience Practitioner with the Somatic Experience Trauma Institute (SETI) after embodying the practice into her own life for about two years, and is now a proud member of the board of directors for SETI.   Connect with Sabia C. Wade:Websites: https://theblackdoula.com/,   https://www.badoulatrainings.org/Facebook:  @doulasabia, @birthingadvocacyInstagram: @theblackdoula,  @birthingadvocacy Connect with Michelle Smith:Website:  BirthEaseServices.comFacebook:   Birth Ease,   The Birth Ease Podcast,  Birth Ease Baby Loss SupportInstagram:    @birtheasemichellesmith,  @birtheaselossssupportYouTube:    Birth EaseLinkedIn:  Birth Ease Michelle SmithShow:  Birth Ease