As I waited for the birth of my now ten-year-old son, my doula was an important part of my birth team. Although it was my second childbirth experience, it was the first time I was doing it at home. I still remember how incredibly supportive she was, sharing pain management techniques and words of encouragement that kept me calm during an otherwise scary time. So much so that by the time my son arrived, I felt like I had made a new best friend.
Derived from the Greek word meaning “a woman who serves,” doulas are professionally-trained coaches who assist parents through the birthing process. Whether giving birth in the hospital, at home or at a birthing center, doulas act as advocates for mothers during their labor and delivery. They can also assist in the postpartum period with breastfeeding support and light housework.
According to the Mayo Clinic, women labor with doulas by their side have a decreased incidence of C-sections, a shorter labor period and are less likely to have a negative childbirth experience. We’ve rounded up some Black doulas who are working to help mothers around the country feel safe and supported during childbirth.
Sacred Seeds Black Doula Collective – @sacredseedsblkdoulaco
The Sacred Seeds Black Doula Collective is a group that provides doula care to Colorado-area families. Carrying on in the tradition of Dr. Justina Ford, the state’s first licensed African American female doctor who delivered over 7,000 babies, the group supports the reproductive health needs of parents of color. Among their primary focus is supporting and encouraging Black breastfeeding and working to end the disparities in Black maternal and infant mortality.
Atlanta Doula Collective – @atlantadoulacollective
The Atlanta Doula Collective supports Black families in the Atlanta metro area through affordable childbirth education as well as labor and postpartum support. Among the services they provide are assistance with birth plan preparation, breastfeeding support, and light house cleaning assistance during the postpartum period.
Black Mamas ATX – @blackmamas_atx
Black Mamas ATX is on a mission to eradicate maternal health disparities in Central Texas. By supporting women through pregnancy and the first year postpartum, the group provides childbirth education, mental health support and Black parenting classes among their suite of services.
The Black Doula Project – @blackdoulaproject
The Black Doula Project provides doula care to expectant families in Washington D.C. and Baltimore. It began as an online resource for maternal education for Black women. But in 2020, the project was established as a non-profit which provides free pregnancy, birth and postpartum doula services to Black women in an effort to help reduce their maternal risk statistics.
Chicago Birthworks Collective – @chicagobirthworksco
Chicago Birthworks empowers Black families in the Chicago area through their pregnancy journey. Founded by Toni Taylor and Tayo Mbande, the doula collective assists parents with advocating for their rights and helping them create a positive birth experience that they will always remember.
BX (Re)Birth and Progress Collective – @bxrebirthcollective
The BX (Re)Birth and Progress Collective is a Bronx-based organization that provides doula services to area residents. In addition to birth plan assistance, the group offers emotional support and pain management techniques to help ensure a positive and healthy labor and delivery.
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