Doulas Are For Black Mamas Too
My entire perspective on birthing as a black woman in America changed the moment I got a doula. I am no longer afraid, I am empowered!
A doula’s mission is simple. Healthy moms, healthy babies.
Oftentimes, when an expecting mom announces her pregnancy, she is met with a cacophony of congrats followed by “ What are you having?” and “When is your due date?”. During that exciting time, she is so elated by the reaction of others to her glorious news. This elation is soon inevitably paired with a sort of shock at the realities of motherhood being made real and the urgent need to prepare for the special little one.
Right away, it’s about the baby and cute baby clothes, the latest baby gear, names, and what family member the baby will look like. But what about the Mama and in particular, the Black Mama? Is she prepared? Has she already started assembling her birthing team? Does she have a birth plan in place? Does she have proper education on balanced diet and exercise? Does she have a doula?
Yes, a Doula! Doulas are for Black Mamas too. Doulas benefit Black Mamas by helping them prepare for healthy a pregnancy, positive birth experiences, and rejuvenating postpartum periods. Doulas not only understand preparation for baby mode, but they understand the importance of preparation for mama mode.
Having a doula is not a luxury, it should be standard.
Some may think doulas are a luxury and only reserved to serve an elite group of moms. Or that doulas are only needed for high-risk moms. There are even those who feel like having a doula is so out of their reach because they just can’t afford one. Well, let me tell you, there is a doula for every mom: first time moms, moms of multiples, mature moms, young moms, single moms, career moms, bad and boujee moms and the list goes on! So yes, doulas are for Black Mamas too. Every Black Mama should have a doula and every Black Mama deserves a doula to be a part of her birth team. This should be standard.
Now some of you reading this may ask, “ Why do Black Mamas even need a doula?” Current research shows black women are 3 – 5 times more likely to have a maternal death than White women in the United States (AJMC). Further research shows the U.S. has an infant mortality rate of 5.6 per 1,000 live births in 2019, with a health disparity among Black babies at a rate of 10.8 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2018 (CDC). These are more than just numbers and statistics, these are THE LIVES OF BLACK MAMAS and studies going back to 2007 demonstrate an alarming trend.
Source: Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Pregnancy-Related Deaths — United States, 2007–2016
Doulas offer a multitude of resources including physical, emotional and partner support. Doulas offer evidenced-based information and advocacy. Doulas offer protection. Having a doula not only helps to improve the Black Mama’s quality of care that they receive, but it can also protect against reproductive injustices, improve breastfeeding, black maternal and infant mortality rates and even advocate for black maternal mental health.
Did you know black mothers are more likely to suffer from PMADs (Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders) like postpartum depression, in silence, and without clinical help (NCBI)? Having a doula helps Black Mamas alleviate some of the anxiety and fear that sometimes accompany pregnancy.
Get you a doula, mama!
Doulas do not take the place of an OBGYN or other healthcare professionals, but serve as a valuable resource and member of the birthing team. If you could have someone 100% dedicated to your pregnancy, support of your birth vision and passionate about making sure your risk for medical interventions, complications during pregnancy and labor decrease, would you?
Source: Dona International
Then you should get you a doula! All Black Mamas can benefit from having a doula. Black Mamas should not have to navigate pregnancy, labor and postpartum alone. Black Mamas should not struggle to find solutions to pregnancy concerns or be faced with preventable pregnancy related physical and mental health issues that could affect both mom and baby.
So how can you find a doula? You can start by searching in your community for local doulas. Just do a quick social media search or simply ask your friends and family if they know of a doula. You can also search The National Black Doula Association for doulas and holistic practitioners. Consider the next time a Black Mama announces her pregnancy and think to ask her “Do you have a doula?” Gifting a birth or postpartum doula to a Black Mama is a meaningful and necessary gift and you can be assured that in gifting her a doula, she will be supported, empowered, educated, protected and prepared throughout her pregnancy, birth and beyond. Doulas are for Black Mamas too!
About The Author
Rebekah Reddix is a native of Mississippi and owner of Rebekah. The. Doula LLC which offers virtual doula services, classes and resources to help support moms during pregnancy and postpartum. She is passionate about supporting moms on their birth, breastfeeding and postpartum journeys and facilitating positive experiences. Coming from backgrounds in both education and nursing, she understands the dedication and commitment required of being a doula with a special focus on education and prevention. She is driven by a passion and purpose of making doula services accessible to moms anywhere so they are supported, educated and empowered. She is also a loving mother of 3, nature lover and foodie who is known for throwing down some culinary masterpieces in the kitchen. You can connect with Rebekah on Facebook and Instagram at Rebekah.The.Doula or by emailing [email protected].
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