At the International Doula Institute, we strive to be part of change. While the role of doulas is to support clients in self-advocacy, doulas often take part in community advocacy. During Black Maternal Health Week, we were proud of the many IDI doulas who participated in local events within their communities.
Black Maternal Health Week is an important initiative as Black birthers continue to face increased risks of mortality and morbidity during and after pregnancy. In fact, Black women are 3-4 times more likely to die from pregnancy related conditions when compared to their peers. This remains true even when we adjust for education, income, etc.
Tennis star Serena Williams even essentially saved her own life following birth complications. Initially dismissed, she pushed for the right interventions and care to save her life. If a Black woman with means beyond the average US citizen is still at risk, we know this remains a major public health issue.
That is where Black Maternal Health Week comes in. The 2024 Black Maternal Health week was observed April 11th through the 17th.
What is Black Maternal Health Week?
IDI doula Lauri Branson, shared about her experience participating in the Black Maternal Health Week Initiative 5k Walk and Run in Kern County. This event was organized by Danesha “Dani” Wallace.
Wallace is a Bakersfield native, mom of five, wife, full spectrum doula, community activist and yoga instructor. Dani takes pride in serving her community and encourages others to do the same. Wallace shared:
“The Black Infant Maternal Health Initiative (BIMHI) is an Initiative that was created to bring awareness to the unfortunate infant and maternal mortality statistics here in our county and country. Focusing on the facts that African American/Black women are dying at higher rates than their white counterparts in birthing and postpartum spaces. BIMHI also focuses on pre and postnatal mental health, training healthcare providers on racial biases, working to increase the African American/Black healthcare provider workforce here in Kern County and providing scholarships to students.”
The work of the Black Infant Maternal Health Initiative is echoed around the US during Black Maternal Health Week. It is a national week dedicated to raising awareness about the reasons BIMHI exists, and what we all can be doing to support these initiatives seeking change.
How Was Black Maternal Health Week Observed?
As mentioned, IDI doula Lauri Branson participated in the BIMHI of Kern County’s 5K Walk and Run. Event host, doula Dani Wallace, organized the April 13th event with the help of the BIMHI steering committee.
The 5k followed the annual provider dinner that BIMHI’s steering committee also hosted earlier on April 11th, 2024. Dani said everything she does is to honor her son Jeremiah’s memory who would have been fifteen April 10th.
Events like those hosted by BIMHI serve an important role in raising awareness about the disparities in healthcare during and after pregnancy. However, more than simply raising awareness, they provide education for health care professionals and black parents. While this public health issue will take time to remedy, we can arm families with information and help individual providers do better.
All over the US, Black Maternal Health Week was observed, and many doulas were involved in planning and participating. In the greater Philadelphia area, Oshun Family Center held its annual Black Maternal Health Week. It was packed with events for parents, doulas, and healthcare professionals.
Oshun Family Center, partnered with other local organizations, events included birth worker retreats, reproductive justice training, PA State Capital call to action, and more.
IDI doulas Alison and Monica participated in virtual events in Northern California and Atlanta. While we may not be able to change systems overnight, doulas are committed to being involved in change. While we wait for systems to improve, we focus on improving outcomes and care for one client at a time.
IDI Supports Change
At the International Doula Institute, we believe all birthing people deserve evidence-based, safe, and dignified care. Unfortunately, we know this does not always happen. Therefore, we strive to equip our birth workers with important skills. These skills are used to educate and support their clients in a way which increases the likelihood of improved outcomes.
Awareness of disparities and ways to navigate them are woven throughout all our curriculum. We also encourage our doulas to take part in continuing education and community advocacy. One way we do this is by providing a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for Birth Workers certification.
It will take time to see improved systems. But together, we can support change one client at a time.
Author: Maria Silver Pyanov, CPD, CCE
Maria Silver Pyanov, CPD, CCE has been serving prenatal and postpartum families since 2007.