It’s no secret that Black women face an uphill battle regarding healthcare before, during, and after childbirth. Amid one of the most vulnerable and miraculous times, Black women face systemic racism and disparities, which have crisis-level effects on our community.
Black women are three-to-five more likely to die during this time because of the material health care gap in the United States. Though pregnant women may voice their concerns to healthcare professionals, they are brushed aside or dismissed until it’s too late.
For years, midwife and doula Nicole Deggins, CNM, MSN, MPH, has worked tirelessly to change those statistics. For more than a decade, the Sista Midwife Productions founder has worked to develop a directory for doulas and midwives for Black women. Now, in partnership with Baby Dove, she has created the Black Doula Directory, which gives a more comprehensive and seamless directory to Black expectant mothers and birthing individuals.
“Providing an easier way for Black families to identify and connect with Black doulas who look like them and have similar lived experiences is a critical part of improving Black maternal health outcomes and experiences,” Deggins said in a statement given to Blavity. “Having access to qualified Black doulas can allow for Black moms and birthing families to be even more empowered to make decisions about their birthing experience and care.”
Doulas are non-medical providers. They are specifically trained to help families in the prenatal, pregnancy, and the postpartum period. They are nonjudgmental and don’t offer medical advice, but they are an advocate, friend, support person, and resource provider. For expectant mothers and birthing families, doulas can play a critical role in the health and well-being of the birthing person and baby.
According to statistics provided by Baby Dove, expectant mothers are two times less likely to experience birth complications with the aid of a doula. They are more likely to experience overall positive health outcomes during the birthing journey.
“At Baby Dove, we believe Black moms have the right to superior care at every step of their journey, which means making quality care accessible and affordable is a top priority in closing the Black maternal care gap in the U.S.,” says Neha Minj, Brand Director for Baby Dove. “We are hopeful that the Black Doula Directory, created in partnership with Sista Midwife Productions, will limit barriers to accessing Black doulas who can provide quality care to Black families across the country.”
In addition to the ground-breaking Black Doula Directory, Baby Dove, in partnership with Black Mamas Matter Alliance, formed the Black Birth Equity Fund, which provides Black expectant mothers in the U.S. with immediate financial support to access doula services. The fund offers one-time grants of up to $1,300 to help cover the cost of a doula.