It Takes a Village: Black Maternal Health

It Takes a Village: Black Maternal Health

By Shaquana Rodd

In honor of Black Maternal Health Week that recently passed, we would be remiss if we didn't bring our readers an amazing resource that aims to protect, advocate, and provide a safe space for Black women and mothers to usher in new breath and life into this world. For years midwives have served as birthing assistants to women with inaccessible medical care but as time has progressed so have maternity practices and procedures. While some mothers undergo a pleasant birthing experience, others haven’t shared the same sentiment. 

With the black maternal mortality rate moving in an unfavorable direction, we are grateful for birth workers who have taken a stand to be a voice for black women in their most fragile state. Stormi Harmon of Live to Serve Herbal and Birthing Services is doing her part to bridge the gap of discontentment during and postpartum that women like herself have experienced. She is a Certified Holistic Birth Doula dedicated to forming a village of birth workers by offering Doula Services, Mentorship and Doula Training. Unlike a midwife, doulas are non-medical professionals who provide emotional, physical, and informational support before, during, and after pregnancy for mothers.

In addition to providing ChildBirth Education, she is also a Lactation Counselor and Belly Binding Specialist serving the states of North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. She was inspired to become a doula after giving birth to her oldest child and lacked the professional support she desired postpartum. While she realized representation was crucial, the demand for doula services increased beyond her bandwidth. She knew having adequate support and availability was paramount hence the birth of The Set Apart Collective, a “village” or collective of trained doulas willing and available to provide support to mothers in need. 

Part of being a doula is being present for mothers so it’s important to properly manage one's availability and clientele. Bringing a new life into this world should be a beautiful and intimate experience and not a nightmare. I think we can all agree that having support and advocacy is a game changer, moms are under enough stress. 

No matter if you are searching for a doula or want to become one, Stormi has definitely got you covered. And don’t worry about your geographic location, rest assured there are likely Doula Services available near you. We provided a Black Doula Directory for your convenience to get the ball rolling. There’s no better time than now to start planning. Becoming a Mother is no doubt a sacred Rite of Passage but we shouldn’t have to suffer to be inducted. Let’s all do our part to become informed, raise awareness, and hire a Doula!

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