Shades of Mother

This piece of art was created to honor women of all colors, but deeper than that, it was created with the intention of bringing light to a reality – the maternal mortality rate of black women in America. Black women are four times more likely to die from childbirth and postpartum complications than are women of  other races. 

Why is this happening? The answers are profoundly clear…there is pain and suffering deeply embedded in the roots of our black population. Furthermore, systemic racism exists in all establishments across the board today, including hospitals. 

So what can we do? As my fellow birth workers and I have discussed this topic in depth, two things are evident – we as a society, as individuals, and especially as care providers, need to check our implicit biases. Pay attention to our actions and words; we will save a life by doing so. 

To my sisters of all shades, 

Epigenetics is real and there is healing in the belief that change is possible for the body. I, Tatiana, a former student midwife and birth doula, am available to support you through your gestation and birth journey. Let us aim to grow together as sisters, learn from each other and gain more tools for strength during the birthing experience. 

If you are interested in having a doula at your birth, contact Joy Dean. Joy, a practicing Doula, Childbirth Educator, and current Student Midwife of Sacramento, California, also offers a six week birth education class called Birth Easier: The Intuitive Way. The next class starts March 13, 2021. If you have questions about what a doula or midwife is, feel free to contact either of us by phone or email.