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Healthcare disparities don't discriminate based on education or wealth—Black and brown women face mortality rates three to five times higher than their white counterparts during childbirth. This stark reality forms the foundation of our deep dive into obstetrical racism, a systemic issue embedded within our healthcare institutions that demands our urgent attention.

Cultural competency sits at the heart of addressing this crisis. Beyond simply acknowledging differences, true competency means creating environments where patients feel safe from bias, are taken seriously when reporting pain or complications, and receive equitable treatment. When care teams include representatives who share or understand patients' cultural backgrounds, trust builds naturally. This representation, coupled with strong advocacy—whether from family members or professional doulas—ensures patients maintain autonomy throughout their birthing journey.

The groundbreaking work of Dr. Davis and Dr. Scott illuminates seven observations characterizing obstetrical racism: diagnostic lapses, neglect, dismissiveness, failure to treat pain, coercion instead of consent, ceremonies of degradation, medical abuse, and racial profiling. Their SACRED Birth Theory offers a practical framework to combat these issues through Safety, Accountability, Communication, Racism acknowledgment, Empathy, and Dignity. These cost-effective principles can transform maternal care for BIPOC individuals when implemented with intention and consistency. Doulas emerge as powerful allies in this transformation, bridging communication gaps and ensuring dignified treatment while honoring the feminine wisdom that threads through all cultures' birthing traditions.

Take this information and make a change—even a small one—in your thinking and actions. Reach out to someone different from yourself and build a human connection. Through these connections, we can collectively work toward a healthcare system that truly serves all birthing people with dignity and respect.

Visit our website, here: https://birthlearning.com/
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Show Credits

Host: Angie Rosier
Music: Michael Hicks
Photographer: Toni Walker
Episode Artwork: Nick Greenwood
Producer: Gillian Rosier Frampton
Voiceover: Ryan Parker

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The humble washcloth is a powerful, versatile tool that can significantly enhance comfort during labor. With 20 years of doula experience, Angie shares how this simple item becomes an essential element in her birth support toolkit.

• The "wondrous washcloth" is available in all birth settings - hospitals, birth centers, and homes
• Cold washcloths provide cooling relief when laboring bodies heat up
• Creating a basin of ice water allows for rotating frigid washcloths during labor
• Waving damp washcloths creates a fan effect for additional cooling
• Warm washcloths on the perineum during pushing help prepare tissues and minimize tearing
• Washcloths provide excellent texture and traction during back massage and counter-pressure
• Keep multiple washcloths accessible during labor as they tend to get misplaced
• Having wet and dry washcloths ready helps during moments of nausea or vomiting

Please reach out to someone today, make a human connection, whether by touch, eye contact, or electronic means. Make an important human contact today.

Visit our website, here: https://birthlearning.com/
Follow us on Facebook at Birth Learning
Follow us on Instagram at @birthlearning

Show Credits

Host: Angie Rosier
Music: Michael Hicks
Photographer: Toni Walker
Episode Artwork: Nick Greenwood
Producer: Gillian Rosier Frampton
Voiceover: Ryan Parker

Send us a text

We explore the contrasting needs and expectations of first-time parents versus experienced parents during the birth process, highlighting how support needs evolve with each birth experience.

• First-time parents have unique needs including education, emotional support, agency, and validation
• First-time parents often feel overwhelmed and need clear, compassionate explanations about the birth process
• Medical settings can make it difficult for first-time parents to advocate for themselves
• Experienced parents (multiparous) want their previous birth experiences acknowledged and respected
• Multiparous parents often have more decisive preferences based on past experiences
• Childcare logistics become a major consideration for parents having second or subsequent babies
• Statistics show 52% of Birth Learning doula clients are first-time parents, with numbers decreasing with each subsequent birth
• By third or fourth births, many parents have developed skills to advocate for themselves
• Experienced parents may face fear of known complications rather than fear of the unknown
• Continuous compassionate support benefits all birthing people regardless of how many births they've had

Please seek out a great doula in your area. It's a great team member to have on your side for a positive and empowering birth experience, whether it's your first or eleventh baby.

Visit our website, here: https://birthlearning.com/
Follow us on Facebook at Birth Learning
Follow us on Instagram at @birthlearning

Show Credits

Host: Angie Rosier
Music: Michael Hicks
Photographer: Toni Walker
Episode Artwork: Nick Greenwood
Producer: Gillian Rosier Frampton
Voiceover: Ryan Parker