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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

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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

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The emotional journey of those who have experienced fertility challenges requires special care and understanding during pregnancy and birth, with many carrying deep anxiety, fear, and complex emotions throughout their experience.

• Growing number of people facing fertility challenges in our society
• Emotional sensitivity acknowledging the difficult journey to pregnancy
• Validating fears that come from past losses and struggles
• Creating space for both celebration and grief simultaneously
• Importance of continuity of care and building trust with providers
• Heightened anxiety and potential PTSD from past experiences
• Feelings of guilt for not experiencing pure joy
• Need for compassionate support extending into the postpartum period
• Importance of community support from those with similar experiences
• Approaching each situation gently without assuming we know everything

Please make a human connection, go out and make a difference in someone's day, be a positive impact for someone nearby or far away, so that we can all connect a little better as humans on this planet that we share together.

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

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Birth is influenced by three major stakeholders with different objectives: the birthing people, the birth place, and the policies governing care. Understanding the "Three P's" helps expectant parents navigate their birth journey and identify where their interests align with the larger healthcare system.

• Birthing people want safety, support, a voice in their care, and a positive, meaningful experience
• Hospitals focus on clinical safety while balancing risk management, efficiency, standardization, and resource allocation
• Insurance companies prioritize cost management but share interests with families in reducing unnecessary interventions
• Birth centers often have more alignment with birthing people's objectives than hospitals do
• Doulas create value by improving outcomes in ways that benefit both families and insurance companies
• Even within large healthcare systems, families can make requests that personalize their care
• Human connection and compassionate care significantly impact the birth experience

Please reach out today and make a human connection. Do something kind for someone nearby – whether a stranger or someone you know – and you won't regret it.

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

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Dr. Venice Haynes shares her groundbreaking work on the 100 Weeks Project, which aims to transform maternal healthcare from preconception through the postpartum year by addressing systemic barriers and creating culturally congruent solutions. She reveals how the project's comprehensive journey maps and state-by-state analysis expose critical gaps in care while highlighting opportunities for employers, policymakers, and communities to better support birthing people.

• Black women are almost three times more likely to die from maternity-related causes than white women
• The 100 Weeks framework covers preconception (4 weeks), pregnancy (40 weeks), and extended postpartum (56 weeks)
• Journey maps compare clinical recommendations with actual experiences and highlight ideal care scenarios
• State analysis shows Southern states generally provide poorer postpartum support, tracking with areas that haven't expanded Medicaid
• Cultural congruency in healthcare providers is key to building trust and improving outcomes
• Ideal postpartum care includes more frequent check-ups, home visits, lactation support, and mental health resources
• Employers play a crucial role through parental leave policies and comprehensive health benefits
• Community-based solutions like home visits and non-traditional appointment hours can improve access
• Building trust takes time
• Advocates should contact legislators, donate to community organizations, and create safe spaces for support

• The Journey Map – Maternal health polices often focus solely on birth, overlooking the challenges that Black mothers face before and after pregnancy.

• The State of Postpartum Care – Interactive maps from USofCare show that postpartum outcomes remain worst in the South, home to the largest share of Black Americans.

• Bright Spots in Maternal Health – USofCare identified promising programs and practices improving maternal health outcomes by engaging with Black women and other women of color.

• Listening to Women of Color – Through in-depth conversations, USofCare uncovered key challenges that Black women face.

• Birthing Bias – Through listening work, USofCare identified that Black women frequently experience racial bias and dismissive treatment.

• 100 Weeks of Care Issue Brief – A comprehensive look at the full Black maternity health journey, identifying gaps and inequalities across pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care.

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

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This extensive collection of coping techniques for labor is drawn from decades of doula experience, emphasizing how these tools can benefit everyone regardless of their birth plan—even those planning on epidurals.

• Preparation and knowledge dramatically increase confidence and can shift birth preferences
• Physical techniques include belly dancing, position changes, walking, marching, and hands-and-knees positioning
• Simple comfort measures like lip balm, cold washcloths, and quick energy sources (popsicles, honey sticks) provide surprising relief
• Touch-based approaches include counter-pressure, massage, tennis balls for back pressure, and acupressure
• Mental techniques involve visualization, focused breathing, meditation, and positive affirmations
• Environmental changes like switching rooms, using music, or adjusting temperature create fresh perspectives
• Support from birth partners through encouragement, praise, and reminders of progress is invaluable
• Taking one contraction at a time and trusting your body and birth team helps manage the experience

Please reach out to another human today, maybe find a stranger, somebody you don't know, and make a connection with someone else—it'll make their day and yours as well.

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

Partners can provide deep and meaningful support during pregnancy, labor, and birth by developing specific skills beyond vague advice to "just be supportive."

• Learn together through childbirth classes, videos, books, or apps to build knowledge and realistic expectations
• Discover what birth goals are important to your pregnant partner, even if they differ from what you would choose
• Prepare concrete comfort measures and tools so you never feel helpless during labor
• Be prepared for preferences to change quickly during labor and adapt accordingly
• Serve as an advocate by attending appointments and asking questions when things aren't clear
• Remain fully present both physically and emotionally—avoid distractions like phones
• Consider hiring a doula who can help you be a better support person and give you breaks when needed
• Understand that being supportive doesn't mean fixing everything—labor is challenging by nature
• Remember your partner's experience of you during birth will impact your relationship as new parents

Please reach out and make a human connection today, whether in person through touch or eye contact, or to someone online—it might make a world of difference to them and will help you too.

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