Black Doula's In Houston

Black Doula's In Houston

By Chelsea Glenn, Founder & CEO of Vigorously Loved, LCC.

Black women in Houston, Texas are 3.5 to 4 times more likely to die during childbirth compared to other women. While some may attribute this to socio-economic or educational factors, studies indicate that the primary reason is simply being a black woman in America. Recent years have seen numerous affluent black women sharing their harrowing pregnancy stories, with some tragically losing their lives due to inadequate care during or after childbirth. Consequently, various initiatives have been launched to increase support for the Black community, including the training of more black doulas.

How does a Black Doula in Houston help with this?

Black Doulas are essential to the outcome of the maternal health crisis. A black doula to a community is there to support with education, advocacy, emotional, physical, and spiritual support. Historically, it has been hard for women that are black to feel supported by medical staff due to many malpractice that has happened throughout America's history, such as in the 1840s, J. Marion Sims', named the 'Father of Gynecology', conducted an experimental surgery on an enslaved women named Lucy and many other young women, without the use of anesthesia and consent (Miller & Miller 2021). Due to situations like this, many women that are black have lost trust within our medical system and can feel like they have no voice.

Having a Doula who resembles you and has gone through similar situations can enhance the feeling of safety and security in black maternal health. This connection helps women feel better equipped for childbirth, empowers them to advocate for themselves in uncomfortable situations, improves their comprehension of medical practices, and boosts their satisfaction with the birthing process.

Statistics on Doula:

The Dona International Data Project (DIDP) conducted a 13 year observation on 1,892 mothers under the care of 574 doulas. During this time, they notice statistics drop significantly including (Sobczak et. al. 2023):

• 7.8% drop in cesarean surgery (12.6% versus 20.4% nationally)

• 5.01% drop in prematurity (4.9% versus 9.91% nationally)

• decrease cesarean delivery

• decrease in low birth weight

And another study showed that mothers were less likely to ask for an epidural, more likely to attend a childbirth education course, more likely to initiate breastfeeding, and more likely to use a carseat during their postpartum period (Hans et. al 2018) .

How do I become a Black Doula?

There are many organizations that you can choose, but there are only a handful that really goes over the cultural needs of black women. Some highly respected doula training that I recommend is Harmonious Birthing- Doulas of Discernment, Birthing Advocacy Doula Training (BADT), National Black Doula Association, Bee the Doula Training, and Paradigm Doulas. These are black-led organizations that thoroughly teaches about the black birthing experience and what it is like to be a black doula in the hospital, home, and birthing center settings, because that too is different compared to our counterparts.

How do I find a Black Doula?

There are great doulas all around Houston that I call sisters! Some directories you can locate black doulas, if I am not available of course, are the DoulaMatch, Sista Midwife, Here For You Doulas Service, Your Voice Doula , The Christian Birth Directory, and so many more.

What can I do to help address the maternal health crisis?

One way to show your support is by getting involved with organizations/initiatives such as the March of Dimes , PUSH Birth Partners, Hear Her Texas, Shades of Blue Project, Missing Pieces, and Every Mother Counts. Engage in discussions with lawmakers at the local, state, and national levels [Every Mother Counts has a great toolkit on ways to join these discussions]. Consider becoming a doula, hiring one, sponsoring a family, or learning more about the role of a doula and working together to bring about meaningful change. We are all on the same team and that is to protect innocent lives- both mom and baby.

A testimonial from one of my clients:

"Not sure what I would of did without Chelsea. She was a rock when I needed it the most. Going into this alone without a partner was very scary and with Chelsea, she made me feel seen and understood, but mostly appreciated and I can't thank her enough for it. "

-Sky Blair (2024), Vigorously Loved, Google Review.

Additional Resource on Maternal Health Needs:

• The Momnibus Act- https://blackmaternalhealthcaucus-underwood.house.gov/Momnibus

• Texas Maternal Health Data- https://healthdata.dshs.texas.gov/dashboard/maternal-and-child-health/maternal-health/maternal-health

• Statute at Large 132 Stat. 5047 - Public Law No. 115-344 (12/21/2018)- https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-bill/1318/text#:~:text=1318%20%2D%20An%20act%20to%20support,health%20care%20quality%20and%20health

• Supporting Moms' Health in the Postpartum Period -https://documents.ncsl.org/wwwncsl/Health/Postpartum-Health-f03.pdf

• The White House Blueprint for Addressing the Maternal Health Crisis: Two Years of Progress - https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/07/10/the-white-house-blueprint-for-addressing-the-maternal-health-crisis-two-years-of-progress/

• 
  

References:

Hans SL, Edwards RC, Zhang Y. Matern Child Health J. (2018) Randomized controlled trial of Doula-home-visiting services: impact on maternal and infant health. 22:105–113. doi: 10.1007/s10995-018-2537-7.

Miller, F. & Miller P. , M.D. (2021)"Transgenerational Trauma and Trust Restoration".

<AMA J Ethics. 2021;23(6):E480-486. doi: 10.1001/amajethics.2021.480.>

Sobczak, A., Taylor, L., Solomon, S., Ho, J., Kemper, S., Phillips, B., Jacobson, K., Castellano, C., Ring, A., Castellano, B., & Jacobs, R. J. (2023). The Effect of Doulas on Maternal and Birth Outcomes: A Scoping Review. Cureus, 15(5), e39451. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.39451

Chelsea Glenn

Founder & CEO of Vigorously Loved, LLC.

Please note that the information provided here is intended for educational purposes. It is advisable to consult your primary healthcare provider for assistance and advice throughout your maternal care experience. Additionally, the organizations mentioned are suggestions I recommend, but they are not affiliated with Vigorously Loved, LLC.

"Dearly Beloved,

You are VIGOROUSLY LOVED, more than you every could imagine! "

-Chelsea Glenn