Ashley Rogers didn't expect to have a cesarean birth. Her pregnancy had been uneventful, and she had been planning a natural birth after her first child had been born via C-section 11 years earlier. So in July 2021, when doctors told her a C-section would be the safest way to deliver, "I was freaking out," Ashley recalls. Luckily, in addition to her husband, Marley, Ashley had her doula, Nadia Gramby, by her side.
"I remember lying on the table and Nadia coming over. She whispered, 'It's going to be OK. You got this.' And I was totally fine after that!" says Ashley, who gave birth to her son, Makaio, that day.
For Black birth workers like Nadia, a doula based in Birmingham, AL, it's moments like these that crystallize the decision to dedicate their lives to caring not just for expectant mothers, but for expectant Black mothers.
The United States has the highest maternal death rate of any developed nation in the world, and while rates are declining in most countries, the numbers have been steadily rising in the U.S. over the past three decades. For Black women, the statistics are even more daunting. In 2020, the maternal mortality rate for non-Hispanic Black women was 55.3 deaths per 100,000 live births-nearly three times the rate for non-Hispanic white women.
After working in human resources for 15 years, Nadia became a certified doula five years ago. "I never looked back," she says. "I was called to this by God."
Today Nadia is a birth and postpartum doula and a childbirth educator, meaning she offers her clients emotional support before, during, and after birth, as well as childbirth education, which makes them aware of their rights in the birth room and beyond. She's also studying to become a certified professional midwife, which would enable her to manage the medical care of mom and baby before and during birth.
Denne historien er fra July - August 2022-utgaven av Good House Keeping - US.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra July - August 2022-utgaven av Good House Keeping - US.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Great Gifts for Pet Lovers
Tie a bow around one of these - they're perfect for four-legged friends and those who love them.
Sister Act
Dolly Parton and her sister Rachel Parton George spoke to our sister publication in the U.K. about their new cookbook and the secret ingredient in all their favorite dishes: love.
Cookie Wonder
The Test Kitchen baked more than 700 cookies (that's about 60 dozen!) to perfect the tastiest treats for your holiday table.
Fuel Your Mornings
Jump-start the day with these easy, healthy breakfast ideas.
The Best Heartburn Helpers
'Tis the season for giant, festive meals. Here's how to enjoy your holiday favorites minus the discomfort.
OUR FAVORITE WINTER READ Cozy Up
Best Winter Reads
The Magic OF MI FAMILIA
When I was a kid, every Sunday with my Mexican American community - full of wonderful traditions and warm tortillas - felt like a holiday.
DECORATE WITH Rugs
Follow these expert tips to choose the best rug style, material and size for your space.
Sparkle ALL THE Way
Bring on the holiday cheer with these creative DIY decor ideas the whole family will love.
All IS Bright!
Dress up your makeup for the holidays with a festive flash of eye-catching color. Just pick a standout shade as well as a feature to highlight and keep the rest of your look simple.