Creating a Network of Support for Mothers and Doulas
Nicole Deggins, the founder of Sista Midwife Production, is bringing light to the conversation of doulas and motherhood. Born and raised in New Orleans, Nicole became a nurse in 1994. After working in labor and delivery, she discovered it was an area into which she wanted to delve deeper. In 1999, she went on to become a midwife. Through her experiences as a travel nurse, she found that there was a disconnect between what women wanted and the reality of what was happening when it came to pregnancy, which pushed her to another level. After working with Mama Shafia Monroe, she became more connected to the legacy of black midwifery and began her journey into the amazing work she does today.
- What led you to create Sista Midwife Productions? What is the vision and mission?
Nicole: Initially, I was holding local meetings with women interested in birth work, sharing information about doulas, and doing various community work. I saw there were very few doulas here in town, so I took a step back and started working with Mama Shafia Monroe, who was the only one doing training for black women throughout the country. Timing wasn’t working, so encouraged by my community, I decided to take my experiences and create a doula training. Soon, women from all over started asking for black doulas, and I felt that a directory of some sort was needed. So, I worked to create one. Now it’s the largest black midwife and doula directory online. And it’s free to get listed and free to search.
- Sista Midwife Productions also offers doula training. How can doulas be a positive and beneficial component to pregnancy for both mother and baby?
Nicole: Statistics show that women who have doulas have a decreased risk of c-sections, increased likelihood of breastfeeding, and better overall birth experiences. Doulas also make sure pregnant mothers are heard. So many women are feeling misused, abused and don’t have any trust when it comes to their pregnancy journey. The doula is a trusted source within the pregnancy. The biggest benefit is the overall satisfaction of the birth, and if there was some trauma during the birth, the doula can help you work through that experience.
- Can you share the importance of mental and emotional health on birth outcomes, specifically among black women?
Nicole: How you think and feel during pregnancy directly affects what the baby experiences. If we’re constantly releasing those fight or flight hormones, it can be detrimental to our baby’s health. They are a full being from conception. They are seeing and hearing and experiencing our vibration from that moment. We want to move through pregnancy as peacefully as possible. Walk outside, move through nature, and connect to self. Unfortunately, our society does not see us, respect us, protect us, and that affects us and our pregnancies. It’s important that we remove any micro or major aggressions that negatively affect us. We have to begin making different choices about what is important at this moment so that we can move through our pregnancies in the best way possible.
- What would be your advice to expecting mothers who are making decisions regarding their prenatal care journey, such as getting a doula?
Nicole: Interview and speak with different doulas. You want to find a good match. Let your
family know the importance of the doula for you. They may not understand so you have to share that info. Reframe your priorities to include this and make room for the doula. Prepare financially. Also, don’t get caught up in certifications. Doulas don’t have a governmental ruling or regulation. There are many women who are doulas have been doing it for years before it became popular. Certification does not point to the quality of care.
- What is the best part of spreading such valuable information for one of the most beautiful aspects of life?
Nicole: When I see the lives changing. That’s what I want to see happen—women recognizing their power and discovering that within themselves. I enjoy helping women make those connections. I like to say that our wombs carry history, and we can create the future through them. When we realize that, we can shift our perception of what we want to create.
STAY CONNECTED WITH NICOLE
sistamidwifeproductions@gmail.com
IG: @sistamidwife
Rashida A. Marshall, MS is the creator of AFIYA Magazine, a digital health and lifestyle publication for Black women. This creative venture grew out of her love for learning, teaching, and sharing valuable wellness information to help improve the quality of life. Rashida is also a Pilates and dance instructor specializing in women’s health.
