Your Voice, Your Birth

Birth is a unique and memorable experience. It’s a moment when women can tap into their individual power while creating a cherished memory. Despite this, it can also, at times, involve unfair protocols, overly rigid structures, and moments of injustice that bring about feelings of powerlessness. For Black women, the increased risk of inadequate treatment and discrimination can bring about an additional layer of fear and apprehension. This reality strengthens the reasons why self-advocacy during pregnancy and birth is so vital. When we move through these moments with the right knowledge, support systems, proper representation, and access to resources, we are better able to protect and thrive within our birth experiences. Let’s explore five ways we can make this happen.

Consider Having a Doula

Finding a doula who you trust and connect with has been shown to positively impact your birthing experience. A doula is a birth companion who provides physical, emotional, and informational support for the birthing person while advocating for their preferences and rights. They also support the birthing person’s partner, as needed. A doula is not only present during your labor experience. They also support you in the months leading up to delivery to provide education, resources, and guidance. Organizations such as DoulaMatch and National Black Doulas Association allow for you to find credible doula services in your area.

Build Your Birthing Team

You have the choice to decide what kind of support you’d like to receive. The options of working with an OB/GYN, Certified Nurse Midwife, or Traditional Midwife are there for you to explore. Spend time looking into what’s available in your area and choosing the medical support that best matches your birthing desires. Erica Chidi, the author of Nurture: A Modern Guide to Pregnancy, Birth, and Early Motherhood – and Trusting Yourself and Your Body, suggests creating a list of questions to consider asking (pp. 196 – 204). Examples include:

• What is your general philosophy about pregnancy and birth?
• How often will I see you? What do your check-ups consist of?
• As long as my baby and I are doing well, how much freedom do I have during labor? (eating, moving around, tub, etc.)

Create a Birth Plan (Map)

Developing a birth plan allows you to envision the birth experience you would like for yourself. If you’re working with a doula, this is something they will more than likely assist you with. Your plan can be shared with your medical and support team to help keep everyone and everything aligned, as best as possible. Also, viewing it as a map can be useful in case things shift. It allows you to ask further questions, plan ahead, and better cope with changes.

Look into Childbirth Education Classes

A thorough, well-designed childbirth education class informs you of the childbirth process and what to expect. You’ll learn about the different interventions, birthing positions, stages of labor, normal versus abnormal occurrences, etc. Look into classes being held at your local hospital or birthing center. Additionally, your doula and medical support team may be able to direct you to different options.

B. R. A. I. N.

The acronym B.R.A.I.N is a useful reminder to ask questions that will inform you to make the best decision for you and your baby. These questions can be brought up to your medical team whenever there is a decision that needs to be made, giving you the space to choose what you believe will work best

• What are the Benefits?
• What are the Risks?
• What are my Alternatives?
• What if I choose to follow my Intuition and do what feels right?
• What if I do Nothing?

Along with these tips, consider looking into safe pregnancy and birth initiatives happening within your community. Organizations such as Black Women Birthing Justice, Birth in Color, and Birth Queen advocate for safe birthing spaces, access to appropriate care, human rights for birthing individuals, and education surrounding childbirth.

Pregnancy and childbirth are powerful and invaluable moments in our lives. Knowing that our voices and feelings will be heard and validated is crucial. Let us know in the comments how we can continue to spread this message.