What my progress in midwifery means to me…

The granny midwives were well respected Black women from the South who provided care to poor and rural women during pregnancy and labor at a time when hospitals were not accessible to them. They were family counselors, breastfeeding consultants, postpartum doulas, nutritionists, and advocates. Their skills and knowledge were invaluable and laid the foundation for modern day midwifery. Research now shows the use of midwives and doulas can close the gap between outcomes for different ethnic groups. Making it evident the granny midwives had it right all along and while many health systems still have a hard time accepting midwives. The grannies taught us trusted people are imperative in creating a support system where women are successfully guided through pregnancy. Research also shows having caregivers of the same race and culture can lead to improved birth outcomes and greater satisfaction in health care services.

Midwifery has played a critical role in improving care and outcomes especially for Black families. Today i try to recognize and honor the contributions by the granny midwives. I am trained by two amazing midwives and my favorite part is I am also in turn being trained by every midwife they were trained by. Generations of herbs, training, apprenticeship, love and immense skills that has been carefully handed down from each midwife. You don’t get into midwifery if your soul isn’t called to do so. That applies to any birth work. I get to see the student midwives before me thriving and the amazing ones that are starting where i started grow. And i feel like the future of midwifery and women led care is bright. Thank you so much Embracing Fire Designs Kiki Scott for this amazing scrub top. It means the world to me.