Anne Kathryn Rice 2/18/24 Anne Kathryn Rice 2/18/24

Stop saying “health disparities” when it’s really obstetric racism

“We’re gonna stop calling these things disparities because they’re not disparities. It’s obstetric violence and obstetric racism that are the problems for maternal health care and black maternal health care specifically. They are disguised as something else so [the racism] is not addressed and called a spade a spade.

Morgan A. Libby 1/27/24 Morgan A. Libby 1/27/24

Why I am becoming and End-of-Life Doula

What happens? Is it painful? Is it scary? What happens to the people left behind? Where does your soul go? Does your soul go anywhere at all?? I have always been inquisitive by nature, but in this particularly, I NEED to know. I NEED to know how to help, what to do to make the transition for those who are about to depart from this world peaceful, and without fear, as their soul leaves their earthly form and into their celestial one.

Jill C. McClennen 9/23/23 Jill C. McClennen 9/23/23

Why are death doulas so important?

By actively listening and understanding my client’s needs, I help them prepare mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and physically for the inevitable, creating end-of-life rituals and facilitating important conversations with loved ones and doctors.

Anne Kathryn Rice 9/23/23 Anne Kathryn Rice 9/23/23

Support is not a luxury: How the Momager Collective in Virginia is making doula support accessible to all

The Momager Co of Virginia was founded by Taja Iglesias and is working towards making birth and postpartum support accessible to marginalized communities.

Michelle Maisonville, CD(CBI), SBD 4/25/23 Michelle Maisonville, CD(CBI), SBD 4/25/23

After a traumatic first birth, I hired a doula for my second

My family doctor, who had been at my first birth and knew what I wanted to avoid, suggested a doula. We were not well-off; but, we found an amazing doula through our local doula association. She was the perfect fit for our family. I measured big during my pregnancy. It concerned my doctor and she brought up Cesarean section. Thankfully, with my doula's support, I knew I could birth a 10 lb baby (if that would be the case). Our doula constantly checked in via phone. We had great visits as well. She supported all our wishes.

Anne Kathryn Rice 4/8/23 Anne Kathryn Rice 4/8/23

How death doulas support the dying and their families too

But death doulas offer much more than a calm presence and a helping hand with funeral arrangements. They support the dying by making sure their voices are heard and their wishes are honored. They support the family by educating on the dying process, creating a plan for the moment of death (also called vigil planning), and facilitating much needed conversations between family members.