How one doula collective in Memphis is addressing the black maternal health crisis
Doulas support all kinds of people and all kinds of births, without judgement. If every mother felt heard and supported in her birth, just imagine the potential impact on maternal physical and mental health worldwide.
“I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
-Maya Angelou
In the United States, black mothers are almost three times more likely to die in childbirth than white mothers, a chilling statistic that is not new and does not seem to be improving (CDC maternal mortality rates 2018-2021). Shanille Bowens of Memphis, Tennessee, is a doula on a mission to turn these statistics around and give black and brown families the birth experiences they deserve. She founded Naturally Nurtured Birth Services in 2018 which has grown to include 10 team members, all passionate about serving as many families as they can, including those with low or no income. The Global Doula Project awarded the collective with a grant of $1000 which will be used to provide free or discounted doula services for families who would not otherwise be able to afford support around this delicate and powerful time.
“Birth is about full surrender. You cannot surrender a part of your body and withdraw another part. You cannot fully surrender your body and not fully surrender your mind. Everything goes hand in hand.”
-Shanille Bowens
Shanille affirms that having a doula that comes from a similar background and culture as their client can really make a big difference in the birthing experience. When you feel heard, understood, and safe, you’re more likely to be able to go into the full surrender that is required of us during birth.
So how is Naturally Nurtured Birth Services addressing the health disparities in Memphis? They’re holding, cooking, listening, advocating, and giving a voice to people during a very delicate time. They know that we take our birthing experiences forward into the rest of our lives, into future pregnancies, losses, parenting, and relationships. By taking care of people during birth, they are taking care of the mental and physical wellbeing of an entire community, for generations to come.
I was lucky enough to sit down with Shanille (on zoom) to hear about some of the experiences that led her to pursue doula work and start the collective. As the mother of six, a social entrepreneur, a doula, and midwife in training, she is leading the way to a brighter future for not only black and brown folks, but for all who catch a glimpse of her light. The Global Doula Project is proud to support Naturally Nurtured Birth Services!
