Musings of a Black Doula

After a cesarean birth, it's important to take good care of yourself. Recovery from a c-section is like healing after any major surgery, plus you're now caring for a newborn. This episode's goal is to ensure that you know how to take good care of yourself.   For show notes, and important resources I refer to in the episode, click here:    I am a currently practicing doula- labor, postpartum & chil...

In this episode, we fill in the gaps many have about the healing process after vaginal birth.  Learn about the physical changes that occur in the body after birth, and the importance of giving yourself at least six weeks to rest and heal as a minimum. This episode addresses pressures to snap back and normalizes the need for more time and support during the postpartum period. Get insights into how...

In America, it is incredibly common for new mothers to need a couple of weeks to adjust after giving birth. We call the mood swings, irritability, exhaustion and overwhelm "baby blues". This episode's goal is to give you some at home tips to soften the landing into motherhood, and help you make the transition more smooth.   You can reach Postpartum Support International here: https://www.postpartu...

In this episode I'm talking about Keke Palmer and her baby daddy's opinions on motherhood. This is the starting point for a conversation about how what Balck women and especially Black mothers deserve, and important conversations that should be a part of your postpartum plan.   If you want a resource that includes lots of conversations pregnant Black women should have with their partners, I have a...

In this episode, I'm helping prepare you for what to expect in the first few hours after birth. Don't say no one told you!  Grab this download for a postpartum plan!  Get the show notes at: https://www.musingsofblackdoula.com/episodes/immediatepostpartum In the DMV? Hire your own doula from DC Metro Maternity . And anywhere in the US, sign up for Expecting Excellence , a 5 day guide for pregnant B...

In this episode, I have advice about getting unbiased information that you can trust. If you're going to be your own self-advocate (or even choose a good advocate) you need to know this.  Tune in to learn:  about the decision making styles I see how to protect your headspace during pregnancy & parenting the 3 things I use to figure out if I want to listen to pregnancy & parenting influencers (or n...

This episode gets personal as I share an experience about supporting my own partner. It's made me more in tune with spouses who are watching the love of their life give birth.  Get the show notes at:  https://www.musingsofblackdoula.com/episodes/supportingapartner   In the DMV? Hire your own doula from DC Metro Maternity. And anywhere in the US, sign up for  Expecting Excellence , a 5 day guide fo...

In this episode, I share an epiphany I had while teaching a birth class.  When we talk about the maternal health crisis in the US, especially for Black women, we're leaving out some critical information- what birthing parents & loved ones can do! Listen to this episode for what I'm doing about it.    Get the show notes at: https://www.musingsofblackdoula.com/episodes/whats-missing-when-we-talk-abo...

In this episode, I share an epiphany I had while teaching a birth class.  When we talk about the maternal health crisis in the US, especially for Black women, we're leaving out some critical information- what birthing parents & loved ones can do! Listen to this episode for what I'm doing about it.    Get the show notes at: https://www.musingsofblackdoula.com/episodes/whats-missing-when-we-talk-abo...

When you're planning your birth, your postpartum period and how you're going to raise your baby, it can be tempting to get as many opinions possible to be sure you're doing the "right thing". I call this birthing by committee. Listen to today's podcast to hear how this can cause some problems you may not have considered, and what to do instead.  Get the show notes at https://www.musingsofblackdoul...

EPISODE DESCRIPTION   In the second episode of this podcast, I said that the perineum deserves it's own episode, so here it is! Tune in to learn what perineal massage is, and why some people recommend it. We also talk about what actually reduces tearing during childbirth, as well as episiotomy, and other alternatives to handling the second stage of labor (pushing). Listen for what conversations yo...

On this episode, in observance of National Diaper Need Awareness Week, Samantha interviews Shelly Tucker, founder of the Maryland Diaper Bank. The Maryland Diaper Bank is a non profit organization whose vision is to reduce the struggle of Maryland Families in providing babies with adequate diapering essentials. Before starting the nonprofit, Shelly created Moms with Tots, a local parenting guide t...

You may have been given the idea that trying to make a birth plan or wanting to have things your way when you have a new baby is a bad thing. But trying to let go of control can create more stress if making a plan and executing it is how you get things done. In this episode, we discuss whether it's best to just let birth happen.   Get the show notes at https://www.musingsofblackdoula.com/episodes/...

On average, women in the US- including Black women- are having their first child at older ages. So why are we warned against having children at "advanced maternal age"? Should there be so much concern about having your children after 35? The term "geriatric pregnancy" can be alarming, but this episode will tell you some reassuring facts, and give you action steps to care for your health and fertil...

As a labor doula, I've done my research over the years on natural ways to start labor. Pregnant folks typically get anxious after their due date passes and they start to get creative on ways to induce labor. Or maybe you have a medical reason that's necessitating an induction. So do these remedies really work? Are they safe? And have they been studied to be effective?   Get the show notes at http:...

As a Black postpartum doula, I've had to confront the idea that my role is that of a servant, a mammy or "the help". There is so much honor is domestic labor, but in the US it's been looked down upon, and Black communities have a fraught relationship with hiring help, or being "the help. What do postpartum doulas do actually do, and do we have expertise? Should Black families hire postpartum doula...

Musings of a Black Doula provides a view into the life of a 30something Black woman who makes her living serving families, and has built a business helping families of color have empowered births at a time when Black mothers are confronted with terrifying statistics everywhere they turn.    What should Black families really expect when giving birth in the hospital? How do I find a doctor, midwife,...