Tag: postpartum
-
African American Postpartum Belly Binding
Not too long ago, in rural Virginia it was customary for the mother to have a belly band made for the new baby and a belly band aka belly binder made for her, for her postpartum time. Once the baby was born the midwife and female family members put the belly binder on the postpartum…
-
Collective Power to Save Black Mothers
Black Maternal Health Conference & Training Institute “Collective Power to Save Black Mothers” I was excited to attend the Black Maternal Health Conference & Training Institute on December 6-9, 2018 in Atlanta, GA. Black Mamas Matter Alliance (BMMA) sponsored this conference. And what a dynamic alliance. The conference’s purpose was to advance Black maternal health,…
-
Postpartum Care and Moroccan Mint Tea
On May 4th, I arrived in Tangier, Morocco for the Tribal Sisterhood Retreat. I attended the retreat to learn Moroccan postpartum rituals. I was excited to participate and to learn the wisdom from traditional midwives and elder healers. My life’s work is to heal trauma and bring spirituality back full circle in birth, by connecting…
-
The Danger of Preeclampsia
Why Is Preeclampsia Dangerous? Preeclampsia is one of the leading causes of maternal mortality, particularly in the Black community. Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-induced condition that can begin as early as 20 weeks gestation. Science is still seeking both causes and solutions to preeclampsia. “Preeclampsia and eclampsia are part of the spectrum of high blood pressure, or hypertensive, disorders that can occur during…
-
Ending Black U.S. Maternal Mortality
Ending Black U.S. Maternal Mortality by Trusting Black Women and responding to their needs. Maternal mortality can be prevented with self-advocacy, and using midwives and doulas, both in hospitals and at home.
-
Preventing Burn Out Through Self-Care
By Shafia Monroe, Public Health Professional, and Doula Trainer Self-care! Everyone’s talking about it, writing about it, and trying to achieve it. The fast pace of our society is leaving individuals scurrying to respond to texts, ringing phones, multi-level social media, work demands and the needs of the family. People are managing long hours, working…
-
Art of African American Postpartum Care
About Childbearing in the 20th Century was a life-and-death experience, and most deaths occurred in the postpartum period. World Health Organization (WHO) says, most maternal and infant deaths occur during this time. African American postpartum care is a protective factor against maternal mortality by practicing traditions that safeguard the mother and her infant. The African…