Black families in the United States, both the birthing person and the newborn, are more likely to experience death or significant health problems at higher rates than their white peers.  The reason for this is systemic racism and institutional racism, which has been in play since Black people were enslaved more than 400 years ago.  Black families seeking Black doulas, Black midwives or Black health care providers to work with struggle to build their team because there are not enough Black people in those professions to meet the need.  Black people who want to work with people during the childbearing year face many challenges in gaining the skills, education and experience they need to serve their communities.

There is something that all of us can do that can support Black doulas and midwives as they train to serve families.  It is called the Doula Book Project.  The concept is simple, easy to participate in and supports Black perinatal professionals.  Black doulas and midwives make a “wish list” on Amazon of the books they need in order to continue their training.  Once they have created their list, they can be added to the Doula Book Project website.  Individuals who would like to support the program simply choose a doula or midwife, peruse their public Amazon wish list and purchase the book(s) that are need, which get shipped to the individual promptly.  Simple, easy and effective.

As the wish lists are completed, those doulas and midwives roll of the list.  New doulas and midwives can be added by creating their list and contacting the website to be added.

There are two ways to help; purchase books and let Black doulas and midwives in your community know about this program so that they can sign up.  It could not be simpler.  We all have a responsibility to provide more opportunities for Black birth workers to serve both within their communities and beyond.

I have reached out to the program to see if it is possible to add a childbirth educator category so that someone can support those folks too.  I will let you know if that category gets added, but in the meantime, let’s all pitch in to make these dreams a reality!  You can also follow the Doula Book Project on Facebook to learn more about people who have asked for help.

Published: July 30, 2020

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