Black Maternal Health Week 2024 kicks off this week, and to mark the occasion, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation has made two short films highlighting Black women who are working to make childbirth a more equitable space for Black pregnant mothers. The two short films, made in collaboration with award-winning People’s Television, focus on Chanel Porchia-Albert, who is the "visionary" creator of Ancient Song Doula Services, and Jennie Joseph, founder of Commonsense Childbirth and its midwifery school.
More from Mom.com: Letter from the Editor: Black Maternal Health Matters
Jennie Joseph is at the forefront of Black maternal care
Chanel Porchia-Albert is transforming the doula space
Chanel Porchia-Albert's video opens with her leading affirmations with a circle of women training to be doulas. "I am beautiful," "I am here," and "I am BLESSED," the group repeats, something that goes from being a reminder to being a declaration. "Giving birth is very spiritual," the mom of six says. "It is grounding, it is centered in nature. It is the one time people are totally and completely free." Porchia-Albert understands that for Black doulas, it's more than just supporting childbirth, it's about fighting for change.
It's about empowerment
As a full-spectrum doula and trainer of doulas, Porchia-Albert understands that she is there to make sure that the birthing parent she's working with is getting the quality care they deserve, while also feeling empowered to know that they can demand bodily autonomy in the medical space. She often works with mothers who are marginalized or face other social or systemic barriers, but that doesn't mean they don't deserve a positive experience. She has seen inequities and is actively working within her community to make childbirth better and safer for Black mothers.
Amid ongoing efforts from both Porchia-Albert and Joseph, the U.S. has the highest maternal mortality rate of any high-income country — and the crisis disproportionately affects women of color. Share these videos and help us raise awareness for two proven solutions to address the maternal health crisis: doula support and midwives.
