It’s scientifically proven that Black babies have lower mortality rates when they have a Black doctor. A Black doctor is more likely to listen and believe a Black woman when she says something is not right. There’s a cultural competency. And in the case of one Black doctor, there is the extra mile he goes for his patients.
This physician’s special approach — full of love and intentionality — caused him to go viral with a heartwarming video, and it’s one of the most beautiful and inspiring things we’ve seen in a long time.
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'We were deeply moved,' the mother said of her first meeting with Dr. Bridgewater.
The DaBake family recently welcomed their sixth member and first son, Giannis George. Before Giannis, they had suffered a loss. The experience caused them to look for a new doctor. They wanted a doctor who offered explanations beyond “it happens,” which their previous provider had said.
“A friend of mine whose experience was nearly the same as mine referred me to Dr. Bridgewater,” Mama DaBake wrote. “At our first appointment we were deeply moved!”
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She said her entire experience with Bridgewater was heartwarming.
“The positivity, reassurance, and patience Dr. Bridgewater provided was heartwarming,” she continued. “The world we live in today needs more medical professionals like Dr. Bridgewater. We are forever thankful.”
In the video, we see exactly why she’s so grateful. In the video which has since gone viral, Dr. Bridgewater presents baby Giannis to the camera, saying, “Look how handsome you are.” Then he continues, “Today is your birthday, December 8, the year of our Lord 2024.”
'She worked like a champion to push you out,' the doctor told Baby Giannis.
Then he passes the baby back to his parents and says, “I want you to look at these beautiful people here. That’s your mother and that’s your father. They’re the foundation to your whole life. You need to know that your mother sacrificed so much to have you. She felt every bit of her pain and she worked like a champion to push you out.” Then he sang “Happy Birthday.”
He said the baby will get great love from not only his parents, but his siblings, too.
He concluded his speech with well wishes. “I know you’re going to get great love from your siblings, from your mother and your father. You’re that link in an unbroken chain that goes all the way back to your foremothers and forefathers. Now that you’re here, the world will never be the same.”
Other women have also shared their experiences with Dr. Bridgewater.
People responded to the video with the same spirit of love Dr. Bridgewater offered.
“I would’ve been an emotional wreck!” another doctor wrote. “This is so beautiful.”
Someone else shared their personal experience with Dr. Bridgewater writing: “I’m a birth doula and have worked along side Dr. Bridgewater. He does this at every single birth. This is only an extension of how he cares for women in labor and delivery. He fights for women’s safety and for their preferences to be honored. He impacted me in such a beautiful way! I have the same video from 10 years ago with my clients.”
Another who didn’t know the doctor or the family personally commented: “Welp! Now I’m crying, what a great human.”
