Bringing THUNDER to International Birth Culture When CHOCOLATE Alone Just Won't Do

"[I want to] bring the wisdom of the grandmothers [abuelas] into modern birth... It's not about being 'the leader'. For me, it's about legacy, not fame. I want to see people rise... The legacy is far more important to me than the fame. And I meet so many people where the fame is more important than the legacy. " ~ Mars Lord 

There has been a recent push for more Black doulas since the challenges of Black women in childbirth have become more publicized. For UK doula, birth educator and advocate, Mars Lord, the current situation necessitates more than a representation of Black women working in birth culture, it requires knowledge of birth based on our historical contexts. It requires our voices to be raised against microaggressions that have the potential to derail important conversations and thwart our efforts toward progress for Black women. Mars would say that it is time to let go of the sweetness and instead realize that we are in a war to save our lives. While there are many differences based on our locations within western culture, ultimately, Black women are fighting the same fight in the U.S. and the UK. ​

I have admired Mars Lord and followed her work for a while, and was excited about the opportunity to speak to her face-to-face. I always feel extremely blessed when I meet someone and I notice a  natural connection and a kindred spirit, especially when I find these connections with African women internationally. Our conversation was full of laughter from the very beginning. My conversation with Mars confirmed my belief that if Black women are to help ourselves to heal ourselves and save ourselves, we must extend our hands to reach out to other women of African descent, both on the continent and throughout the African Diaspora. We must all connect and unify our strengths to overcome our limitations. It was my pleasure to hear her thoughts and to be able to share them with you.

Topics discussed:

• From Mars Chocolate to Mars Goddess of War
• The urgency of birth work among Black women
• The birth of a Birth Keeper and a Birth Activist
• Becoming the go-to person in your family and community for birth
• Recognizing the universal challenges of a medical system not created to serve you
• The international increasing maternal mortality rates among Black women
• The importance of "acknowledging the differences" in birth
• DOULA ---> SLAVE in the Greek
• U.S. influences in the UK
• Why saving Black women means more than training Black doulas
• How western culture predisposes Black women to birth challenges
• Why focusing on Black women is vital to survival
• Helping others sit with their discomfort about Black women's birth challenges 
• Owning your anger as Black women
• Being "African" in the Diaspora
• The appropriateness of "exclusive spaces" for Black women in birth culture
• The National Health Service in the UK and how it affects birthing mothers
• Encouraging white women to seek out and embrace the remnants of the indigenous culture in their histories
• Cultural Competency vs Cultural Safety

Mars expresses this gratitude:

"I'm grateful to Nicola Mahdiyyah Goodall, whose knowledge of birth and the postnatal period is immense. She encourages me to continually learn more. Maisie Hill who has always pushed me to do a little bit more. Jennie Joseph and her hard work and tenacity that encourages me to continue in my birth activism. The friendship of these three women is incredible. And I cannot forget Lorna Phillip and Thando Zwane, my sistas who make me laugh whilst encouraging me and who continually believe in the work that I do. "

Listen to the Podcast:

Here are some ways you can connect to the work Mars is doing:

Phone: +44 07767348462
Email: abueladoula@gmail.com
Website: ​https://MarsLord.co.uk/
Training Website: ​https://AbuelaDoulas.com/
FB Page: Doula Mars Lord
​Training FB Page: Abuela Doula
LinkedIn: ​Mars Lord
​Instagram: @AbuelaDoula
​Twitter:Abuela Doulas