Building Bridges between Black Women MAKING A CHOICE and Those ANSWERING A CALL to Birth Work

4/26/2019 Comments

Building Bridges between Black Women MAKING A CHOICE and Those ANSWERING A CALL to Birth Work

"For the women who are called to the work, do not dismiss, disregard or discount those who CHOSE the work. For the women who choose the work, do not dismiss, discount or disregard those who are CALLED to the work. We each have something to bring to each other. The question is are we going to be open to receive that from each other." ~ Nikia Lawson, MA, BSW, CD/BDT(DONA)

From my earliest observations of Nikia's work through her online presence, I noticed that she was a Change Maker. She was not standing around waiting for things to change, she was making the change happen through her birth profession and her influence in birth culture.

Nikia Lawson is the Owner of Birth Blessings Professional Birth Services. She has been a birth trainer for DONA International for a decade and currently sits on DONA's board as the Western Membership Director. Additionally, Nikia is the Founder and Program Director of The Natural Way Birthing Project, and a Co-Owner of Two Sisters Circle, doula training focused on culturally relevant and advanced trainings that "support birth workers in building solid networks, growing business acumen and maximizing impact on communities served by doulas."

Nikia and I had a very interesting conversation about Black women's re-entry into birth work. While Black women represent an educated demographic within society, many are entering birth work from a call or a heart or spiritual place. I hear from women frequently that are responding to "a call" to enter birth work as a result of the way that Black women's maternal mortality rates are being publicized. Nikia makes a distinction between the choice to pursue birth work and the call to pursue birth work in order to take Black women's influence in birth culture to the next level.

Nikia describes the 'next level' as Black women being positioned to help Black birthing mothers access available resources within communities, but not at the cost of becoming a martyr who has nothing left give. She stresses the importance of Black women having women that look and sound like them, while also knowing how to navigate available resources so that they can have the best opportunities for positive birth outcomes.

Nikia expressed this gratitude: “Thank you to all those who have trusted me with their birth journey, those who have invested in me for their introduction to the work I hold dear to my heart and to those who will become my legacy in the birth industry.”

I would love to know your thoughts on our discussion about the difference between THE CHOICE and THE CALL. What inspires your birth work toward Black women? Do you see your birth work as A CHOICE or A CALL?

P.S. Nikia had some overlap in her schedule and life happened as it often does, so she was on the move. Buckle up! She literally takes us on a ride! For those wondering what a day in the life of a doulaing, entrepreneuring, world changing single mom can look like, you will get a glimpse in this interview.

Listen to the Podcast:

Here are some ways to connect with Nikia and find out about her training dates:

Phone: 8172312672
Email: DoulaBirthBlessings@yahoo.com
Website: https://www.TwoSistersCircle.com/
Non-Profit Website: http://TheNaturalWayBP.org/
Facebook: Doula Birth Blessings
Non-Profit : The Natural Way Birthing Project~Ft. Worth
LinkedIn: Nikia Lawson

Comments

What are YOU waiting for to start learning about how to care for women during the childbearing year? Whether you are considering a career in birthwork, want to learn to help your family and friends or desire to be a resource for your community, "10 THINGS" is your starting place! Learn from from a Black historical perspective... learn from "someone who looks like you"... STOP WAITING... START LEARNING RIGHT NOW!

The voices of Black women have long been censored and/or edited. These conversations with Dr. Doula are an opportunity for Black women to share their truths and experiences in birth and birth culture in their own voices.

In other words, "She said what she said..."

When we help Birth HERstories we are acknowledging the BLACK BIRTH RENAISSANCE that is happening around the world! When we share our stories, practices, or traditions from women of African descent in America, we help preserve Black Birth HERstory. It is our responsibility as descendants of African women who were trafficked to the U.S. to hold their stories and know their practices, so that we are able to continue their tradition of being self-reliant and self-sustaining as communities of Black women.

Dr. Doula

My work is informed by my background – experiences, expertise, exposure, education & environment – as a woman, mother, wife, sister, educator, researcher, scholar, advocate, birth ally and legacy builder. #IAmTheAnswer #WeSaveOurselves
(Please note that the information shared on this blog is for information purposes only. Pregnant women should consult their PCP before following any practices found within the Birth HERstory Series Blog.)

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Building Bridges between Black Women MAKING A CHOICE and Those ANSWERING A CALL to Birth Work

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