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Birth HERstory Blog


​Celebrating the HERstory of Black women in BIRTH in the 21st Century

1/4/2020 Comments

Planning for Homebirth as a Military Wife & Finding Helpers So 'You Don't Have to Do It Alone'

"[My midwife] didn't touch me unless it was welcomed. I loved the hands off thing... [I asked],  'What are your thoughts on just leaving me alone... being there but not being too much, too over bearing, too all in my face? I just want everybody to be there quietly, that's it. I'm not high maintenance. As long as you're there, but I don't need anyone touching me.'" ​ ~ Candace Smith

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Candace Smith is the wife of a marine, the mother of four children, and a birthworker who just experienced the homebirth she desired with a Black midwife. I was impressed by her experience because she managed the arrangements for her homebirth even while dealing with her husband receiving orders to move to a new state where she felt less comfortable with her options for homebirth.

Candace is truly special to me and, from our first encounter, personally left an impression on me and the work that I do. (We talk about that a bit in our conversation.) Right now, she is focusing on being a mother to her beautiful children and not actively involved in birthwork. Still, I appreciate her willingness to share portions of her homebirth story and process as a new mom to her new baby. I believe that she offers a lot of food for thought about the ways that Black women can connect with each other to improve our birth experiences.
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Topics discussed:

  • Natural family support systems
  • Becoming what you wish you had
  • Family caring for new moms
  • The need to create a support system
  • Planning a homebirth and moving as a military mom
  • Laboring at home vs the hospital
  • Asking questions and makng sure you understand
  • Looking after the postpartum mom
  • Midwifery care at home
  • Arranging to take homebirth baby to the pediatrician for the first time
  • Finding the best doctor for baby
  • Focusing on the care of the new mother
  • ​Staying in the house
  • Doing "nothing" as a new mother
  • Having a "baby moon"
  • "A new mother after every birth"
  • Knowing your role with a new mother
  • Finding your people and culture during postpartum
  • Setting up your "dream team" for homebirth
  • Being mindful of what you need
  • Guarding your mental health as a new mom
  • Letting people know what you need
  • Gleaning from the elders and our birthing traditions
Candace offers this gratitude:

"I would like to thank all of the women in my family for their strength and loving example. My midwife Kai Parker. My doula training organization Prodoula for the knowledge I have received while attending workshops. My birth and postpartum clients who have trusted me to care for their families."
Listen to the Podcast
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Connect with Candace:

Facebook:
Candace Smith Doula
Instagram: @Can_Doula
​FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/chameleondoulaco/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chameleondoulaco/
Comments
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    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!
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    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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