How Black Midwives Can Help our Broken Maternal Healthcare System | Dr. Nikia Grayson | TEDxMemphis

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Up until the early 20th century, most births were attended by midwives and happened in the home. As pregnancy and birth became increasingly more medicalized, physicians became the primary caregivers and birth was moved into the hospital environment. Midwives, many of whom were Black women, were excluded. In recent years, midwifery care has made somewhat of a return, but today, less than 6% of midwives in the United States are Black. Dr. Nikia Grayson supports midwifery as part of the solution to our broken system, particularly training and developing a workforce of Black midwives who understand their patients' lived experiences. Dr. Nikia Grayson is a public health activist, anthropologist, and nurse who has devoted her life to serving and empowering people in underserved and marginalized communities for more than 20 years. Working interdisciplinary in the areas of culture, health, and education, Nikia’s work has explored the associations between power, culture, and gender. Dr. Grayson received her Bachelor degree in Communications and a Master of Public Health degree from Howard University. She earned a Master of Art in Medical Anthropology from University of Memphis, a Master of Science in Nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from University of Tennessee Health Science Center, and her midwifery education at Frontier Nursing University. Dr. Grayson is currently the Director of Clinical Services at CHOICES: Memphis Center for Reproductive Health. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx