Let's Talk: Doulas and Black Maternal Health

Dr. Noelene Jeffers, assistant professor and midwife, and Shiauna Ledbetter, MSN (Entry Into Nursing) student and doula in the Birth Companions, discuss doulas and their impact on Black maternal health.

Noelene Jeffers, PhD, CNM, IBCLC https://nursing.jhu.edu/faculty-resea...
Read Shiauna Ledbetter's oped in the Baltimore Afro https://afro.com/doula-support-baltim...
Check out Birth Companion mom Stephanie's story on CBS News https://www.cbsnews.com/baltimore/vid...
Birth Companions: nursing.jhu.edu/BirthCompanions

00:00 - 00:20 Intro
00:21- 1:28 What is a doula?
1:29 - 2:48 Why are doulas important for Black moms and birthing parents?
2:49 - 4:30 Did Black maternal health disparities draw you to birth work?
4:31 - 5:11 What is your research with doulas and their impact on Black maternal health?
5:12 - 6:30 What are the Birth Companions?
6:31 - 8:21 What was it like having your second baby with a doula after having the first at the height of COVID-19?
8:22 - 9:55 What was it like to witness a birth for the first time as a Birth Companion?
9:56 - 11:35 How do you advocate for your patients as a doula?
11:36 - What role do doulas play in improving Black maternal health outcomes?
12:21 - 12:51 Learn more about the Birth Companions