BIPOC Resources

*Please note: This section might look the same as my "Why Doulas" public page, but I have included more resources here.

The U.S. maternal mortality rate has been steadily increasing over the years. This rate is especially high among non-Hispanic black women. "Specifically, the pregnancy-related mortality ratios (PRMR) for Black and American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) women are 41.7 and 28.3: more than 3 and 2 times higher, respectively, than the ratio of 13.4 for white women" (Stryker et. al., 2023). Mortality risks do not cease to exist once a woman gives birth; it actually increases (53% of deaths occur 7 days - 1 year postpartum, 25% birth - 7 days, 22% during pregnancy). Approximately 60% of these deaths are preventable. "Factors contributing to these pregnancy-related deaths include lack of knowledge of warning signs and when to seek care, missed or delayed diagnoses, lack of continuity of care, and case coordination or management issues extending up to 12 months postpartum" (Stryker et. al., 2023). Black women are more likely to be dismissed than their white counterpart. Postpartum doulas can help the birthing person to recognize these life-threatening warning signs and help advocate for care.

There are endless sources on these facts. Here are just a few to get you started in your research:

• The Role of Doulas in Addressing Black Women's Maternal Mortality

• The U.S. Maternal Mortality Crisis Continues to Worsen: An International Comparison

• Maternal Mortality Rates in the United States, 2021

• Maternal Mortality Rates in the United States, 2022

• Elephant Circle

• How Can We Solve the Black Maternal Health Crisis?
  *This link also has several resources and additional readings at the bottom of the page.

• Fact Sheet on Maternal Mental Health: Black Women and Birthing People

• All my babies...a midwife's own story

• Movie: Aftershock (Be prepared for some tears)

• Legacy: A Black Physician Reckons with Racism in Medicine

• This self-paced learning tool teaches about the history of these disparities and "how systems of power and legacies of structural oppression impact their care for patients. Learners will consider how to leverage their privilege to create change on a clinical, community, and systemic level."

• Remembering Anarcha, Lucy, and Betsey: The Mothers of Modern Gynecology

• Every Mother Counts

• Black Mama's Matter Alliance

• Pregnant and Shackled: Why Inmates Are Still Giving Birth Cuffed and Bound

• Addressing Systemic Racism in Birth Doula Services to Reduce Health Inequities in the United States

• White Ribbon Alliance

• Association of Maternal and Child Health Programs

• March for Moms

• Medical Bondage: Race, Gender, and the Origins of American Gynecology

• Killing the Black Body: Race, Reproduction, and the Meaning of Liberty

• Skimmed: Breastfeeding, Race, and Injustice

• Evidence-based Birth: Doulas

• "Why Even Bother; They Are Not Going to Do It?” The Structural Roots of Racism and Discrimination in Lactation Care"

• Why We Need a Black Breastfeeding Week

*Anti-Racism Strategies for Doulas

• Irth

• The Safe Place

• Health in Her Hue

• Therapy for Black Girls

• Melanated Daddy

• Black Love

• The official YouTube channel of sexologist, intimacy expert and author Shan Boodram

• Reaching Our Sisters Everywhere (ROSE)

• Reaching Our Brothers Everywhere (ROBE)

• Nobody Knows the Trouble I’ve Seen: The Emotional Lives of Black Women

• Black Fatherhood: Trials & Tribulations, Testimony & Triumph

• Having Your Baby: For the Special Needs of Black Mothers-To-Be, from Conception to Newborn Care

• Free to Breastfeed: Voices of Black Mothers

• Red Medicine: Traditional Indigenous Rites of Birthing and Healing (First Peoples: New Directions in Indigenous Studies)

• Emotional Self-Care for Black Women: Raise Your Self-Esteem, Break Free From Limiting Beliefs, Embody Your Worthiness and Learn How to Accept Yourself Without any Shame or Fear of Judgement

• Trauma Healing Journal for Black Women

• "Rediscover You: A Self-Care Journal for Busy Women to Reclaim Their Well-Being": Self Compassion, Self Worth and Self Acceptance

• 365 Days of Daily Affirmations for Black Women : Inspiring Self-Love, Confidence, and Empowerment for BIPOC Women

• Self-Care for Black Women: 150 Ways to Radically Accept & Prioritize Your Mind, Body, & Soul (Self-Care for Black Women Series)

• Vermont's Racial and Social Justice Resources

• The Vermont Professionals of Color Network

• Directory of BIPOC mental health providers in Vermont

• BIPOC Business Directory

• Indigenous Communities and Health

• BIPOC Support Groups are hosted by PSI (Postpartum Support International)