Black Maternal Health Week 2024 kicks off this week, and to mark the occasion, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation has made two short films highlighting Black women who are working to make childbirth a more equitable space for Black pregnant mothers. The two short films, made in collaboration with award-winning People’s Television, focus on Chanel Porchia-Albert, who is the "visionary" creator of Ancient Song Doula Services, and Jennie Joseph, founder of Commonsense Childbirth and its midwifery school.
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Jennie Joseph is at the forefront of Black maternal care
Jennie Joseph, the founder of Commonsense Childbirth, has been a midwife for over 40 years. She began her journey into the world of birth work after being forced to undergo a hysterectomy and also have her ovaries removed for a medical issue that didn't require such drastic measures. She has made it her life's mission to make sure that Black women feel empowered while giving birth.
"I'm declaring a state of emergency," Joseph said in her video, referring to the detriment marginalized birthing people face when they receive subpar prenatal and postpartum care.
She understands the importance of compassionate care
"These people are bringing life — how can you not be respectful of that?" Joseph asked. With Commonsense Childbirth, she is bringing back the time-honored and longstanding tradition of midwifery, something that every culture has had for hundreds of thousands of years. It may seem like a new concept, but it is, in fact, very old. She wants to give that power back to mothers, especially Black mothers, so they can have their most ideal childbirth experience.
Chanel Porchia-Albert is transforming the doula space
Chanel Porchia-Albert's video opens with her leading affirmations with a circle of women training to be doulas. "I am beautiful," "I am here," and "I am BLESSED," the group repeats, something that goes from being a reminder to being a declaration. "Giving birth is very spiritual," the mom of six says. "It is grounding, it is centered in nature. It is the one time people are totally and completely free." Porchia-Albert understands that for Black doulas, it's more than just supporting childbirth, it's about fighting for change.
It's about empowerment
As a full-spectrum doula and trainer of doulas, Porchia-Albert understands that she is there to make sure that the birthing parent she's working with is getting the quality care they deserve, while also feeling empowered to know that they can demand bodily autonomy in the medical space. She often works with mothers who are marginalized or face other social or systemic barriers, but that doesn't mean they don't deserve a positive experience. She has seen inequities and is actively working within her community to make childbirth better and safer for Black mothers.
Amid ongoing efforts from both Porchia-Albert and Joseph, the U.S. has the highest maternal mortality rate of any high-income country — and the crisis disproportionately affects women of color. Share these videos and help us raise awareness for two proven solutions to address the maternal health crisis: doula support and midwives.
