In the expansive landscape of Northern California, a stark reality looms; there are no black-run birth centers. This absence not only creates barriers for aspiring Black midwives but is deeply entrenched in systemic issues. Against the backdrop of current Black maternal health rates, this void is unfortunate and glaringly significant.

According to Californians for the Advancement of Midwifery, approximately 550 licensed midwives practice in California, with a meager 13 of them being Black. This staggering statistic highlights the pressing need for diversity in the field, especially considering that Black midwives make up only 7% of the total Certified Nurse-Midwives/Certified Midwives in the US, as reported by the American College of Nurse-Midwives.

Systematic racism plays a central role in health disparities, making it imperative to address this deficiency in Black birth centers. The midwifery model of care, deeply rooted in relationship-based practices, emphasizes intentional and intimate connections between providers and patients, crucial for achieving optimal health outcomes.

Increasing the number of Black midwives is a pivotal step in dismantling the systemic vices leading to high maternal death rates and negative health outcomes within the Black community. Diversity in midwifery holds the potential to reduce bias in maternal healthcare, fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment for Black women during childbirth.

The deficit of Black birth centers in Northern California is a call to action, and I hope to be part of the initiative to change this narrative. With the support of my community, organizations, and a collective commitment to maternal health, we can bridge the divide and pave the way for the establishment of Black birth centers. Through collaborative efforts, we aim to create a reality where Black midwives are integral contributors to improving birth outcomes for Black women and babies.

“Guiding Birth, Nurturing Life”
Davon Crawford
Doula Doula
www.douladoula.org

Embarking on the journey to become a Black midwife comes with its unique set of challenges, particularly when there’s a noticeable absence of seasoned Black midwives to guide the way. In such a crucial time, the importance of Black students coming together in community cannot be overstated.

Connecting with mentors plays a pivotal role in navigating this uncharted territory. I was fortunate to find my mentor, Tanya Khemet Taiwo, a local Certified Professional Midwife, through the National Black Midwives Alliance (NBMA). Their mission is to establish a representative voice at the national level that organizes, advocates, and brings visibility to the issues impacting Black midwives and the communities they serve. NBMA did a commendable job of aligning me with someone who shares my values, goals, and overall commitment to the cause.

Joining collectives and midwifery student communities provides an ongoing source of information and updates about midwifery culture. The BIPOC Student Midwives Fund has also been instrumental in my personal journey, offering financial assistance, skills sharing, and resources within the SF Bay Area. Their goal is to reduce barriers for BIPOC students becoming midwives by increasing access to skills, funding, and community. The presence of more BIPOC midwives in communities ensures that families have choices in safe, culturally competent care, fostering respect and empowerment. The BIPOC Student Midwives Fund has become a safe place for me, allowing the acquisition of skills, interaction with local midwives, and connection with both newly licensed and seasoned midwives to learn the ins and outs of clinical care.

In addition, joining community social media groups and participating in community midwifery skill shares offer valuable opportunities for networking and learning. It is through these avenues that I’ve come to appreciate the significance of a local midwifery community. While seasoned Black midwives may be scarce, the support and resources provided by the mentioned groups offer a lifeline for Black student midwives, shaping a future where we, too, can become the seasoned professionals who guide the next generation.

“Guiding Birth, Nurturing Life”
Davon Crawford
Doula Doula
www.douladoula.org

Navigating the journey of Black student midwifery in California is a distinctive and enriching experience, particularly within the small community of Black midwives enrolled at the National College of Midwifery. Our monthly gatherings have become a cornerstone of support, creating a space to discuss midwifery-related topics, share experiences, and provide encouragement that keeps us motivated on this challenging path.

The Black student midwifery community, while small, is undeniably necessary, especially in places like Sacramento where the community is even more compact. These close-knit connections have proven to be a significant contributing factor in my ability to stay enrolled. In the face of the demanding academic and apprenticeship aspects of midwifery education, having a community that understands the unique challenges faced by Black student midwives has been invaluable.

The importance of midwives remaining in community cannot be overstated. The shared experiences, knowledge exchange, and encouragement fostered within our community have been pivotal in overcoming obstacles and celebrating milestones. The challenges that come with midwifery education are better faced together.

While our Black student midwifery community is small, envisioning its growth to span across California becomes essential for expanding and connecting Black midwifery. A broader community would provide an even greater network of support, resources, and perspectives that can be beneficial for all aspiring Black midwives.

The truth is, we need each other. For midwifery students seeking a community, reaching out and connecting is crucial. To build and foster these connections, aspiring midwives can visit www.whymidwifery.com. Together, we can cultivate a community that not only supports us on our individual journeys but also contributes to the growth and diversification of midwifery as a whole.

“Guiding Birth, Nurturing Life”
Davon Crawford
Doula Doula
www.douladoula.org

Embarking on the journey to become a midwife, my commitment to empowering BIPOC communities and addressing maternal health disparities is relentless. With a background as a community birth and postpartum doula spanning seven years, I’ve observed a growing demand for access to BIPOC homebirth midwives, signaling a crucial shift in improving birth outcomes.
The Sacramento Black Midwives Scholarship serves not only as a means to advance my education but as a catalyst to meet the rising need for culturally competent and compassionate midwives. Rooted in a sanative approach to birth, reproductive justice, and birth equity, I’ve chosen the Certified Professional Midwife (CPM) path to maintain autonomy and focus on the unique needs of my community.

This aligns with my larger goal of establishing a Black-run birth center in Sacramento, prioritizing culturally sensitive care. The 2020 Demographic Report from the American Midwifery Certification Board underscores the urgent need for more diverse voices in the field, especially given the alarming mortality rates faced by Black mothers. Studies further highlight the significant reduction in mortality rates for Black newborns when cared for by Black providers.
My personal experiences within the community drive my determination to address systemic issues and elevate the standard for Black maternal health. Now, as the opportune time aligns my purpose and passion with the needs of my community, I am poised to contribute to transforming birthing experiences for BIPOC individuals.

Through education, advocacy, and the establishment of a Black-run birth center, I aim to be a force for change, fostering equity and justice in maternal care. This scholarship is not merely a stepping stone in my personal journey but a significant stride toward a brighter, more inclusive future for Black maternal health in Sacramento.

“Guiding Birth, Nurturing Life”
Davon Crawford
Doula Doula
www.douladoula.org

Embarking on the journey to become Black student midwives is more than a career pursuit; it’s a movement to reclaim and reshape the narrative of maternal health. The legacy of granny midwives, who paved the way before us, serves as the bedrock upon which we stand. As we tread this path, we are not just reclaiming our heritage but also dismantling barriers for the students who will follow in our footsteps.

Changing the narrative around birth statistics in Black communities is a fundamental aspect of our mission. Negative birth outcomes have persistently afflicted our communities, inspiring us to be the agents of change. Our goal is to saturate hospitals, birth centers, and homebirth practices with more Black midwives who comprehend the unique needs and challenges faced by Black birthing individuals.

Reclaiming our legacy involves challenging systemic barriers deeply entrenched in midwifery education. As Black student midwives, we grapple with a range of challenges from restricted access to apprenticeships and birth centers to historical disparities deeply rooted in the healthcare system. We recognize and acknowledge these hurdles, knowing that they have persisted since the time our granny midwives were systematically removed from healthcare. Once highly respected Black women, these granny midwives provided comprehensive care to poor and rural women during pregnancy and labor, especially during slavery and segregation. Serving as family counselors, breastfeeding consultants, postpartum doulas, nutritionists, and advocates, they oversaw a remarkable 75% of births in the Southern United States until the 1940s when they were systematically ousted.

Statistics underscore that having more midwives from diverse backgrounds can positively impact birth outcomes. By expanding the scope of Black midwifery, we aim not only to provide culturally competent care but also to contribute to reducing the maternal mortality rate within our community. Our efforts are about creating a new narrative one where Black student midwives are integral to the enhancement of maternal health.

Navigating challenges, we find strength in our shared purpose. Each student on this path is a beacon of hope for change. Our journey is not just about personal success; it’s about creating opportunities and spaces for others to thrive. The collective empowerment of Black student midwives is not merely a dream but a necessary reality for the future.

As architects of a future where Black midwives are abundant, empowered, and transformative, we acknowledge the journey’s difficulties. With every challenge, we grow stronger. Let today’s efforts lay the foundation for a future where Black midwives proudly stand, making a significant impact on maternal health and inspiring generations to come.

“Guiding Birth, Nurturing Life”
Davon Crawford
Doula Doula
www.douladoula.org

Embarking on the journey to become a midwife has been no small feat for me. As a single mother raising four children while pursuing my studies, I’ve faced numerous sacrifices and obstacles. However, my determination to contribute as a Black student midwife has fueled my resilience.

Currently enrolled in an online program through the National College of Midwifery, I am making significant strides in my academic studies. However, the apprenticeship aspect, crucial to my development, poses a challenge. Access to Black apprenticeships and birth centers with resources for Black students remains a hurdle. Sacramento, my hometown, has a handful of birth centers and practices that I’ve explored. As a current Solano County resident, there is a 30-80 mile drive from my home to approximately 5 birth centers in the surrounding areas. The distance adds complexity, emphasizing the importance of securing a space in a supportive birth center.

Meeting clinical requirements and NARM skills is crucial for graduation and licensure. While moving out of state could alleviate some challenges and present more opportunities for me as a Black student, especially in the Eastern and Southern states where support is more inclusive, it introduces new barriers, considering my responsibilities as a mother. Despite the challenges, I see this distance as a difficult but worthwhile sacrifice to attend clinical requirements and births, and I am determined to overcome these obstacles for the sake of my educational and professional journey.

To adhere to my three-year plan, completing my apprenticeship by 2025 is essential. With looming deadlines, additional fees after 5 years, and the imperative to fulfill both assist and primary births under supervision, along with preparing for the NARM exam, I am mindful of the urgency. Having completed almost half of my required assists, I am actively seeking a supportive birth center or practice to maintain my momentum and successfully progress in my journey.

These barriers aren’t new; they’re part of a systemic challenge faced by aspiring Black midwives. However, connecting with mentors who share their experiences and the guidance of trusted midwives in the community keeps me encouraged. Despite the challenges, I am grateful to have a community rallying for my completion, recognizing the positive impact I aim to make. The path is undoubtedly challenging, but hope persists, anchored in the belief that my journey will contribute to a more inclusive and diverse field of midwifery.

“Guiding Birth, Nurturing Life”
Davon Crawford
Doula Doula
www.douladoula.org