Black & Indigenous Birth Workers of Delaware hold virtual event

DELAWARE – A group of birth workers also commonly referred to as doulas are doing whatever it takes to help provide black and indigenous pregnant mothers with the help they need in the First State.

“So, doulas can be a vital intervention and a vital resource to providers as well as to mothers to help prevent complications that often become not just dangerous, but deadly,” said Dr. Michelle Drew, a certified nurse-midwife, and doula.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, black women and Native American women are about three times more likely to die from complications of pregnancy than white women.

And these birth workers at the Black & Indigenous Birth Workers of Delaware are working to address this issue.

“They provide you with education and information, so some doulas do childbirth education classes, I do,” said Janay Muhammad, co-founder of the Black & Indigenous Birth Workers of Delaware.

“Some doulas do labor position intensive classes,” said Muhammad.

The group says they’re also pressuring lawmakers to pass legislation to allow health insurance to cover doula services at a reasonable rate and without overregulation.

“Doulas work in their capacity best when they’re left to work, so not regulating doulas, or putting too much stigma on what we should and shouldn’t do as doulas,” said Janay.

They also want to be a part of sex education at schools to help educate young women about pregnancy and ultimately help make a difference in the community.

“From elementary school, the children are having health and sex education,” said Teresa Muhammad, a doula.

“So, I think a part of those conversations doulas should be involved in that process,” said Teresa.

These birth workers tell us they’re working closely with Delaware legislators like State Senator Bryan Townsend to help bring change.

For more information about the Black & Indigenous Birth Workers of Delaware, click here.