Doula Lab

04/27/2026

👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

04/27/2026

✨ Still glowing from the 1st Annual Centering Joy in the Black Birthing Experience Mixer ✨

As we continue to honor , Doula Lab is still in awe of the magic created through our events and the incredible community that supported us every step of the way.
We extend our deepest gratitude to our phenomenal speakers and presenters. What attendees experienced with the legendary Shafia M. Monroe, the illustrious Lucinda Canty, and the trailblazing Kay Matthews‑Williams of Shades of Blue Project was truly just the beginning. These highly sought‑after leaders took time to visit our space, pour wisdom into our team, speak life into each of us, and remind us why joy‑centered Black birth work is both essential and powerful , all while being an absolute joy to share space with.
Shot by Tim McNeese
We’re honored to say we met our sheroes, and they were even more incredible than we imagined. ✨

From the Centering Joy Mixer on Friday to the “Ain’t I a Woman?” Conference on Saturday, the weekend was filled with connection, celebration, and reflection. Being in community, especially with our doula sisters , reaffirmed the importance of creating spaces where Black birth workers are seen, supported, and celebrated.
A heartfelt congratulations to Eboni Hooper‑Boateng on receiving her well‑deserved award. Your work continues to inspire, and we are so proud to celebrate you!

At Doula Lab, our mission is to ensure that joy is not only present in the moment, but intentionally cultivated, shared, and sustained. This weekend affirmed that commitment, and we are beyond excited for what’s ahead.
Thank you to everyone who showed up, showed love, and helped make this inaugural experience unforgettable. We’re already looking forward to next year!

04/21/2026

✨ 3rd Annual Centering Joy in the Black Birthing Experience Conference ✨
On behalf of The Doula Lab, we are filled with gratitude as we reflect on the 3rd Annual Centering Joy in the Black Birthing Experience Conference, held at the SIUE Health and Science Building. This historic gathering was rooted in community, collaboration, healing, and the celebration of Black birthing people and families.
This year marked a powerful milestone as Illinois hosted the conference for the first time, made possible through the leadership and vision of Dr. Jerrica V. Ampadu and Dr. Deja Finley of SIUE. Thank you both for intentionally creating a safe, affirming, and welcoming space and for leading with care, courage, and commitment.
We extend our deepest gratitude to Dr. Jesse Davis of Integrated Health Network — this conference would not exist without your belief, leadership, and dedication from year one. Your continued support makes this work possible.
This convening was also historic as the first bi‑state maternal and infant health conference co‑hosted by ILPQC and MOPQC, demonstrating what is possible when systems come together with a shared goal: uplifting Black families while centering joy, dignity, and improved outcomes.

💜 Meeting Our Sheroes
What you experienced on stage with Shafia M. Monroe (Shafia Monroe Consulting), Dr. Lucinda Canty, and Keynote Kay Matthews of the Shades of Blue Project was truly just the tip of the iceberg. These legendary, trailblazing women took time to visit our office, speak life into each of us, and share joy beyond the mic. They say, “Don’t meet your heroes.” We met our sheroes — and they exceeded every dream.

💜 Why This Conference Matters
Centering Joy is an act of resistance. While Black birthing people continue to face disproportionate maternal and infant health outcomes, this conference intentionally shifts the narrative — focusing on strength, culture, innovation, healing, and joy. We gather to connect, restore, and imagine what is possible when Black families are supported, respected, and celebrated.
What This Means to The Doula Lab
This conference reflects our mission in action: investing in doulas, strengthening community‑based care, and nurturing leaders committed to birth justice. Our work is not only about improving outcomes — it is about cultivating joy, dignity, and belonging in every birthing space.

Thank You to Our Presenters
We are deeply grateful to every presenter who showed up with intention, expertise, and love:

Opening & Leadership
Ronda Smith Branch Hostess
Charity Bean
Dr. Jerrica V. Ampadu
Mary Conley
State Senator Christopher Belt (IL‑57)
Representative LaKeySha Bosley (District 079)

Keynote
Kay Matthews – Shades of Blue Project

Speakers, Panelists & Breakout Hosts
Brad Edwards
Kyra Betts
Ta’Mare Banks, MSN, RN
Jonathan Goines
David Shields
Lily Ren, RN, MSN
Tina Crum, MSN, CNM, RN
Elena Jenkins
Dr. Lucinda Canty, PhD, CNM, FACNM, FAAN
Christin Simpson, MSN, FNP‑C, ADS
Amanda Wilkinson, MFA, CLS, PMH‑C
Rebecca Ainis, MPH
Dr. Ann Borders, MD, MSc, MPH
LaKisha Redditt
Brya Johnson, LMSW, CD, PMH‑C
Stephanie Kraft Sheley, Esq.

Wellness & Healing Space
Dr. Kennisha Harris
Joy Camp
Mel McCray (Doula Mel)
Jasmine (Jasmine’s Way)
Marvella Ying‑Clayburne

🙏 Special Thanks & Partners

Integrated Health Network
Alana Rivera and Dr. Julius Johnson — thank you for being foundational to this movement from the very beginning
Decor Team Lead: Chasity Gage
Design & Print: Dreamsc8pe Event Co. (“We Made It Famous” posters, marquee & balloons)
Booklet & Presentation Design: Charlie Johnson
Catering: Chef Tiffany, Sunkissed Catering
Photography: Tim McNeese & Logan Photography
Videography: Nico Alexander

Sponsors & Supporters
Aetna • Meridian • Birth Kind • SIUE • ILPQC • MOPQC • MODHSS • Missouri Foundation for Health • IDPH
(If anyone was missed, we honor and thank you, every contribution matters.)
💜
We celebrate joy.
We celebrate Black families.
And we will continue to gather ,every year , until joy is the standard.

04/18/2026

In honor of Black Maternal Health Week, The Doula Lab is proud to host a powerful virtual session with Marisa Noelle
IG ().
This conversation is created for Black birth workers navigating birth spaces—from home to hospital and everything in between. Together, we’ll explore what it means to advocate, protect our energy, and create safety for ourselves and the families we serve—no matter the setting.
🖤 Grounded. Informative. Affirming.
🌱 Rooted in lived experience and collective care.
🗓️ Virtual Session via Zoom
04.16.2026 Friday
⏰ 2:00–4:00 PM CDT
🔗 https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/JwXdN-DFR_2BMkmKaR6_FQ






doulasupport

04/17/2026

We are so proud of you Vella Ying-Clayburne 🩷👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

This Black Maternal Health Week, we're highlighting the power of doulas in supporting Black mothers, in this blog authored by M-Brace Birthing 💜

From advocacy to emotional and physical support, doulas help ensure Black women feel heard, respected and empowered throughout their pregnancy journey — something research shows is critical to improving outcomes.

Read the blog: https://mopqc.org/news/from-one-doula-to-you-how-doulas-support-black-mothers/

04/16/2026

✨ A milestone for The Doula Lab ✨
Thanks to our collaboration with the American Heart Association Missouri, The Doula Lab now has a Blood Pressure Kiosk—a vital tool to support health literacy for families before, during, and after birth.
This kiosk empowers our community with access to blood pressure monitoring, education, and early awareness—because maternal health doesn’t start or end at delivery. Our work centers the entire family dynamic, across the life span, recognizing that strong families begin with informed and supported caregivers.
Receiving this resource during Black Maternal Health Week is especially meaningful. Black families are disproportionately impacted by pregnancy-related heart conditions, and this represents a step toward prevention, equity, and community-led care.
📍 Knowledge is power. Access saves lives.
🖤 Birth equity is health equity.

04/16/2026

As we continue to celebrate we're still in awe from our amazing events and all those who supported us. But we cannot say enough, thank yous to our main speakers/presenters.
What you guys got to see with the legend Shafia Monroe Consulting M. Monroe , the illustrious Lucinda Canty, and trailblazing Kay Matthews-Williams Shades Of Blue Project was really the tip of the iceberg. These highly sought after and skilled women took time to visit our office, speak life into each of us, and overall were a ball of fun to hang out with.
They old saying is, "Don't meet your heroes." Well we met our sheroes, and they are MORE than what we even dreamed.

04/14/2026

Those first days after birth can feel tender and exhausting. Our postpartum doula support focuses on your recovery with a gentle, holistic approach, because you matter too. Learn more from our website: https://doulalab.org

04/14/2026

Thank you Missouri PQC for all your support!!
3 epic years in a row!!
Happy Black Maternal Health week!