02/11/2023
As a postpartum doula, I have supported many people with different walks of life. In this work, I truly connect with each of the families I take on. It’s often a conversation in the doula world “how do I break away or end my relationship with a client once services are over?” My understanding is we don’t, and most of my clients and I maintain relationships that go beyond a six week post-birth timeframe. So while supporting one of my mamas and transitioning from our weekly home visits; we talked about the need for community as a mother of color. I have learned from my Iyanifa who studies with the Agbebi in Osogbo, Nigeria of Abara Meji, meaning “the one with two bodies” a person with one foot in heaven and one on earth. It is a vulnerable and transitional state to be in. In the Yoruba culture women are not left alone after giving birth. There is always someone around for mama to talk to, help care for her baby, help heal her body and much more. This practice is communal and important in keeping mamas here, as they can lose their balance. Our country doesn’t honor what a mother goes through after childbirth and that’s where prolonged postpartum complications and mood disorders come about. With this knowledge, experience, and belief in integrating the essence of the culture many of us inherently thrive in- I came together with two other women to host a peer support group. Inviting all the pregnant and parenting mamas of color in the Seattle area to join us in person and community. Link to register is attached 🤎 https://forms.gle/VYF73QCiF27kuEZV9
