Birthing Justice: How CoCo Doulas Empower Black Families in Contra Costa County
In Contra Costa County, birth experiences are being reshaped by a dedicated team of community-based doulas from FIERCE Advocates' CoCo Doulas program. This compassionate team of Black women play a pivotal role in supporting Black families through one of life's most transformative journeys: pregnancy and childbirth. Beyond offering physical assistance during labor, these doulas provide crucial emotional support and help navigate complex healthcare systems, ensuring that families receive the compassionate care they deserve.
Transforming Birthing Experiences
For many Black mothers and birthing people, the journey to parenthood is fraught with challenges exacerbated by systemic inequalities. It's alarming to note that Black women are over three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes compared to white women, reflecting a stark disparity in maternal healthcare access and quality. These statistics underscore the urgent need for initiatives like the CoCo Doulas program, which prioritizes advocacy and compassionate care to mitigate these disparities.
FIERCE Advocates' CoCo Doulas program aims to address these inequities head-on. By offering culturally sensitive care, doulas empower families to advocate for their health and navigate medical environments with confidence. This support begins well before labor, often during prenatal visits where doulas provide educational resources, emotional reassurance, and assistance in developing birth plans that align with the family's cultural and personal preferences.
The Impact of Culturally Sensitive Care
Cultural competency is at the heart of the CoCo Doulas program. Doulas undergo rigorous training that emphasizes understanding and respecting diverse cultural practices, beliefs, and traditions. This approach not only enhances communication between healthcare providers and families but also fosters trust and reduces the likelihood of medical interventions that may be unnecessary or unwanted.
Tips for Expectant Families
If you're considering the support of a community-based doula, here are a few tips to help you make the most of this empowering experience:
Start Early: Connect with a doula early in your pregnancy to build a trusting relationship and benefit from comprehensive prenatal support. FIERCE partners with parents beginning at 23 weeks of gestation.
Communicate Your Needs: Be open about your expectations, concerns, and cultural preferences. Your doula is there to support your unique journey.
Develop a Birth Plan: Work with your doula to create a birth plan that reflects your wishes and preferences, ensuring you feel empowered and informed during labor and delivery.
Get Involved with CoCo Doulas
Interested in learning more about how community-based doulas can support your birth experience or becoming a doula yourself? Contact Lauren McCollins, CoCo Doulas Program Manager, at lmccollins@fierceadvocates.org or Oni Jahmora at ojahmora@fierceadvocates.org or call 510-232-5812 ext. 407.
Join us in creating healthier and more empowering birth experiences for Black families in Contra Costa County. Through compassionate care and advocacy, FIERCE Advocates and the CoCo Doulas program are paving the way for birth justice and equitable healthcare access for all.
