BirthWork

What Makes A Doula, Featuring Marna Armstead

Association of Maternal & Child Health Programs Season 1 Episode 2

Birthworkers have been attending pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum for centuries. In the 21st century, birthworkers, such as doulas, continue to provide vital support to birthing people while simultaneously addressing challenges faced by all mothers in America, and especially birthing people of color. In this special two-part episode, your AMCHP hosts speak with two doulas to explore their inspirations and motivations for birth work. Marna Armstead from San Francisco reflects on her experiences in a system that has medicalized birth and what it truly means to advocate as a birth companion through culturally congruent care. Listen to learn about the joy doulas spread to individuals, families, and communities at large helping to create more respectful and equitable birthing spaces from coast to coast. And don't forget to catch part 2 of this episode where we talk to Ankita Patel from Tampa, FL.  

  

Guest Speakers:  

  • Marna Armstead, Doula and Co-Founder of SisterWeb in San Francisco, California  

Cohosts:   

  • Shaquelle Ballou, former Program Manager at AMCHP 

Resources:  

  • Follow us @BetterBirthOutcomes on Instagram and don’t forget to like this episode!
  • Learn more about the Association of Maternal & Child Health Programs (AMCHP) at our website.