Global launch of...

Black Doula Day™

Celebrating the Joy of Black Birth, Honoring Holistic Restoration, and Ensuring Sustainability in Black Maternal Health Efforts.

April 11th, 2024

The official global launch of Black Doula Day™

Coined in 2022 by Okunsola M. Amadou with five-honorable proclamations designating every April 11th as Black Doula Day™. This year will mark the official global launch of Black Doula Day™ in partnership with Jamaa Birth Village, Black Mamas Matter Alliance, Ancient Song, Atlanta Doula Collective, STL Doulas of Color Collective, Southern Birth Justice Network, Sankofa Healing Center and ROOTT.

Collectively national Black Doula and Black Maternal Health organizations will lead a call to action and Pep Rally on April 11th highlighting 7-core demands to protect, advance and uplift the Black Doula profession.

While acknowledging the importance of supporting Black women during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum; Black Doula Day consists of a national collaborative effort of doulas creating this safe space for doulas, mothers, and supporters alike.

Historically, Black doulas provide emotional, physical, and informational support to expectant mothers, particularly those from marginalized communities who often face disparities in healthcare.

Black Doula Day serves as a platform to raise awareness about these disparities and advocate for improved access to quality maternal healthcare for Black women.

By recognizing the vital role of Black doulas and addressing the unique needs of Black families during pregnancy, Black Doula Day strives to promote positive birth experiences and better outcomes for Black families.

MEET THE PLANNING COMMITTEE

7 CORE DEMANDS FOR BLACK DOULA DAY ™

1 Eliminate misconceptions of the doula scope of practice, including the difference between a doula and a midwife.
2 Doulas should be paid an equitable reimbursement wage via private and Medicaid insurance at a minimum global reimbursement rate of $3000 USD.
3 Community-based and BIPOC-led organizations and Doulas in the state must be “included” as “experts” in the process of drafting legislation for reimbursement or in lieu of service (ILOS).
4 Doulas should not be used or exploited as a solution or bandage to the biased health care system.
5 Mental health care must be prioritized for BIPOC doulas who are continuously traumatized while attending births along with managing complicated personal lives due to the sacrifice of being on call and carrying the burden of the system.
6 Doulas belong to the community not the state. States should not limit the type of trainings that doulas can take and certify with.
7 It is important to emphasize the care components of the profession using terms such as Birth Companion, Family Support, etc… over the colonialist term Doula.