What is a Birth Assistant?

A birth assistant is a trained professional who provides physical, emotional, and informational support to a mother during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum. They do not replace medical staff but work alongside them to assist the mother in their journey to giving birth.

The Benefits of a Birth Assistant

1. Black Maternal Health

For Black mothers, birth assistants are especially important due to the disproportionate rates of maternal and infant mortality and morbidity they face. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Black women are three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than white women. These disparities are often linked to systemic racism and bias within healthcare systems.

2. Advocacy and Support

By having a birth assistant, Black mothers can have a companion who is focused on their needs and can provide advocacy and support during medical interventions. Birth assistants can also help Black mothers navigate the healthcare system, access culturally relevant resources, and cope with the emotional tolls of pregnancy and childbirth.

3. Improved Birth Outcomes

Research has shown that the presence of a birth assistant can lead to improved birth outcomes, including lower rates of interventions such as cesarean sections and epidurals, and reduced pain and anxiety during childbirth. Birth assistants also provide continuous support, which has been linked to shorter labor and less need for pain medication.

4. Individualized Care

It's important to note that birth assistants are not just for mothers who want a natural birth. They can also work with mothers who choose to have medical interventions or those who have high-risk births. Birth assistants prioritize the mother's well-being and provide personalized support based on their individual needs and birth plan.

The Impact of Having a Birth Assistant

Birth assistants are trained professionals who provide physical, emotional, and informational support to mothers during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum. For Black mothers, having a birth assistant can be especially important due to the racial disparities they face in the healthcare system. Birth assistants provide advocacy, support, and personalization to improve birth outcomes and reduce the emotional toll of pregnancy and childbirth.

If you are interested in using the services of a Birth Assistant, please contact us!