124: Rachel’s VBA2C: A Black Mother and Advocate’s Path to Doula Work

Birth Matters

Birth Matters
124: Rachel’s VBA2C: A Black Mother and Advocate’s Path to Doula Work
Feb 20, 2025 Season 4 Episode 124
Lisa Taylor - Birth Matters NYC Childbirth Education & Labor Support

In this episode, Rachel, a mother of three boys, a doula, and a passionate advocate for maternal health shares her transformative journey through her three pregnancies and births. She details the challenges of her first traumatic C-section, the struggle and acceptance of her second scheduled C-section, and then her victorious vaginal birth after 2 cesareans with her third baby. We discuss the systemic biases and disparities in healthcare, particularly for Black birthing people, and the importance of trusting one's intuition and seeking supportive providers. Rachel's experience led her to become a doula and an advocate, where she continues to support and educate families. This episode is a testament to resilience, empowerment, and the critical need for improved maternal health practices.