Birth Bruja Podcast

You are listening to episode 19, part 4 of the Supporting Survivors Who Birth Series- A dive into the intersections of sexual violence and birthwork and what we can do to best be of support for survivors.

In this episode, we speak with birthworker, single mother, and sexual assault survivor advocate Melissa Lucchesi, for powerful story telling of her hospital birth experience as a survivor of sexual assault. If you haven’t already, I encourage you to stop this episode and listen to the first two parts of this series so that you can listen with a strengthened ability to recognize the aspects of survivorship that surface throughout this birth story.

Interested in learning more about supporting survivors? This series is in celebration of my upcoming training through Cornerstone Doula Trainings in December 2019 called Supporting Survivors Who Birth. It’s a 4hr online intensive with an anti-oppression based exploration into the intersections of sexual violence and birthwork.

In this training you will...

*Deepen your understanding of the workings & impact of sexual violence

*Unveil the ways in which trauma can manifest for survivors through birth, pregnancy, & postpartum

*Embody these practices through role playing to FEEL what it can be like to provide support in the moment

*Identify and strengthen your abilities to best be of support

The first two parts of this series are a sneak peak into the training- go to BirthBruja.com to see a detailed description of what the course will cover.

One final note before we begin- as with any topics related to trauma, please take gentle care of yourself. Press pause to take breaks, call to debrief with a friend, or spend some time moving your body to help process and integrate what you’ve heard.

The music you heard in today’s show is entitled “ Quiet,’ by Milck. Deep gratitude to Melissa Lucchesi for joining me in today’s episode and to We Rise \ Productions for assistance in production.

Go to BirthBruja.com to learn about upcoming trainings, mentorship circles, and more. Follow me on social media @birthbruja to continue the conversation.

You are listening to episode 18, part 3 of the Supporting Survivors Who Birth Series- A dive into the intersections of sexual violence and birthwork and what we can do to best be of support for survivors.

In this episode, we once again speak with somatic coach, rape crisis counselor, and birthing person, Tabitha Thomas, for candid story telling of her two birth experiences as a survivor of childhood sexual assault. If you haven’t already, I encourage you to stop this episode and listen to the first two parts of this series so that you can listen to this story with a strengthened ability to recognize the aspects of survivorship that surface in an otherwise common experience of birth and postpartum.

Interested in learning more about supporting survivors? This series is in celebration of my upcoming training through Cornerstone Doula Trainings in December 2019 called Supporting Survivors Who Birth. It’s a 4hr online intensive with an anti-oppression based exploration into the intersections of sexual violence and birthwork.

In this training you will...

*Deepen your understanding of the workings & impact of sexual violence

*Unveil the ways in which trauma can manifest for survivors through birth, pregnancy, & postpartum

*Embody these practices through role playing to FEEL what it can be like to provide support in the moment

*Identify and strengthen your abilities to best be of support

The first two parts of this series are a sneak peak into the training- go to birthbruja.com to see a detailed description of what the course will cover.

The music you heard in today’s show is entitled “ Warrior,’ by Demi Lovato. Deep gratitude to Tabitha Thomas for joining me in today’s episode and to We Rise Cultural Productions for assistance in production.

Go to BirthBruja.com to learn about upcoming trainings, mentorship circles, and more. Follow me on social media @birthbruja to continue the conversation.

You are listening to episode 17, part 2 of the Supporting Survivors Who Birth Series- A dive into the intersections of sexual violence and birthwork and what we can do to best be of support for survivors.

As some of you may know, I am a rape crisis peer counselor and a birthworker that specializes in supporting survivors through the birth experience.

In this episode, I offer a step-by-step breakdown of some of the primary ways in which I offer support to birthing survivors. This is a sneak peak into my upcoming training through Cornerstone Doula Trainings in December 2019 called Supporting Survivors Who Birth. It’s a 4hr online intensive with an anti-oppression based exploration into the intersections of sexual violence and birthwork.

In this training you will...

*Deepen your understanding of the workings & impact of sexual violence

*Unveil the ways in which trauma can manifest for survivors through birth, pregnancy, & postpartum

*Embody these practices through role playing to FEEL what it can be like to provide support in the moment

*Identify and strengthen your abilities to best be of support

The first two parts of this series are a sneak peak into the training- go to birthbruja.com to see a detailed description of what the course will cover.

One final note on sound quality before we begin- I had family visiting and had to record atop our bed. As such, you’ll occasionally hear sounds of a rustling weiner dog’s collar along with whooshing sounds of her moving to cooler spots on the bed. #MomLIfe

The music you heard in today’s show is entitled “Healer,’ by Sampa the Great. Deep gratitude to We Rise Production for assistance in production.

Go to birthbruja.com to learn about upcoming trainings, mentorship circles, and more. Follow me on social media @birthbruja to continue the conversation.

You are listening to episode 16, part 1 of the Supporting Survivors Who Birth Series- A dive into the intersections of sexual violence and birthwork and what we can do to best be of support for survivors.

In this episode, we speak with social justice advocate, somatic coach, & rape crisis counselor, Tabitha Thomas, for an indepth exploration into the prevelence of sexual violence, common barriers survivors may face in in reporting & seeking support, what healing from sexual violence can look like, and what we can do to best be of support when someone discloses their survivorship.

This series is near and dear to my heart as I’ve been a rape crisis peer counselor with San Francisco Women Against Rape for over a decade and as a birthworker, specialize in supporting survivors through the birth experience. I’m launching this series in celebration of my upcoming training through Cornerstone Doula Trainings in December 2019 called Supporting Survivors Who Birth. It’s a 4hr online intensive with an anti-oppression based exploration into the intersections of sexual violence and birthwork.

In this training you will...

*Deepen your understanding of the workings & impact of sexual violence

*Unveil the ways in which trauma can manifest for survivors through birth, pregnancy, & postpartum

*Embody these practices through role playing to FEEL what it can be like to provide support in the moment

*Identify and strengthen your abilities to best be of support

The first two parts of this series are a sneak peak into the training- go to birthbruja.com to see a detailed description of what the course will cover.

One final note before we begin- as with any topics related to trauma, please take gentle care of yourself. Press pause to take breaks, call to debrief with a friend, or spend some time moving your body to help process and integrate what you’ve heard.

The music you heard on today’s show is entitled “Healer,’ by Sampa the Great. Deep gratitude to Tabitha Thomas for joining me in today’s episode and to We Rise Production for assistance in production.

Go to birthbruja.com to learn about upcoming trainings, mentorship circles, and more. Follow me on social media @birthbruja to continue the conversation.

You are listening to episode 15, part 3 of the Bookworm Series: Where we are reading chapters from Birthing Justice: Black Women, Pregnancy & Childbirth. Edited by Julia Chinyere Oparah & Alicia D. Bonaparte.

In this episode, we explore “Birthing Freedom: Black American Midwifery and Liberation Struggles” written by Ruth Hays.

This powerful chapter traces the history of black midwives in slavery, after emancipation, and during contemporary times. Hays explains that by reviving these community-building practices, black birthing women can benefit in a myriad of ways.

There are SO MANY incredible chapters in this book! I struggled deciding which chapters to feature in this series considering there are so many that are noteworthy. If you are wanting to dive into this book with the support and accountability of a community to back you up- join me and Tabitha Thomas, a bi-racial politicized healer & somatic coach as we launch the first session of the Birth Bruja BookClub. Starting in September 2019, we will join with folks across the country to dive into the featured book of this series- Birthing Justice. Go to BirthBruja.com to learn more.

Without further delay…let’s dive back in..

Music: “Lullaby’ by Tasha

Follow @BirthBruja on Instagram and Facebook to continue the conversation <3

You are listening to episode 14, part 2 of the Bookworm Series: Where we are reading chapters from Birthing Justice: Black Women, Pregnancy & Childbirth. Edited by Julia Chinyere Oparah & Alicia D. Bonaparte.

In this episode, we cover two chapters- the first is” Birthing Sexual Freedom and Healing: A Survivor Mother’s Birth Story” written by Biany Perez and the second is “A Love Letter to my Daughter: Love as a Political Act” Written by Haile Eshe Cole.

One of the reasons why I love this book is because it includes various writing styles and perspectives that center the subject of placing black women’s voices at the center of the birth justice conversation. These two chapters are written in first person- thus, it is written as if the authors were speaking directly to us.

This book- and especially these two chapters- moved me deeply to continue pondering my own role in fighting systemic racism and uplifting the voices of black women in this work.

To create a place in which folks can gather and dive into such questions- I have joined up with Tabitha Thomas, a bi-racial politicized healer & somatic coach to launch the first session of the Birth Bruja BookClub. Starting in September 2019, we will join with folks across the country to dive into the featured book of this series- Birthing Justice. Go to BirthBruja.com to learn more.

Without further delay…let’s dive back in..

Music: “Lullaby’ by Tasha

Follow @BirthBruja on Instagram and Facebook to continue the conversation <3

You are listening to episode 13, part 1 of the Bookworm Series. We are reading chapters from Birthing Justice: Black Women, Pregnancy & Childbirth. Edited by Julia Chinyere Oparah & Alicia D. Bonaparte.

This book is a collection of articles that place black women’s voices at the center of the conversation around what should be done to fix the violent maternity system of this country. By placing black women’s agency at the foreground of the emerging birth justice movement, we are best able to identify the ways in which systemic oppression contribute to the modern birth experience within the US and what we can do to change the horrific Black maternal and infant mortality rates.

This book- and especially this episode’s chapter- is a MUST READ for any and all birthworkers. Birth affirmations and hip squeezes aren’t going to do shit in changing oppressive birth culture unless we pair it with critical thinking and action.

To support this process, I have joined up with Tabitha Thomas, a bi-racial politicized healer & somatic coach to launch the first session of the Birth Bruja BookClub. Starting in September 2019, we will join with folks across the country to dive into the featured book of this series- Birthing Justice. Go to BirthBruja.com to learn more.

The chapter covered in THIS episode is the opening to the book- entitled “Beyond Coercion & Malign Neglect: Black Women and the Struggle for Birth Justice. Written by Julia Chinyere Oparah with Black Women Birthing Justice.

It begins with the birth stories of two black women, a journey through history to outline the racist, sexist, & classist origins of obstetric medicine and the ways in which these systems have shaped todays birth culture, and continues with an exploration of the birth justice movement.

Without further delay… let us begin.

Music: “Lullaby’ by Tasha

Follow @BirthBruja on Instagram and Facebook to continue the conversation <3

Guests: Birthworkers Daniella Morales, Keelia Alder, & Brooke Patmor

This is part 2 of a 2 part series where we dive into vulnerable conversations about identity and birthwork.

In this episode, we continue exposing our proverbial underbelly by diving into the conversation around money, privilege and birthwork.

Guest Bios & Contact Info:

Daniella Morales | DaniellaMorales.com

Daniella was born and raised in SF and I now lives in Berkeley. Her ancestry is rooted through indigenous peoples from central america specifically Nicaragua. Family is the base of everything she does. She has a wonderful son who’s birth was the most enlightening experience she’s ever had. With her family’s support and love she is able to serve the creating of mothers and families through birthwork.

Daniella is a birth and postpartum doula, childbirth educator, and hold mothers blessing ceremonies. She honors the wisdom and medicines that come from her ancestors and those that have lived these lands before her.

What she loves most about birth is how the birthing person is so present in a primal and pure way. Everything else in the world ceases and they go deeply inward to a place of origin. Instincts guide them on this journey and when ready, they are born as mothers… She is continuously amazed by the strength and power it takes to do this primal dance.

Keelia Alder | [email protected]

I've always loved birth. My mom was a childbirth educator, so I was lucky enough to grow up with expectant parents practicing breathing techniques and birthing positions in our living room every Tuesday night. Becoming a doula was the most natural thing in the world for me, and I've loved every sweaty, beautiful second of it since I became a certified birth and postpartum doula in 2015.

As part of the birth justice movement, I believe that all parents deserve an empowering and celebrated birth experience regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, class, sexuality, body type, or religion, and I am over-the-moon excited to work with you towards the birth experience you're hoping for.

Brooke Patmor | BrookePatmor.com

I am passionate about supporting birthing people and their families through the transition to parenthood. This is such a sacred time. I believe in the importance of offering evidence based information about birth, giving you a full scope of all your options so that you can make well informed decisions that feel right for you and your family. I believe people should birth where they feel comfortable, safe and empowered and have supported clients birthing at home, in hospitals and at birth centers. believe in the wisdom and intuition of the human body and am honored to help safeguard the birthing process.

As a queer person myself, I am dedicated to offering inclusive care. I welcome people of all identities and family structures. I am down-to-earth and compassionate in my care offering a steady sense of peace to your process. I rely on my intuition and learned skills to help meet you and your partner where you are. I want you to feel safe, supported and educated going into your birth experience.

Music: “Pynk” by Janele Monae

Follow @BirthBruja on Instagram and Facebook to continue the conversation <3

Guests: Birthworkers Daniella Morales, Keelia Alder, & Brooke Patmor

This is part 1 of a 2 part series where we dive into vulnerable conversations about identity and birthwork.

In this episode, I sit with three friends and colleagues and dive into that ugly voice that tells us that we aren’t enough. That we aren’t professional enough. That we aren’t brown enough. That we aren’t white enough. That we aren’t femme enough. That we aren’t educated enough. That we aren’t enough... We aren’t enough... We aren’t enough...

We touch upon themes such as racism, homophobia, classism and more. We reveal the parts of our identity that can sometimes feel like barriers in this work. In short, we showed up bravely and wore our hearts on our sleeves. <3

Guest Bios & Contact Info:

Daniella Morales | DaniellaMorales.com

Daniella was born and raised in SF and I now lives in Berkeley. Her ancestry is rooted through indigenous peoples from central america specifically Nicaragua. Family is the base of everything she does. She has a wonderful son who’s birth was the most enlightening experience she’s ever had. With her family’s support and love she is able to serve the creating of mothers and families through birthwork.

Daniella is a birth and postpartum doula, childbirth educator, and hold mothers blessing ceremonies. She honors the wisdom and medicines that come from her ancestors and those that have lived these lands before her.

What she loves most about birth is how the birthing person is so present in a primal and pure way. Everything else in the world ceases and they go deeply inward to a place of origin. Instincts guide them on this journey and when ready, they are born as mothers… She is continuously amazed by the strength and power it takes to do this primal dance.

Keelia Alder | [email protected]

I've always loved birth. My mom was a childbirth educator, so I was lucky enough to grow up with expectant parents practicing breathing techniques and birthing positions in our living room every Tuesday night. Becoming a doula was the most natural thing in the world for me, and I've loved every sweaty, beautiful second of it since I became a certified birth and postpartum doula in 2015.

As part of the birth justice movement, I believe that all parents deserve an empowering and celebrated birth experience regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, class, sexuality, body type, or religion, and I am over-the-moon excited to work with you towards the birth experience you're hoping for.

Brooke Patmor | BrookePatmor.com

I am passionate about supporting birthing people and their families through the transition to parenthood. This is such a sacred time. I believe in the importance of offering evidence based information about birth, giving you a full scope of all your options so that you can make well informed decisions that feel right for you and your family. I believe people should birth where they feel comfortable, safe and empowered and have supported clients birthing at home, in hospitals and at birth centers. believe in the wisdom and intuition of the human body and am honored to help safeguard the birthing process.

As a queer person myself, I am dedicated to offering inclusive care. I welcome people of all identities and family structures. I am down-to-earth and compassionate in my care offering a steady sense of peace to your process. I rely on my intuition and learned skills to help meet you and your partner where you are. I want you to feel safe, supported and educated going into your birth experience.

Music: “Pynk” by Janele Monae and "Tell Me When To Go," by E40

Follow @BirthBruja on Instagram and Facebook to continue the conversation <3

Guests: Linda Jones and Michi Arguedas from the Roots of Labor Birth Collective.

This is part 3 of a 3 part series where we dive into the badass organization that is the bay area based, RLBC- aka Roots of Labor Birth Collective. These doulas of color provide full price, sliding scale, and volunteer doula services. In addition to serving private clients, they partner with Santa Rita Jail and Bay Area clinics to serve low-income and communities of color.

In this episode, we explore RLBC’s approach to Decolonizing Birth, Our guests reflect upon the significance of Serena WIlliams speaking out about her traumatic birth, the many ways systemic oppression can show up in birthwork, ancestral calling in more.

Please consider making a donation in support of this crucial work! Visit www.RootsOfLaborBC.com

Links and Resources:

Music: "Freedom," by Beyonce

Roots of Labor Birth Collective: www.RootsofLaborBC.com

Linda Jones- is a Birth and Postpartum Doula and mother of two, grandmother of three and great-grandmother of one, who lives in Oakland, CA. She founded and owned Waddle and Swaddle Baby Boutique and Resource Center in Berkeley, CA and has been a part of the natural birth advocacy community in the Bay Area for over two decades. She is one of the co-founders of Black Women Birthing Justice She was one of the founders of a volunteer Doula group that provided services for low income, uninsured and teen moms that birthed at Alta Bates Hospital in Berkeley.

Michi Arguedas- @himichiii

Michi Arguedas is a multi-racial, queer doula from Monteverde, Costa Rica. She’s honored to be part of a collective that provides culturally-humble and healing-informed doula care to members of our communities. As a doula, she believes that birthing people carry the instinctual wisdom and ability to have beautiful, empowered births and seeks to add a calm, consistent, and gentle presence that encourages you to manifest your ideal experience. She is a full-spectrum doula, placenta encapsulator, herbal medicine student, and speaks English, Spanish, and Portuguese.