Birthmark: Pregnant While Black

Consider this a hot take. With a shorter episode than usual, we dig deep into postpartum support, maternal paid, and lack thereof for black women. It is frustrating for so many resources and funding to go into prenatal and childbirth resources and nothing to support the real work women need postpartum to care for their newborns. Yvonna breaks down the cause and effect of the absence of support, postpartum depression and what national paid maternity leave would look like in the U.S... if it existed.

Yvonna has brought together young women to share their involvement in birth work and how they intend to shake the system and bring on empowered care for birthing persons. This episode is about Generation Z's impact on maternal health and what that looks like for the future of black women as we grow and make change in this country. Guest featuring Hawa Ibrahim, Marleny Nunez, and Andrea Augustus speak on their own experiences and future plans in birth work.

 This episode is for everyone whether birthing or supporting those that are birthing to ensure that the experience is one you'll value and never want to forget. Yvonna details out an optimal birthing experiences and reminding everyone of their birth choices. As comparison to other countries, the lack of postpartum support in the United States is horrific and Yvonna explains how a village can change the stressful transitions of postpartum life. 

There is a lot to unpack when looking at birth in the middle of a pandemic. Yvonna is joined by her guest, Natalie MacKay, to talk in depth about black women's struggle to feel supported and survive childbirth while adding in the element of birthing in COVID. Natalie describes her experience as a mom, being pregnant, and giving birth in COVID. Despite a beautiful home birth she has anger towards the system and discusses how we can make a change.

Yvonna has Jenn Brazelton as her first guest host where they unpack patient and provider relationships. They dive deep into how the lack of compassion, education, investment, and resources can impact your birth experience.

Song crafted and produced by Bethel Adekogbe and Inspired by Malcolm X: "Who Taught You to Hate Yourself?" 

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