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Part 3: Doulas Escorted Out, Birth Outcome, and the Aftermath
In the final installment of the series, doulas Sheila Lawrence and Jain McKinney describe being repeatedly removed from a hospital labor room after a breech client’s care became entangled in provider resistance, bias, and shifting “chain of command.” After the client received an epidural, an older white male OB told the doulas he needed the mother alone to confirm decisions; despite this, county police and hospital security ultimately escorted the doulas out of the building, refused to let them say goodbye, retrieved their belongings, attempted to have them sign a visitor behavior policy, and restricted FaceTime. The doulas feared arrest and retaliation and remained nearby while coordinating by text; the baby was born by cesarean around 11:21 AM the next day. They discuss misinformation online, legal guidance, delays in going public until discharge, trauma and “weathering,” and the painful loss of contact with the mother amid public scrutiny.
00:00 Part Three Setup
01:34 Back In The Room
02:24 Epidural And Power Play
04:26 Waiting Outside Doors
05:47 Police Removal Order
07:52 Visitor Policy Pressure
09:20 Escorted Out In Fear
13:52 Parking Garage Debrief
15:25 Texts And Birth Outcome
17:03 Clearing The Record
20:39 Postpartum Distance
24:20 Why They Went Public
25:41 Choosing When To Speak
26:01 Life Keeps Moving
27:28 Facing The Public Fallout
28:48 Weathering And Retraumatization
31:44 Doulas As Untapped Resource
33:21 Support Systems And Doubt
36:22 Witnesses And Healing
38:07 Shera On The Disconnect
40:18 Returning To The Hospital
44:20 Faith And Vindication
46:16 How The Podcast Happened
47:36 Final Blessings And Wrap
In Part 2 of this powerful three-part series, we continue the firsthand account from Shira Lawrence and Jet’aime McKinney as they navigate an increasingly complex and high-stakes hospital experience during a birth in Georgia.
What begins as a moment of hope—with a provider finally listening—quickly shifts into a deeper examination of power, bias, and control within the hospital system.
This episode captures the tension between advocacy and authority, and what it means to support a laboring mother while systems actively resist that support.
What You’ll Hear in This Episode1. Advocacy vs. Authority
Even when care is medically appropriate, access can be delayed or denied based on provider bias or resistance.
2. The Doula’s Role Is Not Optional—It’s Essential
This episode reinforces why families choose doulas: for advocacy, clarity, and grounded support in moments where systems become overwhelming.
3. Bias in Real Time
Listeners will hear how bias shows up not just in decisions—but in tone, access, communication, and escalation.
4. Emotional Labor of Birth Workers
Beyond physical support, doulas are navigating systems, protecting clients, and managing their own safety simultaneously.
5. Systems Under Pressure Reveal Truth
Moments of stress expose how institutions operate—and who they prioritize.
Where We Leave OffThis episode ends in the middle of an intense and unfolding situation:
Part 3 will take you into the final removal, the aftermath, and the lasting psychological impact of this experience—along with what ultimately happened to mom and baby.
Content NoteThis episode contains descriptions of medical stress, confrontation, and systemic challenges within birth settings. Listener discretion is advised.
Stay Connected🔔 Subscribe to the Doula That! Podcast
📲 Follow for more conversations on birth work, advocacy, and maternal health
🌐 www.doulathatpodcast.com, IG:@DoulaThatPodcast, YouTube: Doula That! Podcast
Join the ConversationWhat stood out to you in this episode?
Have you experienced or witnessed similar dynamics in birth spaces?
Drop your thoughts in the comments—we want to hear from you.
Ravae Sinclair, JD, CLC, PBD(NBPP), PPD(NBPP)
Dr. Denise Bolds
Episode SummaryWe’re relaunching the Doula That! Podcast with a conversation that requires depth, context, and care.
In this episode, we sit down with Black doulas Shira Lawrence and Jet’aime McKinney to begin unpacking the story behind a viral video showing their removal from a hospital birth.
This is Part 1 of a 3-part series, where we intentionally move beyond headlines and social media assumptions to center their lived experience, professional insight, and the full context of what occurred.
This episode lays the foundation—who they are, how they practice, and what led up to the hospital encounter.
What You’ll Hear in This EpisodeShira Lawrence
Birth & Postpartum Doula, Trainer, and Childbirth Educator.
Founder of a nonprofit supporting vulnerable teenage girls.
Serves families in maternal health deserts, often navigating high-risk and limited-access environments.
Jet’aime McKinney
Birth & Postpartum Doula, Agency Owner, and Educator based in Metro Atlanta.
Former educator turned full-time birth worker after a personal birth experience transformed her path.
Supports families through advocacy, education, and community-centered care.
Important ContextThis episode is grounded in the doulas’ firsthand account.
We are not providing legal advice or speaking on behalf of the hospital or medical team.
Our goal is to create space for clarity, understanding, and informed dialogue.
Continue the ConversationThis is Part 1 of a 3-part series.
👉 Part 2 drops soon—be sure to subscribe and turn on notifications so you don’t miss what happens next.
Ravae Sinclair and Denise Bolds discuss their experiences with being scammed by Augustine Colebrook, who promised a Belize retreat for November 2024 but changed it to February 2025, causing scheduling conflicts.
Despite paying in installments, they were unable to get refunds, with Colebrook citing financial difficulties and potential bankruptcy.
They highlight the broader issue of Colebrook's history of financial mishandling, including a $2,000 loss for a skills and drills conference cancellation and allegations of harming families in Oregon and Hawaii.
They urge caution for other birth workers and emphasize the importance of transparency and integrity in business practices.
Part 1 on YouTube: https://youtu.be/535CkMmvlgs?si=uCPE37UE6u1vyNv-
Part 2 on YouTube: https://youtu.be/MVdtv3IZxsg
Ravae Sinclair and Denise Bolds discussed their observations from a recent meeting of DONA International, a nonprofit organization for doulas. They highlighted issues such as the lack of transparency, missing meeting minutes for three years, and inconsistencies in financial reporting. They noted that DONA's membership has declined from 7,000 to around 2,700 certified members in two years, and its revenue has dropped significantly. They also criticized the lack of translation services and the rushed certification process, which may compromise quality. They emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in doula organizations and announced plans to provide a resource for informed consumer decisions.
ResourcesBe Aware of Scammers!
Ravae Sinclair, a co-host of the Doula That podcast, shares her experience of being scammed by Augustine Colebrook, who promised a retreat for birth workers. Ravae paid $1,400 for a retreat scheduled for November 2024, but it was changed to February 2025, which was unacceptable. Despite multiple requests for a refund, Colebrook delayed and eventually took an additional $600 without authorization. Ravae emphasizes the importance of being informed consumers, using business credit cards for transactions, and the need for clear communication from service providers. She urges others to be cautious and to support her in recovering her money.
Ravae Sinclair @birthconnections @natlbirthpostpartumpros
Augustine Colebrook @artofbirthing @midwiferywisdom
Youtube:https://youtu.be/535CkMmvlgs?si=uCPE37UE6u1vyNv-
Outline
Scammers in the Birth Space
The Scam Story Begins
Attempts to Get a Refund
The Scam Escalates
Final Plea and Lessons Learned
The Day After The Day After The Election
Ravae Sinclair and Denise Bolds discuss the emotional and physical impact of the 2024 U.S. presidential election, expressing feelings of betrayal and fear for the future. They highlight the potential loss of reproductive rights and privacy due to the Supreme Court's conservative leanings and the erosion of bodily autonomy. They also address the broader implications for healthcare, particularly the shortage of medical professionals and the challenges faced by immigrants. The conversation emphasizes the importance of community, support for birth workers, and the need for systemic change to protect reproductive health and access to quality care.
Co-Hosts
Ravae Sinclair @birthconnections @natlbirthpostpartumpros
Denise Bolds @bolddoula @blackwomendovbac
Show Links
Outline
Impact of the Election on Personal Well-being
Personal and Professional Reactions to the Election
Impact on Reproductive Rights and Healthcare
Challenges Faced by Birth Workers and Medical Professionals
Future of Reproductive Rights and Healthcare Access
Community and Support for Birth Workers
Personal updates, business growth, and nonprofit work.
Denise Bolds and Ravae Sinclair share their experiences and insights on personal growth, wellness, and inclusivity in the birth work community. They emphasize the importance of self-love, setting boundaries, and prioritizing self-care for effective leadership and service. They also discuss the challenges of navigating identity and leadership as black women in the field, and the need for inclusivity and transparency in serving diverse communities.
OutlinePersonal transformation, stress, and self-care for birth workers.How to find us:
Ravae Sinclair: @birthconnections and @natlbirthpostpartumpros
Childbirth classes: www.birth-connections.com/services
Denise Bolds: @BoldDoula and @blackwomendovbac
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Website: www.doulathatpodcast.com
Facebook: Doula That podcast
IG:@doulathatpodcast. YouTube: Doula That! podcast
Platforms: Apple, Spotify, Stitcher & Google
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