George Floyd, Brianna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery—these are names you know. I hope. But what about Kira Dixon Johnson, Yolanda Kadima, and Tatia Oden French? These are names that you may not have heard. They are the names of Black women who needlessly died in childbirth, several of whom reported symptoms and concerns to their medical provider prior, but who were dismissed or ignored. 

My guest today, Tracie Collins, is passionate about changing both the statistics and the narrative surrounding Black birthing people. As the founder of the National Black Doulas Association, she's breaking down racial disparities in the medical system and fighting against America’s unacceptable Black maternal death rate by ensuring Black women know their birthing options. She joins me on the podcast to share more about the realities, challenges, and burdens of Black women, and how change requires changing the medical system. 

Tracie and I discuss:  

• How to hold space for both having the data to change the system while not creating more anxiety and stress for black women   
• The story of Anarcha and how the history of pain tolerance and medical inequalities goes back to slavery     
• The meaning of full spectrum doula work    
• How midwifery led Tracie to become more radical in her personal and professional life    
• Tracie's current projects and sources of creative inspiration  
• Advice for people looking to work with a doula who may have accessibility barriers  

Tracie Collins has been published in Parents, Rolling Stone, and Essence, and is a contributor to Black Love, CNN Health, and NBC Today. In honor of her work in arts and entertainment and calling attention to the human trafficking epidemic in Oakland, the mayor of Oakland deemed March 14th as Tracie Collins Day. Her work also extends beyond the birthing room, exploring women's rights and social injustice as an actor, playwright, and producer, working in television and film. 

Thank you so much for taking the time to tune in to your body, yourself, and this podcast! Please share the love by sending this to someone in your life who could benefit from the kinds of things we talk about in this space. Make sure to follow your host on Instagram @dr.avivaromm and go to avivaromm.com to join the conversation. Learn more about the National Black Doula’s Association at blackdoulas.org and follow them on Instagram @nationalblackdoulas.