Education Is Elevation

Black Doulas, Maternal Health, and the Erasure We've Never Talked About

The episode explores the centuries‑old role of Black doulas and midwives—tracing their roots to West African traditions and their dominance in U.S. births from the 1600s through the early 20th century. It explains how the medicalization of childbirth shifted care from women‑centered, community‑based practices to a male‑dominated hospital system, marginalizing these healers despite their vital contributions to maternal and infant health. The host highlights the resilience of Black midwives, who persisted amid systemic racism, criminalization, and economic exploitation, providing comprehensive prenatal, delivery, and postpartum support. Attending the third annual Black Maternal Health Summit, the host underscores the lasting impact of these “granny midwives” on Black maternal health today.