The RBG doula program is an initiative of Rootead’s Birth Justice branch, offering instruction and support designed to move families from overwhelm to confidence in their birth journey. Doulas utilize the principle of Sankofa, which emphasizes learning from the past to move forward, by integrating traditional practices that focus on the client’s mind, body, and spirit to reduce over-medicalized birth experiences.

Expectant parents are often offered standard medical pathways for their pregnancy and birth journey. However, for women of color, who may face systemic barriers and disparities in care, opportunities for a respectful and empowered birth experience can be limited. Rootead’s RBG doula program is filling this gap for families in the Kalamazoo community.

“[To me], Birth Justice means that every birthing person is treated with respect and dignity, during pregnancy and after, especially women of color,” said Lauren Jones, a RBG Doula.

Jones joined Rootead because the organization’s mission focuses on a “reclaiming the village” approach, combining traditional healing with modern advocacy to dismantle disparities in maternal health outcomes.

During their journey, families work with doulas to build vital self advocacy skills, including education on patient rights in medical settings, practicing assertive communication skills, and utilizing actionable tools, such as personalized birth plans.

“Having a RBG doula helped me feel empowered to advocate for my own needs because she always reminded me that if something was important to me, it could happen, and that I was in control,” said one participant.

Support from Rootead’s RBG doulas doesn’t stop after babies are born. Families receive postpartum support as well, when many struggle to transition to their new family life.

“My doula’s support and postpartum care helped my family feel safe and cared for by consistently checking in with me after I gave birth,” said the participant. “I was tired and exhausted, and I am the type of person who does not usually ask for help. She would check on me and even came over once a week to watch the baby so I could get a nap.”

Rootead’s RBG doulas prioritize building trust with families and eliminating barriers to care during every step of pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum so they can transition into parenthood with confidence.

“The most rewarding part…is being able to serve my community, and witness parents grow from overwhelmed to confident in their journey,” she said.

To request information about our doula services, complete this form. If you are interested in becoming a doula, you can learn more about our Community-Based Doula Training here.

Article Summary:

In honor of the 10th anniversary of Black Maternal Health Week, Rootead is highlighting its Red Birth Green (RBG) doula program, a key initiative of its Birth Justice branch. This program is designed to address systemic barriers and health disparities faced by women of color by providing respectful, empowered birth experiences.

Key Program Features:

• Mission & Methodology: Utilizing the principle of Sankofa, the program integrates traditional healing with modern advocacy to move families from overwhelm to confidence.
• Comprehensive Support: RBG doulas offer prenatal education, assistance in creating personalized birth plans, and training in self-advocacy and assertive communication within medical settings.
• Postpartum Care: Support extends beyond delivery, providing vital check-ins and hands-on help to ensure families feel safe and cared for during the transition to parenthood.
• Community Impact: By prioritizing trust and eliminating barriers to care, the program aims to reduce over-medicalized birth experiences and dismantle disparities in maternal health outcomes in the Kalamazoo community.