Black Birth Worker, Where Art Thou? 

Denise Bolds MSW, CD(DONA)

November 15, 2016

There is homogenous whiteness in birth work. Repeatedly, I’ve stated the obvious disparity in the lack of diversity in birth work and birth justice. Only until a recent conference I attended shed some light on the absent black birth worker.

We know the statistics in regarding child birth in America for black mothers and their babies. The same paradigm applies to black birth workers across the board: physicians, nurses, midwives, doulas, lactations counselors; we are as rare as sighting a white buffalo. There’s a reason for all of this; a gross method to the madness. Black birth worker, where art thou?

Yes, I am usually the only African American - black woman in the room - again. I don't mind; I make a point to be a presence in being a league one; to put black on the map, to have a black sit at the table of birth work. It’s grueling, thankless work: being the only one most of the time. There are requirements in being the only one: possess the hide of a rhino while undoing the invisible projection that is put upon myself and the race I represent only to spend most of my time refuting every stereotype imaginable in being black once I am visible.

Hear that sound from a distance? It’s the collective groan from the few black women who are almost always the only black in the room. Just why in the heck is that actually?

I thought it was due to lack of inclusiveness; I realize there are many groups who do welcome diversity. I thought it was economics; many birth workers of color simply cannot afford being a birth worker; it is a proven fact whites earn more than people of color and culture. It was pointed out to me many opportunities for continuing education activities are offered in the form of scholarships opening the door for black birth workers to attend. 

Why in the heck am I still the only one in the room?

Black women, black birth workers are simply not showing up. Even with scholarships and the one other black birth worker in the room, black birth workers remain a rare sighting in mainstream birth work continuing education. Avoidance is not solidarity, its isolation, invisibility and it perpetuates this behavior on a continuum. The ramification is brazenly apparent in the birth room and L&D departments.

Zora Neale Hurston said: “If you are silent about your pain, they'll kill you and say you enjoyed it.” Black birth worker, if you remain silent and absent as a birth worker from activities of birth work, don’t expect others to hold a space for you the black birth worker. It’s time for black birth workers to be present while holding these spaces themselves and for one another. Be willing to be the change agent. Be willing to ask that question of diversity in a homogenous environment and promote change. It is possible with a single query.

I know what you're thinking…

Can’t afford that training? Plan ahead, use your income tax refund to reinvest into your birth business, do a fundraiser amongst family, ask for it as a birthday or holiday gift. Or better yet, call the facilitator of the workshop and work out a discount or barter. Don’t enjoy speaking in public? write down your questions before hand. See that other black birth worker also attending the same event as you? Please go over and introduce yourself. Our ancestors showed solidarity; you don't have to sleep with this person, just show your solidarity and break the chain of personal silos. It is unfortunately assumed by other cultures that every black person in the world knows every other black person they encounter. It’s time to whip out that solidarity lip gloss, put some on and go and meet that other sister in the room as you, and for heaven sakes smile and rejoice in your greeting! I try my best to always greet and introduce myself to the women of color and culture at every event I attend.

Think you can’t learn something or glean knowledge being the only black in the room? Unless it’s a Klan meeting; you are bound to encounter something you didn't know. A lack of diversity doesn't always mean a lack of knowledge; the knowledge that’s present is not diversified and would fare better if it were. For example, just because Spinning Babies is taught by a white trainer doesn't mean you a woman of color and culture cannot attend this training and bring this valuable knowledge and skills back to your community, your peers of color and culture and put a diverse and cultural spin on it! I didn't earn a black college degree, I didn't earn a white college degree; I earned a college degree. Period.

It’s All In The Know How…

Sitting back and waiting for that velum embossed invitation with your name on it is not going to happen. You have to make it happen. In order to grow your business, you must invest in your business and your skill as a birth worker. What you were able to glean from your doula training is only a small sample of the knowledge that is out in the birth work world. Go get it. Make a plan every year of the one training you want as part of your skill set. Save for it, plan your births, childcare, husband care, and  dog care around it and be there. It’s irreverent if it’s all white or Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs show up. What’s important is you are there with your inherent diversity into the environment; you are bringing the knowledge and skills back to your community where you may host future training opportunity for the birth workers in your area. All because you made the effort and a presence. Be ready with your query that is diverse and relative. Greet the other sister in the room and watch the solidarity blossom. There are so many more birth workers of color and culture that are doing amazing work that I have to find and meet. I’m on the hunt and I will find you. Please, find me.

Millions Strong Spaning The World...

This is what our ancestors have done for centuries under oppression and segregation. The need for diversity and cultural awakening is now. Our ancestors sacrificed they were the bodies reproductive medical science of today is built upon. Having an article in a featured black magazine every four years or so is not enough awareness. Get out of those silos of societal expectation and marginalizing, remember America is built from the wombs of black women. Black women know birth, do birth and are birth. Black birth worker, where art thou? I’m looking for you. Do you see me? Let’s find each other and unify! 

Black unification makes the world take notice! Never forget our ancestors coming across oceans packed and stacked in slave ships; their sacrifice so great, their bodies thrown overboard changed the migration pattern of sharks who fed upon their bodies. Never forget that bridge of spirit that connects us. The next time a white person asks me if I know the other black person in the room, my response is going to be epic! I think they are really onto something… If we don't know one another before, we should and we do now! 

Beyonce, Dixie Chicks & Birth Work.

Beyonce, Dixie Chicks & Birth Work.

Denise Bolds, MSW CD(DONA) November 8, 2016

My favorite event/video of this year is the 2016 Country Music Awards 50th Anniversary; a unique performance by Beyonce and the Dixie Chicks preforming Beyonce’s song ‘Daddy Lessons.’ The song is very country, sung by a native Texan and accompanied by nationally recognized musicians who are white. Beyonce is proudly African American. The women gave an unforgettable performance that was also uber fun.

I watched this performance and I thought: ‘Wow! If only birth workers can do the same as these women have done.” After all, these four women are more alike than different: besides all being blonde, they are women, wives, sisters and mothers. These women are also daughters with daddies they sing about. All four women stood up and spoke out of the social and political dysfunction taking the backlash from society for being awake; they are pariahs, the Lilith. The she who will no conform, nor be stifled.

This unity was not welcomed by fans of country music, they incited so much negative backlash, the CMA was ‘forced’ to removed ALL mention of the above performance. Very similar to the Egyptians chipping off every mention of Queen Hatshepsut. Country music lovers and followers don’t understand early American history. The origin of country music begins with contribution and influence made by blacks.

As an African American and a certified birth doula, I witness first hand the frequent incidents involving race and culture discrimination to both patient and birth workers of color and culture. A baby is born every minute in this world, there’s more than enough work to go around and empowering women is not just at a birth. 

Imagine white and persons of color and culture in maternal health and birth work working together, harmonizing the same as Beyonce and the Dixie Chicks were able to do so succinctly and joyfully! This is not always the case in the arena of birth work with whites and those of color and culture; there are major disparities directed at both the patient and professional who are of color and culture. Lack of access, equality, representation, respect and transparency has resulted in the maternal health care/profession to be riddled with capitalism and racism guised in ethnocentrism.

Pushing aside all social and historical views, diversity of all races/cultures of womanhood, sisterhood and motherhood can and do work. Women’s Rights and Civil Rights were always wedded together. What is occurring now in America and the world; it is up to women, all women of all races, ethnicities and cultures to come together and sing the song of unity and empowerment in a lasting harmony that will impact future generations. Regardless of what society has ingrained and history has distorted, it is up to women to change birth from a diagnosis to a natural, supported sacred event to celebrate, not capitalize.

Rebozo Me, Myself & I

Denise Bolds, MSW CD(DONA) October 1, 2016

I attended the Spinning Babies 2016 Confluence, I was gifted a Rebozo. I have known of Rebozo use in Latina women/culture for years. In birth work, it is especially present in it’s multifaceted use. In case you don't know, A rebozo is a long flat garment used mostly by women in Mexico. It can be worn in various ways, usually folded or wrapped around the head and/or upper body to shade from the sun, provide warmth and as an accessory to an outfit. It is also used to carry babies and large bundles, especially among indigenous women.

My rebozo gift is short, like I am. The woman who gave it to me, an experienced Mexican midwife Angelina, in her limited English told me “This one is short, it is for you.” I accepted the rebozo with both awe and gratitude. My rebozo, a plain cream color with a little orange and black stitching at the bottom is very unassuming.

Later, I took my rebozo into a rebozo class that Angelina taught. When it was time to practice rebozo techniques, my little rebozo fell short doing all the different techniques. A fellow doula laughed at my attempts, she stated: “It’s not gonna make it Denise.” I settled on observing. I looked longingly at the other rebozos, my instinct directed me to be content with what was given. I am.

My little rebozo made it back to New York, onto my shelf; suddenly I encountered it on my altar where I do my daily meditations and prayers. Things have been challenging for me; attending the Spinning Babies Confluence 2016 allowed me some space, with something extra as I draped my little rebozo around my shoulders, I began to pray. My rebozo soaked up my tears. As I clutched the sturdy fabric, the drape of my rebozo became a hug around me. It felt like same hug Gail Tully hugged me before I left Minnesota, she commanded me to “Hold on.” It’s the same hug I feel every night in my dreams; my ancestors hug me. It’s the same hug I get from Denise the little girl whenever I am troubled. It’s the same hug I get from my three babies I miscarried. I gripped my little rebozo fiercely as I released tears of spiritual growth. I don't know how long I sat at my altar with my rebozo. Time fell away.

The next day, there was my little rebozo, pristine and folded up on my prayer stool in front of my altar waiting for me. It look brand new, not ravaged after the night before of intense prayer and release. Every time I meditate, my little rebozo is with me. Over time when I need a hug or find my core, I tie my little rebozo tightly around my middle and wear it around the house. 

I don't know if Angelina knew how powerful the gift she gave me is, I do know I was meant to be at that specific place and time to receive it. My little rebozo is not for my birth clients, it is for me. I accept the self love this amazing gift represents gratefully.  There’s so much ability in this little cloth. My rebozo resembles me: short, powerful, resilient and grateful.

The Birth & Death Me

Denise Bolds MSW, CD(DONA)

October 11, 2016

I did something today that I didn't want to do. I put it off for long as I could. Because who I am I had to do it I had to go; my attendance matters. I got my ticket and I caught the matinee.  There was only four of us in the theater, we are all black. I was the only female. 

As the movie previews rolled by, I found myself becoming more and more tense. By the time the feature film rolls up - I am tighter than a drum. There’s no popcorn, no silly texts announcing to my friends what I am doing. This is not entertainment. This is not a fad. There will be no commercialized products in the stores for the holiday gifting frenzy.  I went to see “Birth of a Nation” today and I am a black woman in America.

“Birth of a Nation” is everything it is supposed to be; the spark of awareness. The visual abomination of humanity on replay. There’s no blackface white actor in a colorless and soundless film. This is real. This is my life. My ancestors. My dreams almost every night.

There’s no reference of my motherland, Africa. My heritage as many would like to believe began as a slave. I know better; so do my ancestors, so do many of you who are awake.

I see the beautiful black skin people whose eyes are high, bright and searching for the end to the nightmare that never ends. I watched as the cotton bloodied many hands. I now understand why my diabetic 75 year-old mother had such difficulty testing herself everyday with a finger prick; she picked thousands of pounds of cotton growing up in the South. Her daily finger sticks to keep her alive were a constant reminder of what she endured as a child of the South.

I held myself a little tighter in my seat as the film rolled on…

I watched the resiliency of my ancestors as they sang, and replicated art from their homeland. I watched as the epigenetic trauma was born; witnessing brutal acts of oppression, murder and rape that would mark my people for infinite future generations to come. Including myself.

Can I witness another slave film from Hollywood? 

I get the message of what has occurred and continues to occur to blacks in this country. I only have to close my eyes every night and dream. The brutality my ancestors endured I bear witness to; my ancestors are speaking to me there. They are always watching.

The visual abomination is replay. What is the pattern in Hollywood? Every two years or so, here comes another slave/race/black oppression film: “The Butler,” “12 Years A Slave,” “42,” and now “Birth of a Nation?”

I cannot be tired, I cannot complain. After all my ancestors endured slavery for over 400 years. I’m only 52. I’ve got 348 years of replay to go… So, I sat in my seat and did what my ancestors could not do. I looked at this film dead in the eye. I would not allow my eyes to downcast no matter what. Even though I am slowly dying as I bear witness.

Nate Parker’s story of Nat Turner told me what I already know. I wasn't always awake. I didn't wake up until I was in my late 20’s. I’ve been in a chronic state of inflammation ever since I woke up. Parker’s rendition is very good. However, he missed something very vital. He kindly and ignorantly removed the sex scenes from the film. Not one rape scene was shown. It was heavily implied in the film. That is a fallacy; sex and the black man, woman and child in America has always been draped in filth, force and fornication. The slave was naked while the whites were covered in silk, muslin and their entitlement.

My hands are shaking and I find myself holding my breath… But I’m alright. This is what I feel everyday…

There’s a hue and cry over how Trump stood behind Hillary Clinton during the last debate “In a menacing manor.” Try being a Black person. What Hillary endured for a few hours at most, is what  my ancestors and I experience everyday at any given time. No place is safe from the disease of racism in America, not even a church.

The movie ends. The four of us are somber, slowing moving towards the exit. A King of a man, a Jamaican named Andre begins speaking to me. He observes how there are no whites in the audience. He begins describing himself as not being able to continue to see films like this. Andre boldly confesses what I already know: Our black allegiance is slowly killing us blacks in a world of white denial, ignorance and unaccountability.

I agreed with this beautiful black man, my king. My kindred…

I do what so many of my ancestors and black woman today do when speaking with the black man; Outwardly I agree with him. Inwardly, I begin to plan.

The Spin Continues With Gail Tully

Denise Bolds MSW CD(DONA) October 4, 2016

My blog I wrote several days ago of my observations with Spinning Babies Confluence 2016 “Spinning While Black” resulted in agitation as well as tons of dialogue: exactly why Gail Tully invited me to the confluence and requested me to blog. She wanted the Bold and I gave her what she requested. Gail has tirelessly included many birth workers of color in her practice over the years and encountering the same outcome; Gail took a different ‘spin’ on this issue. Many readers immediately began defending Gail and Spinning Babies without fully reading and listening to what was being blogged. Yes, Gail Tully is an amazing person whom I am in awe of and proud to call a true friend. What I observed at Confluence 2016 has nothing to do with Gail Tully’s personal character; but with the paradigm of birth in the USA; a fact that many just don’t get.  I will blog more about this very soon.

I spoke with Gail post-blog; we had an awesome discussion and we both agreed there’s still so much work to be done, we will be on the front lines together. I suggest you read this slowly, more than once. Remember, a candle can burn at both ends…

It is my pleasure to post Gail Tully’s response to “Spinning While Black.” Gail sent her response to me via email, I have her consent to share it here:

2 October, 2016

Dear Denise,

I so enjoyed your presence at our conference. You contributed to the richness of the overall experience. May I say here how grateful I am that you hopped on a plane to come? 

I called and invited you to blog for the Spinning Babies 2016 World Confluence and I asked you to share your perspective and not to be held to a promotional approach. Birth organizations arising out of the white culture often have little representation of other cultures. Spinning Babies can also do better. 

I want to honor the birth and body workers of Color who have crossed cultural lines to attend Spinning Babies Workshops. I wasn’t just giving them something but each individual brought value themselves.

Fortunately, I can say that many African American Birth and Body Workers have shared enthusiasm, attended and used Spinning Babies to enhance their own creative birth solutions. I confidently stand by my efforts to invite and respect the African American birthing community. 

Let’s review my actions. I have enough sense to know questions about African American involvement in white culture cannot be answered by a white person. 

Our Speakers, Ms. Claudia Booker and Ms. Akhmiri Sekhr-Ra, and two invited speakers, Shafia Monroe and Nikki Plaskett, whose lives took other courses and they were unable to attend but whose initial affirmation offered much hope and direction in creating a safe place for Birth Workers of Color at the conference. I am humbled and honored. I worked closely with Ms. Claudia Booker, Master of Education, and Grand Challenge organizer, to offer an open and meaningful scholarship.  

I called and invited Birth Workers of Color locally and nationally.  

Seven African American leaders in the birth world hosted Spinning Babies Workshops. I spoke with them about becoming a Spinning Babies Approved Trainer. Five were possible candidates for the 2015 pilot group and two, as midwives with interest, had a very real potential, but found the expense and time away from successful birth businesses to be obstacles. 

Perhaps a note of interest to your readers is that Rebecca Polston, owner of Roots Community Birth Center, whom you mention in your post, Denise, consulted with us about the conference scholarship process. To share a bit of personal and community history, Rebecca attended prenatal appointments in my home for approximately a year with her preceptor, worked with me on The Resolving Shoulder Dystocia video, and refers parents to me when there are persisting questions of breech fetal positioning. She let me know she wasn’t coming to the conference but was able to stop in at the party. She greeted me warmly the next weekend at the Birth and Baby Expo in our Twin Cities.

Claudia Booker is my dear friend. In the US public health crisis of neonatal mortality and prematurity brought on by the stress of racism, she is my wise advisor. I am grateful for her involvement in this conference and in the next. She gave two dynamic talks and shaped the scholarship acceptance process and questionnaire. Our trust in one another is immense.  

What will Spinning Babies do to address inequities now? An equity statement is in process.

CNM, LaVonne Moore, active in both the Minnesota Cultural Birthworkers and Cultural Wellness Center, has invited me to come be with this amazing group for a local Spinning Babies Workshop. 

Plans for formalizing scholarship spots throughout the organization are in place. I have offered spots in my workshops since 1997.

Two things I would ask to mention here, Denise, is first I am grateful that participants from Mexico, Central America, and South America as well as Americans of Hispanic and Latina heritage, which were self-identifications offered in conversation. Some came expressly to be with Angelina Martinez Miranda. And second, a gift of great magnitude was the presence of five Native attendees and Akhmiri Skehr-Ra’s teaching partner, Millicent Simenson. 

Native babies die at rates multiplying those of any other race in the US and Canada. Pat Welch, founder of The Turtle Women said Native Peoples suffer an invisible genocide. That year, of every 1000 babies born, Minnesota whites lost 4, African Americans 9, and Native families lost 29 babies, out of every 1000. Please know in our descriptions of racial inequities, we will not brush off the 9 by remembering the 29.

My gratitude to you, Denise Bolds begins with your Bold stance. I’m also grateful for the presence and care of Tomesha Walker (not a relative of Denise’s, nor of Jennifer Walker’s), a self-acclaimed supporter like so many of your readers.  Claudia, Akhmiri, Tomesha and yourself are empowering African American birthing women with Spinning Babies. That you would have Spinning Babies in mind while giving your lives to overcoming disparities and inequities of maternity care in this country is humbling and empowering to me personally. 

Let us engage in a process to find how Birth and Body Workers of Color can extract value from Spinning Babies in ways that sustain integrity for their personal and cultural lives. 

With Much Hope For Continued Dialogue, 

Gail Tully

Spinning While Black

Denise Bolds, MSW CD(DONA) September 29, 2016

I am birth worker, I am African American. I attended the Spinning Babies Confluence 2016 in Minnesota, where I witnessed first hand the lack of diversity in this event; there were more Latinas present than African Americans: 250 event attendees with less than 5 being African American. Founder of Spinning Babies Gail Tully, CPM asked me to blog what I observed and experienced. She requested that I be Bold…

Oh Say Can You See…

Observing the Spinning Babies Trainers on stage with founder Gail Tully, there’s a familiar sight: the blaring absence of African American trainers. It’s a common occurrence in the birth work paradigm: African American women are not at the table; we are designated spectators, the cheering squad and entertainers, rarely are we players.

Spinning Babies 2016 is noted as a Confluence. The word confluence is identified as a flowing together. In a literal sense, it's about rivers. But it's more often used to talk about the coming together of factors or ideas, or of cultures in a diverse city. Well, two out of three isn't bad. Minnesota is diverse and has culture in a strata that is separated.

Spinning Babies has been in existencefor over a decade, founder Gail Tully has travels the world teaching; in all her travels, hasn't Tully encountered any exceptional African American birth workers to train? This urgency (the lack of African American trainers) is so acute, Tully will have to make an exception and facilitate a training that doesn't fit into her traditional schedule. How much of a crisis is it? African Americans make up the highest negative statistics in infant mortality than any other ethnicity in the USA. Black babies can spin too and not just as a prop doll in a training. We have a First Lady of the United States: Michelle Obama who is African American, there has to be another exceptional black woman out here…

Show Me The Money!…. Got to Be There!

African Americans statistically make less than whites in earned income, it’s an evidenced based fact. Many blacks are challenged in becoming midwives and securing enhanced training such as Spinning Babies due economics… It is imperative for African Americans to understand the importance of the investment in enhanced training and investing in your practice. Make a pledge to attend one specific training in a year and get sponsors to get you there. Spinning Babies 2016 Confluence did in fact offer scholarships to African American attendees, not one showed up. I know what I said above, but its up to African Americans to make the jump into the homogenous waters of birth work. Your presence black birth worker does more than what is assumed.

It Makes Me Wonder…

Spinning Babies Confluence 2016 held in September which happens to be Infant Mortality Awareness Month, speaking with Gail and several of her trainers, they expressed wonderment as to why there weren't any more African American birth workers attending the 2016 Confluence. There are no Spinning Babies Trainers who are African American no presenters presenting upon data, community and visuals resembling African Americans; it’s not a simple endeavor to invest money and time in an event where African Americans are not represented in. How is it possible that Spinning Babies can have resources in the Philippines, Netherlands, Canada and now Brazil with no African American trainers in the United States of America in over 14 years of it’s existence?

Once again I was one of a few in a room of predominately white attendees. I know black women give birth; after all the USA was built off of the uteruses of black slaves. While Gail Tully and many at the SBC 2016 were extremely welcoming and open; many attendees weren’t: evident in their refusal to communicate, avoiding eye contact and closed body cues. Yes, there’s still more work to be done.

No, We Are Not Directly Related…

Tomesha Walker, another African American also attended the 2016 Confluence.  We were constantly mixed up in identities; we look nothing alike: from our hair, skin tone, and voice; there’s almost a 20 year age gap between the two of us. We were immediately assumed be related; it became so frequent, the Latinas began making Tomesha and I relatives. It was funny the first few times, by the 20th time, it was ridiculous. I had a Spinning Baby trainer ask me if I felt ‘uncomfortable’ being in Minnesota. My response: my ancestors touched every part of this country from it’s inception, I belong everywhere. Here’s how absent the African American pregnancy/birth was at Spinning Babies Confluence 2016:

• Dr. Anke Reitter presented on her study of pelvic measurements from      Germany with no African representation in her work despite the myth that the African pelvis is “built for breeding.”
• Birth workers from Australia are not Aboriginal is descent or origin.
• Jeanne Ohm, DC presented an empowering presentation that included birth justice; how couples must dismiss birth professionals from the birth room when they become too overbearing. African American patients cannot do what she suggested without some form of retaliation that involves CPS and security.
• Phyllis Klaus LCSW brought the mental health component to SBC 2016 without  diversity in mental health and pregnancy/birth.
• Dr. Dennis Hartung is a noted Obstetrician expert on breech births. I wonder if he has presented nationally so that his knowledge may reach OB’s of color? It wasn't evident if he supported any African American breech births and their outcomes.

So Now What?

Spinning While Black has to come from the top down (I LOVE saying that!) Gail Tully has to secure presenters who offer diverse research, have diverse presentation in mental health and obstetrics and have presentations on race that all attendees must hear and not be an elective, no one gets to sit out on the message of race and birth. There must be contribution from local African American birth workers, including the only birthing center (Roots) owned and operated by Rebecca Polston, an African American midwife who was blatantly absent from the 2016 Confluence; however Tully strongly suggested the African Americans who were at Spinning Babies Confluence 2016 visit Roots Birthing Center and Polston on their own. We did and it was awesome! So many at the Confluence needed to witness Polston’s success.

It’s not enough to perpetuate the rhetoric of the lack of African American participation when there isn't adequate African American leadership and cultural participation. It’s not enough for African Americans to invest in trainings that do not represent them in diversity or leadership. There are communities of color that need African American trainers in Spinning Babies; this is where infant mortality can possibly decrease. There are a myriad of evidence based studies of the impact of African American maternal and infant mortality in the USA. Access is part of the solution. To wonder why blacks do not attend when there’s absent /poor representation of them; is part of the problem, not a solution. I remain grateful to Gail Tully; her kindness allowed me to be a spectator; my skills and ethnicity command that I am a player. It’s time for Tully and her current trainers to Spin into the conversation of birth and race. Black babies, black women and black birth workers spin too. Listen to this video clip link with an open mind on just how vital diversity is for women: https://www.facebook.com/NappyFu/videos/1165722990160534/

Gail Tully & Spinning Babies

Denise Bolds, MSW CD(DONA) September 27, 2016

Gail Tully invited me to the Spinning Babies Confluence 2016 after coming across my work and being attracted to my business name of Bold Doula. I agreed to fly out to Minnesota; I ended up having the time of my life. The Spinning Babies Confluence 2016 was wonderfully filled with information and support.

Gail Tully is the type of person that you have to say her entire name, not just her first name. It just comes out like a mantra. She's a midwife who grew up insanely curious about life “If it’s not that then what? Why am I here?” If you want to know who Gail Tully is, just remember your favorite friend when you were little; you had that tea party and you play dress-up. Remember how your friend took your hand and you both would just walk off together like nothing else mattered because it didn’t; that's Gail Tully. I've never met a more open hearted person in my life. I think she’s Glenda the Good Witch’s mama. She's quick to goof and laugh and when she speaks to you, it’s like you're the only person in the world at that moment, then she’s off to another; the quintessential hummingbird. She had me laughing from the airport when arrived and then she let me vent as a doula complete with ugly cry before I went home. 

Gail is passionate about how babies are born: keeping the natural aspect of that baby as the forefront of what we do including breech births. Spinning Babies stepped up the game of anatomy positioning and birth. It takes away the myth that the person and fetus knows exactly what to do when it's time to give birth AND that the body is ready to give birth.

Well, it isn’t.  Many pregnancies today are riddled with misalignment, stress, misinformation and of course lack of education on both sides of professionals and prospective parents. Gail Tully pulls it all together and spins baby aligning the fetus and relaxing the mother’s pelvis empowering birth. How did we lose so much knowledge about the pelvis and birth? As Gail puts it, birth is just not about cervical dilation it's also about station. 

Spinning babies is also about movement. In many instances, birth is confined to a hospital bed with the pregnant person supine and latched onto monitors and IVs. Once the last ultrasound has been done for fetal size, there's very little support in getting that fetus aligned for birth. Spinning Babies is a must-have knowledge for all who work in birth - it works. 

Gail also teaches belly mapping and painting as a form of social welcome of the baby. It's not all clinical and evidence base, Gail does her best to make birth fun. She also does her best defined the most comprehensive team to present a conference that is birth empowering and necessary. She's a CPM who is also an educator, mentor and trailblaizer.

Consider attending the next spinning babies conference to enhance your birth work practice. I guarantee you will not be disappointed and you will take home immense knowledge. She's the most humble and unassuming person you will find in birth work. Gail Tully and Spinning Babies is a movement we can all dance to.

 Spinning With Penny

Denise Bolds, MSW CD(DONA) September 27, 2016

I am a DONA Certified Birth Doula. For years I've come across the prolific works of Penny Simkin and I decided I wanted to meet her. I was completely starstruck meeting Penny at the Spinning Babies 2016 Confluence where she presented. I made a point to stay with Penny for an entire day just to hear her speak and be in her company. I was very fortunate to meet Penny one-on-one the night before; I was introduced to her by Lorenza Holtz. At first Penny was polite, shaking my hand and greeting me, allowing me to gush like the fan. Once I got over that moment I proceeded to tell her my hopes and dreams as an African American doula certified by DONA. Penny and I retreated into a corner with glasses in hand and spoke for long time making eye contact and sharing smiles and even a pat or two on my back. Penny became my doula.

I was able to tell Penny my hopes and dreams for birth workers of color in the institution of DONA International; I told Penny of my passion in promoting the awareness of black maternal health disparities and birth injustice. I told her about the need for diversity and for comprehensive awareness in the community from the churches to the politicians as I believe the work that we all do impacts future generations. Penny agreed with me wholeheartedly standing quietly with me as the tsunami of all my hopes and dreams for birth came forward. She gave me sage advice and kept it real. She did acknowledge the fact that there is a lack of diversity, and change is slowly coming forward. We exchanged contact information and I was invited to come to the Simkin Institute.

The next day I listen to Penny facilitate over four workshops consecutively. I spent the entire day just listening to her speak. Penny is quick to make fun of herself, she's very observant of what goes on in the birth room and if you listen closely you will find out she started in this field quite by accident. Penny is a physical therapist by trade but looking for extra work with four small children, she was asked to teach childbirth education classes. Penny had no idea what she was about to embark upon: over 30 years of books, YouTube videos, workshops, presentations, and of course being one of the founders of DONA International. All of this from a woman working as a physical therapist, a wife with four small children. In Penny’s generation, women didn't work. Penny didn't just work. She was on her grind, in the zone and becoming a brand before we knew what a brand was.

With blue eyes that twinkle and a sharp mind, Penny is all about evidence and data. She loves to read, she's a sponge for knowledge and wisdom anywhere she comes upon it. Penny has traveled across the globe talking about birth and witnessing it's clinical evolution; she’s quick to include the human aspect of birth in her work. Her presentations are easy to digest and for a seasoned birth worker, it’s common knowledge; it’s awesome to hear Penny say it what you are already doing and seeing. It’s like a birth high five.

Before Penny flew back home, I was able to thank her for listening to my dreams and allowing me to be a fan. She gave me high compliments and several nice hugs. We goofed and took some really fun selfies because believe it or not, Penny has an awesome sense of humor. She's a penny for your thoughts when it comes to birth and your place in it, she's that shiny penny you find at a birth giving you faith to keep going forward. She's that lucky penny to carry into a birth with you always because you will never forget her. 

Spinning Like a Booker!

Denise Bolds MSW CD(DONA) September 27, 2016

Claudia Booker was one of the presenters at the Spinning Babies 2016 Confluence, this is my first time meeting her; we've known each other online through social media for quite sometime. Claudia is a birth worker whom is actively radical on birth justice and diversity. What I didn't know is that Claudia hold multiple degrees: she holds a Juris Doctorate and is a retired court judge, she also holds a Master’s Degree in Education and in Public Organizing as well as being a Certified Midwife. It is safe to say Claudia has compacted multiple lives with multiple careers in one lifetime; she has no indication in slowing down as indicated by her multi- tagged luggage. At her presentation, Claudia wore a shirt with “Stay Woke” emblazoned across her breasts. 

Claudia began her presentation by passing out the lyrics to the Black National Anthem: “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” written by James Weldon Johnson and his brother John Rosamond Johnson. This is profound, especially with all that is occurring in the media with the “Star-Spangled Banner,” I find “Lift Every Voice” to be inclusive of those who came to America with hopes and dreams. Claudia came out of the gate running with her presentation; lifting every voice and singing was just the beginning…

Claudia spoke about what many take for granted on a daily basis; it is an obvious fact that in the United States birth work is predominantly white in representation. Claudia spoke about the client in the community where the birth worker lives or worships, there is a gap in cultural diligence when the client is suggested certain supports that they have never heard of nor are present in their community. Claudia also spoke about the condition of the American woman today as opposed to the time of our ancestors; today's a pregnant person is compounded by her environment: her community, her diet, her relationships, her sustainability and more. This is further exacerbated by race ad culture. Evidently, the many avenues of Claudia Booker’s  life experiences are all entwined into her awareness with her presentation at Spinning Babies Confluence 2016. Claudia talked about meeting the client where they are: this is the foundation of social work and the foundation of Birth work; it all returns to access. This theme was present in multiple presentations and would be helpful to incorporate a universal phrase in all birth work trainings. Not only did Claudia refer to access for the pregnant person; she also poignantly referred to access for birth workers.

The birth work community in the U.S.A. is predominantly white, with many birth workers who will not refer clients in need of multiple services to other birth work support professionals. Instead, there is a paradigm that the birth worker feels and acts upon; she is the comprehensive support for that pregnant person and family. If a pregnant person makes a special request for cultural diversity or is in need of enhanced support, there is a very less likelihood that she will be referred out for additional services to a birth worker that represents ethnicity and culture. Most likely, the person is directed to accept what's in front of her (non-diverse, non-cultural) and be grateful.

Until we can address the deficit of cultural diversity in America, until there is accessibility and equality in the regard of both birth worker and pregnant person, Claudia Booker and many birth workers whom are sharing the same message will have to continue to Lift Every Voice and Sing. Here is the link to the song if you would like to listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ya7Bn7kPkLo

Spinning Babies

Spinning Babies

Denise Bolds MSW, CD(DONA) September 21, 2016

One of the first things I heard about as a doula is Spinning Babies. I really didn't get it at first, until I started supporting births. What I've witnessed as a doula supporting births are women facing challenges in their labor that is the result of fetal alignment in birth. How simple is that? It's very simple and it's a part of our daily lives; why isn't Spinning Babies part of mainstream support when it comes to child birth?

We have chiropractors who help us keep our spine an alignment, we get the wheels on our cars properly aligned so it will drive better, the earth is rotating on a planetary alignment; alignment of the fetus in birth is just as important. We know what it feels like  not to be in proper alignment with our bodies and our environment; the same applies to a baby being in alignment for birth. Fetal alignment reduces back labor, the need for interventions during labor, the need for C-section, babies flip to the head down position moving away from breech/transverse births; better birth outcomes occur with Spinning Babies!

Historically, medicine science relies on anatomy.  Anatomy was first learned on cadavers illustrated by scientists who were also artists. These illustrations were primarily done in the supine or prone position; today women who are in labor are commonly commanded to lie on their backs and birth. This is a very unnatural position when considering the anatomy of the spine and the curvatures of the pelvis.

Spinning babies is more than an education, it is a movement (pun intended). Founded and facilitated by certified midwife Gail Tully with over 30 years of experience, Gail not only knows about birth; she also knows pelvic anatomy and the importance of fetal alignment in birth. Gail travels all over the world sharing this empowering knowledge and techniques of alignment for birth. Using simple positions and stretches, the woman in labor can align her baby for birth, working with her body, her baby and gravity.

Spinning Babies; necessary education beneficial for obstetricians, midwives, nurses, doulas and the pregnant woman. The knowledge of spinning babies reduces labor time, decreases costs, interventions and stress in birth. Knowing the anatomy of birth is just as powerful as supporting the birth. Are you in the Spin? September 21, 2016 begins the Spinning Babies International Confluence in Minneapolis until September 25, 2016. Speakers from all over the world are together sharing knowledge on the importance of anatomy, alignment and birth.

The link to Spinning Babies 2016 Confluence: http://spinningbabiesconference.com Cant be there in person? attend virtually and earn CE’s from your living room: http://spinningbabiesconference.com/register-for-online-conference/  As a birth doula, Spinning Babies is necessary knowledge for me in supporting my clients births. Get in the Spin! Host a Spinning Babies training in your community! Sign up for the newsletter and be in the Spin! 

http://spinningbabies.com