1

Be The ONE. In The ONE.

By Denise Bolds, MSW CD(DONA)

January 19, 2017

Numerology, a powerful tool used in understanding our true self; the relationship we currently exist within. Numerology fascinates me; an African American, my mother tongue was stripped away from my ancestors and consequently myself. Numerology is a language all of its own.

2017 broken down: 2 + 0 + 1 + 7 =  10         1 + 0 = 1

2017 is the year of the ONE. This is the year to Be The ONE.  I am born a 1: my birth time is 10:46 AM equals 1.  My birthdate, August 18, 1964 adds up: 8+1+8+1+9+6+4 is 1.  I am an only child who gave birth to an only child. My destiny is to be The ONE. What does that mean exactly?

From a spiritual perspective, one is the number of creation, the primal force from which all other numbers spring forth (as opposed to the often quoted zero from which, by definition, nothing could possibly come into being).

The 1 is a doer, a powerful force that produces results and does not allow anything or anyone to limit its potential. The 1 is aggressive, a necessary energy for creating and producing. The 1 is always in the forefront: a spearpoint directing and leading others. The shape of the number 1, just like the shape of all other symbols, reflects its meaning; it walks upright with pride and purpose. Strong, determined, unwavering and with specific goals in mind, the 1 can turn dreams and ideas into reality. It pushes obstacles aside or simply drills right through them.

The 1 tends to have a simple, straightforward view of life and its many complexities. It trusts its own ability to separate right from wrong. It doesn't waste time on abstract ideas or anything else that isn't in line with its pursuit of results. The 1 is no preacher, no philosopher, no spiritual explorer, no dreamer and certainly not an idealist. It is a pragmatist, a ruthless conqueror and a warrior extraordinaire. It is individualistic and independent to a fault.

The 1 does not hesitate when it senses a need for confrontation. It is jealous and extremely stubborn, but also courageous and willing to try anything new if it sees promise, even at great danger. It is, if you haven't guessed, the most masculine of all numbers. There is a certain quality, a sense of honor and responsibility that demands our respect, and it has a sense of justice that cannot be denied. The number 1 cannot witness injustice without jumping in and setting things straight.

Its purity of purpose is an admirable quality of the number 1. It sees things for what they are and hypocrisy doesn't stand a chance. Befriend a 1 and you have a friend for life. You can poke fun at a 1 and not have to worry about hurt feelings. A 1 has a great capacity for humor, including the self-deprecating kind. 

(http://www.numerology.com/numerology-numbers/1)

Spinning Babies Conference 2016, Gail Tully shared some wisdom with a room full of birth workers. In the year of 9 which was 2016, Gail prepared us with her wisdom for the one…

In 2017 women and birth work embrace a new path, take the lead in pregnancy, birth and breastfeeding; the holistic maternity is at a precipice of regeneration. The One is awake and aware. The One moves away from what no longer works, is not capitalistic nor remain hidden in untruths and doubt. Our God is The One (I AM) we are made in the image of God, we are spirits having a human experience; the One begins with you.

Dr. Cornel West at Marist College October 2015: “My phone is smart… I want to be wise!”

Gail Tully introduced questions promoting The One, the leader, the game changer, the successful doer:

• What positive behavior will I start to do this week?
• Who are the three people who can help me?
• Who will help me celebrate?
• Who is the most curious for birth work?
• What behavior of my own do I decide to stop doing now?
• What behavior can I do to continue to improve the community of birth?
• What behavior of my own do I want to continue in birth work?
• What behavior of my own do I want to let go of that no longer supports me in my birth work practice?

By now I am hearing India Arie’s song “The One” and Yes “Going For The One” blasting in my head…

We are all not born into the number one. We all can make that jump to know, understand, relate, communicate and support that one - ourselves.  We bear witness to the statistics, evidence base and blogs on birth work. There is work to be done by all of us. 

The next four years will test, push, pull, grab, shift, ignite, and grow birth work as the world will change by January 20, 2017 as we know it. The agitation has begun; take it as a sign of renewal. Be ready to educate, advocate, donate, break through the gates of separation. Be the 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9… in the Year of The One. Be the One to put birth where it belongs; with women and humanity. The date of this blog is very powerful: January 19, 2017 (month, date and year are all ONE). There are no accidents, everything happens for a reason. Everything is preordained; know thyself! Be ONE in the Year of The ONE!

Doula Bag

Denise Bolds MSW, CD(DONA)

January 9, 2017

It’s a new year; 12 months of births, breasts, trainings, blogs and communications on social media. I’ve been in the doula world for over 2 years now; I possess a master’s degree in social work; I am still learning about my practice and myself as a doula. Many new doulas and seasoned doulas come to me and ask for advice and guidance. These wonderful women often feel the weight of the ‘should’ and ‘could’ resulting in some of the most, harsh and combative scenarios I have ever witnessed from my own gender. One ongoing query of angst among doulas: the doula bag. There are numerous articles on: “The must haves for the doula bag.”

Many doulas have a bag of special support tools they use with their skills in comfort techniques for a woman in labor. Everything from rebozos to squeeze balls. All too frequently, I am asked: ‘What do you have in your doula bag Denise?’

In response, my doula bag are two bags: a tote with my comfort items and a larger bag with a yoga mat, bolsters, birth ball and a peanut or two. My comfort items range from sleep mask to honey sticks to a change of socks and underwear for myself. I also carry a bluetooth speaker and an electric diffuser so mom can use her scented oils. Sometimes I feel as though I am Mary Poppins. 

December, 2016 winter solstice night, I was called to support a birth of a first time mom. Upon my arrival at her home, I witnessed mom’s labor going very well, and quickly. On her second trip to the bathroom, I accompanied her; she was in her labor zone, I didn't want to leave her unattended. As she pulled down her pants, meconium went everywhere! Mom was now grunting in her contractions, she was getting ready to push. I immediately informed the husband we had to leave for the hospital immediately, I cleaned up my laboring client quickly and explained what we must do; we got to the hospital in the darkest of night.

There was no time, we parked in the emergency room parking lot. I jumped out of my car running to support my client inside to a wheelchair. In my haste, I left my two doula bags behind. Upstairs, my client was evaluated, her baby had flipped and was now breech. Her contractions were so intense, the nursing staff could not get a vein to start an IV. My client’s birthing room was a flurry of clinical staff, obstetrician, anesthesiologist, midwife, the husband and myself. While everyone was as calm and professional as possible, an aura of urgency was dominating. My client had begun to take in some of this energy, I knew in order for her to do well with her birth, she had to focus.

I turned my laboring client focus solely upon me, my eyes and my voice while her husband answered the questions needed for admitting. I talked my client down from the high perch of instability she was heading towards. With my voice, my presence, my focus, my confidence I was able to calm her. I did Reki on her by placing my hands over her heart focusing my thoughts on the most calm, beautiful sunny day on the beach… as a result of her releasing her tension, the nurse was able to start an IV with a Hep-Loc.  I kept my client calm with her focus upon me while the clinical staff worked on her birth.

Her baby boy was born; it was an amazing birth. All of this occurred less than two hours, without my two doula bags. You are wondering what is my point?

Many doulas are so focused upon the props in the profession, all the attachments to grow their business. Most times all a doula really needs is herself. To possess a belief in herself she can empower, she can be of service and support to another without infringing upon clinical boundaries, without devaluing her work and without her doula bag.

There are times when I do have my two doula bags and I still am in need of something. Laboring at home with another client, I had her use the bathtub for hydrotherapy. The tub stopper wasn't working well, I had nothing in my bag for this.  I went to her kitchen and found a rubber jar opener to use in the tub to stop the water leaking out. I had to use my wits and improvise.  At that moment, it was about the client, not me. The doula bag is more for the doula than it is for the client.

Doulas, here’s the take-away: you do not always need a bag of items and props to support a client. Of course its nice and fun to have. At the end of the day, all a laboring woman need is you; your confidence, your compassion, your respect, your intuition, your truth that you are here for her. Don’t become so caught up in the ‘should’ in the doula world that you forget why you are a doula; because your heart calls you, because you come from an ancestry of empowerment, because you believe in what you are providing. 

I am a certified doula, I’m proud of what I do. I remain humble to witness a miracle called birth as part of my job. Each birth brings me to trust more deeply in myself, my confidence and my truth; there’s no outside bag that can hold this - only me, myself and I hold and carry these attributes. 

I still have my bags I support women with in my doula practice. There will be another time when I will not have my two bags with me; I will support my client just as well as if they were with me because of what I carry within. What’s in your doula bag? Who is it for?

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