---
title: "Doulas & Midwives Can Help Latina Moms Reclaim Ancestral Birthing Practices"
date: 2024-11-08T08:40:00-05:00
author: Jonese Austin
canonical_url: "https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/doulas-midwives-can-help-latina-moms-reclaim-ancestral-birthing-practices"
section: Resources
---
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[Health & Sexuality Info](/health-info)# Doulas & Midwives Can Help Latina Moms Reclaim Ancestral Birthing Practices

This article by Shayne Rodriguez Thompson in "HipLatina" discusses the benefits for Latine people of having a doula and/or midwife. It features Selena Maldonado, a Puerto Rican doula, and Lydia Harris, a Black and Mexican American doula.

Black and Latina women have even higher maternal mortality rates than the high rates other women in the U.S. experience. Social and economic barriers as well as racism and xenophobia in the medical system all contribute to these disparities. Additionally, a history of medical trauma and forced sterilization of Black and Latina women has led those communities to distrust the healthcare system.

Having a doula and/or midwife can aid women in navigating the medical system. Historically, midwives have played an important role in assisting women not only with births but also with abortions. Midwives and doulas commit more time and attention to the birthing parent. They provide support from birth through postpartum.

Latine midwives and doulas can also aid the birthing parent in maintaining cultural practices and traditions around birth. There are many benefits to using midwives and doulas. Selena and Lydia want people to know that they have choices when it comes to giving birth.

> Even in the best of circumstances pregnancy and childbirth can seem like daunting milestones for many women. For Latinas and women of color, it’s oftentimes even more complicated. Some believe that by reclaiming some of our ancestral birth practices — often in decidedly modern ways — Latinas and women of color in general, may be able to vastly alter the average childbirth experience, making it once again, something that feels more organic and empowering.

[Read the full article ](https://hiplatina.com/doulas-midwives-latina-births/)

SOURCE: HipLatina • AUTHOR: Shayne Rodriguez Thompson • LAST UPDATED: June 3, 2022

![A Latina woman doula in a sweater and jeans lifts a pregnant woman's belly with a yellow rebozo, a Mexican garment. The pregnant woman is lying on a blue exercise ball and is wearing a white shirt and jeans.](data:image/png;base64,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) [AntonioDiaz](https://stock.adobe.com/contributor/201590104/antoniodiaz?load_type=author&prev_url=detail)/Adobe Stock

![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)Topics

- [ pregnancy & birth](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/subject-area/pregnancy-birth)
- [ birthing options](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/themes/birthing-options)
- [ birth justice](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/themes/birth-justice)
- [ birth care providers](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/themes/birth-care-providers)
- [doula](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/doulas)
- [childbirth choices](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/childbirth-choices)
- [Latine](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/latine)
- [birth](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/birth)
- [maternal health](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/maternal-health)

![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)### *Why You Can* **Trust Us** 

- We rigorously evaluate all content
- We embrace a reproductive justice framework
- We don’t accept ads or sell products
- We reject funding from the pharmaceutical industry
- We counter misinformation and disinformation
- We address the social, political, and economic factors that affect health and sexuality

[read more](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/why-you-can-trust-us)

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EH speaks from her experience about the opportunities for growth for the healthcare system. They discuss fatness, gender identity, and medical costs.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-wanting-more-empathy-and-understanding-from-medical-professionals)

[ResourcesRead

## How To Choose The Right Doula For You

Things to consider when choosing a doula include cost, certification, and more.

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Things to consider when choosing a doula include cost, certification, and more.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/how-to-choose-the-right-doula-for-you)

[ResourcesRead

## Ten Tips for Taking Charge of Your Maternity Care

A top ten list from Childbirth Connection of things to know or think about as you advance through your pregnancy and birth.

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A top ten list from Childbirth Connection of things to know or think about as you advance through your pregnancy and birth.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/ten-tips-for-taking-charge-of-your-maternity-care)

[ResourcesRead

## Choices in Childbirth

A collection of videos, articles, and downloadable worksheets to help pregnant people make pregnancy, birthing, and post-birth choices that are right for them.

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A collection of videos, articles, and downloadable worksheets to help pregnant people make pregnancy, birthing, and post-birth choices that are right for them.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/choices-in-childbirth)

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## Overcoming Challenges During Pregnancy

MB discusses the experience of her last pregnancy during the COVID pandemic and why she wanted to avoid having a C-section.

![My Story- Overcoming Challenges During Pregnancy](data:image/png;base64,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)

MB discusses the experience of her last pregnancy during the COVID pandemic and why she wanted to avoid having a C-section.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-overcoming-challenges-during-pregnancy)

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## Deciding Where to Give Birth

MB explains how she decided to give birth in a hospital.

![My Story- Deciding Where to Give Birth](data:image/png;base64,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)

MB explains how she decided to give birth in a hospital.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-deciding-where-to-give-birth)

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## Cultivating Confidence During Pregnancy

MB shares how she prepared herself for pregnancy and birth and how childbirth classes and books shaped her perception of childbirth.

![My Story- Cultivating Confidence During Pregnancy](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACAAAAAgCAIAAAD8GO2jAAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAE60lEQVRIiVVWy7LsuA0DKbn73ElSWeX/vzCVqZl72rZIAllIdvfxwmXLZYIE+DJKAgQIIopkVVVWVWVWZVZWFllVJClKkggBEAAIBgAwXA/CfRn6++X9DwBIgiTNU+n+Ps/muf34BRfEp8n+tojL1o+LIj/uugJe/8h+mJNpfbQF3d+mcZmnSIpklYpkcd7nubD4MVsO63qYkdl6mCf9bRqaFJPTaE01mMkiq5YA0yH7YN0uBuziFjfGBcDFrpbLS96siMrMKfAEMAMgdzODv5WFXRRfAk60/k6h2/eslUMRGVEZNRGm+2Ywg9zcgXn/ocKt43ybABc/NzERGZExcoyMuFJUMoM53K01m3lkMPh0X7eK1wWgExKWsFcRZEbkGHGesQCSJAW4wd1aN9DQbQI4QIPZzySkKEGdECY5dVv/ADiPjKjMEgUs652OboAbJmGAvytHEnXndOcqTVWxkpX1aX0ce45RmRRlhtasd9fmkJvJzM1s5qvZZEVXPlCE1Ce3MxGrlvsxRpzH2Pc49hhnZlCCmfVu29YkNzQ3mcnMAHPBTMJyfXUVSupVhDTpqazKmBGM4xzHPvZXnEdlUIS7bZvzSag55N7MZeYzQW+AWmJO1zurJFVWVmVmRsbNz76P13cce06A1vzxaCQNcoc3uMtNMLhgLoErVXgH0WsCTPc/5B3HMfbXeH2P45UxJKJ3r2eDupvc1doMgjBTg1HCles1ORfVK2cEWTH9jxXBccS+n6/vsX/nOAVi21plA+SO1tA6vMncAXNpUjQBchYUSfbMnACZkZExIseIMeJYFI3vvzMOQrZtztrc1Tt6V9/QmtwdsCbAKYirVJkXQGWKfKd/jBnBOI9xvMbrdb5+5/kSiMezSfKm3q1v6Bu80bwJRgEuYPWCrKpaFGWExMrMHBnjwjgnS2P/Ht9/5/FN0J7PBqh3bA9sT/RN3mVOwRovkcWVjcWiyA+Ad/+JHCMvGeL1O/a/iLL8o3nT9sT2hcfT+kOta0YwAQCWZsLXTdHMkIqscXe3kWPEOGOccezx+o7Xn0RaJduGxy97/LLHl/VDrQvvCCCQmuQsnRcAxbx8n0HEKrccZxyv2P8kd6PYf+G543HY48D2kG+Tf2tlMwKuCD5EHuOiaFSMmtYzKqMicowaR+7/ZSXUuf0LXweepz1PbCe8y4yU9z7bhajZc5i1Ci3jXGkaI3Ms0xlzaamqjKwzKwD8j8//4DjtedrztH7Cu2CkPAvuwGoVxbrm+UVRZVaMipgzsnJOtVn0qkSdkKkdpx3Dvk47JkBbAL2bu+Y44Ecv+qCoJj9VwUzW3U1AOYlK6ISOwDHsGPYYeANwAlwde3ahm6IcWK06KoOZVTmtCyCM1oh/kr8V0CDOtCPsMayf5g0wUd7TmsMMmMOm1h4ldcZYvShjVsiyLlEQXLbJ/yH8ZjUbwCg/w85h27iqmK36ArB7pFEixF4ZkljFDFaqUixdKxzM4V3+Jfu3ikrDYI20M3wb5m16rSrvEwAABV0A6qxcACxdylzWTeayDn/Iv6RSOkIVZSN9hLVJPaQmurnB52o0VxxK6mJJUpWqpLqim2vNWlLkXf4QQjSlFFQWo9izupvPhcitGTg3YmquWlDXPfVFcZ5+rMxzLTGHNYGgiVKtGc4qL7LK3GhyGHwCSHNZhP4PjrKUig+7j0QAAAAASUVORK5CYII=)

MB shares how she prepared herself for pregnancy and birth and how childbirth classes and books shaped her perception of childbirth.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-cultivating-confidence-during-pregnancy)

[ResourcesRead

## Black Women, Birthing People, and Maternal Mental Health

This fact sheet includes nine concrete strategies to remove the structural racism that worsens Black birthing people's mental health.

![A screenshot from the fact sheet of the section entitled: "Key Facts: Black Women, Birthing People, and Maternal Mental Health"](data:image/png;base64,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)

This fact sheet includes nine concrete strategies to remove the structural racism that worsens Black birthing people's mental health.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/black-birthing-mental-health)