---
title: Lessons from Black Midwives
date: 2023-06-08T03:00:00-04:00
author: OBOS Admin
canonical_url: "https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/lessons-from-black-midwives"
section: Resources
---
[Donate](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/donate)

[Health &amp; Sexuality Info](/health-info)# Lessons from Black Midwives

Before the mid-1900s, Black women midwives cared for pregnant and birthing women in their communities. Then white male physicians stigmatized and replaced them. Ever worsening Black maternal and infant mortality rates are partly the result of this change.

What can we learn from the Black midwives of today? How can a return to Black midwives reduce rising Black maternal and infant mortality? In this article, six Black midwives share their personal insights and experiences.

> For Black and brown mothers who I think have tons of fear around childbirth, I want them to know you can still have a healthy, normal birth. Not to say that the risks aren’t there, but don’t let the fear paralyze you or rob you of what is intended to be a joyful experience.

[Read the full article ](https://www.huffpost.com/entry/black-midwives-pregnancy-care_l_63ce9922e4b0c8e3fc78c4df)

SOURCE: HuffPost • AUTHOR: Marie Holmes • LAST UPDATED: January 30, 2024

![AdobeStock_404215824](data:image/png;base64,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) 

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

- [ pregnancy &amp; birth](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/subject-area/pregnancy-birth)
- [ birth care providers](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/themes/birth-care-providers)
- [birth](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/birth)
- [childbirth choices](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/childbirth-choices)
- [Black / African American](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/black-african-american)
- [maternal health](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/maternal-health)
- [maternal mortality](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/maternal-mortality)
- [midwife](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/midwife)
- [BIPOC (black, indigenous, and people of color)](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/bipoc-black-indigenous-and-people-of-color)
- [health disparities](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/health-disparities)
- [birth justice](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/birth-justice)

![](/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)

Share

[](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();)

##### More to Explore

[ResourcesRead

## Ten Things Every LGBT Older Adult Should Know about Heart Disease

This factsheet provides tips for maintaining heart health, with a particular focus on LGBT older adults.

![pexels-centre-for-ageing-better-11674389](data:image/png;base64,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)

This factsheet provides tips for maintaining heart health, with a particular focus on LGBT older adults.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/10-things-lgbt-heart-disease)

[ResourcesRead

## A Report on American Indian and Alaska Native LGBT Adults in the US

A report on American Indian and Alaska Native LGBT adults in the United States, with information on how aging and care impact those populations and communities.

![48382470241_7c511908e5_c](data:image/png;base64,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)

A report on American Indian and Alaska Native LGBT adults in the United States, with information on how aging and care impact those populations and communities.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/a-report-on-american-indian-and-alaska-native-lgbtqia-adults-in-the-us)

[ResourcesRead

## A Report on Sexual Violence against Indigenous Women in the US

The Maze of Injustice report examines sexual violence against Indigenous women in the United States and identifies multiple systemic barriers to justice.

![Dulcey lima indigenous women march unsplash scaled jpg](data:image/png;base64,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)

The Maze of Injustice report examines sexual violence against Indigenous women in the United States and identifies multiple systemic barriers to justice.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/a-report-on-sexual-violence-against-indigenous-women-in-the-us)

[Stories &amp; ConversationsWatch

## 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)

[ResourcesRead

## Abortion: Key Facts

This fact sheet from the World Health Organization outlines noteworthy facts and statistics regarding abortion around the globe.

![Abortion Key Facts scaled jpeg](data:image/png;base64,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)

This fact sheet from the World Health Organization outlines noteworthy facts and statistics regarding abortion around the globe.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/abortion-key-facts)

[Stories &amp; 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 &amp; 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,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)

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

## Potential Risk Factors for Breast Cancer

What are the possible risk factors for breast cancer? Are there ways to minimize our risk of developing breast cancer?

![View in microscopic of ductal cell carcinoma, adenonocarcinoma from human breast cancer, tissue section by H and E stain. Pathology diagnosis. Medical concept. Under microscope, magnification 600X](data:image/png;base64,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)

What are the possible risk factors for breast cancer? Are there ways to minimize our risk of developing breast cancer?](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/potential-breast-cancer-risk-factors)
