Lighting the Lanterns: Birth as a Portal to Liberation

In a nation with growing maternal mortality and poor maternal health outcomes, a community-based midwifery model of care can save lives. In this TEDx Talk, Nashira Baril, the founder of Neighborhood Birth Center, discusses how midwives shaped her personal birth experience and the benefits of birth centers.

Nashira Basil was able to give birth to both of her children at home with the support of midwives. However, she recognizes that not many birthing people have that choice. After speaking with an elder midwife, Dr. Jo-Anna Rorie, she was inspired to learn more about birthing centers and to join Dr. Rorie in creating a birth center in Roxbury.

In her research on birth centers, Nashira found that the presence of birthing centers in the United States is still far and between. And yet, birthing centers are cost effective, provide better care experiences, and have better health outcomes. Birthing centers provide care that can liberate us from systems of racism and capitalism, furthering the cause of reproductive justice. We are in a maternal health crisis, and argues Nashira, birthing centers are a tool to address it.

I wish it were commonplace for people to feel enveloped in a physical and emotional sanctuary as they cross that threshold into parenthood. I wish queer and trans folk felt safe and affirmed in their healthcare. I wish men were included in reproductive healthcare. I wish it were all designed with safety and love at the center.

SOURCE: TEDxRoxbury • AUTHOR: Nashira Baril • LAST UPDATED: September 14, 2024