17 | Standing in the Truth of Birth - Myra Barnes

Last month we were invited by the Birthmark Doula Collective to bring our podcast on the road and attend their first Black Birth Matters conference. It indeed was a day of empowerment and healing. Black women's voices were centered, and the conference allowed everyone there to tap into community growth. As Birthmark Doula Jamilla Webb eloquently stated in her opening speech, "Are you okay, sis? I see you. I hear you. You are inherently valuable. You deserve to tell your story." We hope all who attended are uplifting the spirit of that day and sharing it with others!During the conference, we set up a mini recording studio and invited attendees to come and share their birth stories. In doing so we met Myra Barnes, and she allowed us to hold space for her experience. It's such a wonderful feeling when you can feel the stars aligning! As soon as we began talking with Myra, you could feel that shift.Myra's story was an accurate reflection of the conference. It highlighted the power in healing ourselves. Especially for women of color. When we can tap into the work (whatever that may look like) in making ourselves better, we can heal while adding in stopping cycles of trauma. To do that, we have to be ok with being vulnerable and transparent with our friends, our families and ourselves. Myra said it best, "I'm hoping that we can do a better job of supporting each other to be better givers of life. Better leaders and advocates, especially for ourselves in a world where we have been conditioned to be silent."Sponsors: Doula Trainings International (DTI) | for the modern doulaDoula Trainings International is an educational body and professional community certifying doulas, childbirth educators, and lactation specialists. They believe today's birth workers deserve an accessible and appealing learning environment - one that is positive, inclusive and provides a quality experience. A movement, a community, a purpose. Beyond their courses, DTI is also an international network of doulas - united as advocates for social justice, reproductive justice, and professional growth. Together they are on a mission to revolutionize the birth world, to find out more and to connect go to www.doulatrainingsinternational.com.