53 | Discovering the Power Within - Shannon Bennett & Sharea Jenkins

We know the statistics for black maternal and infant health. We understand the risks of bringing forth life within black bodies, and the narrative is heavy. As we strive for a change, it's also imperative to have balance, and joy is a part of the resistance. Shannon's experience is full of love, community care, and joy! As birth workers, we were ecstatic that Shannon would be sharing her experience with her Doula Sharea. When prepping for her birth, Shannon listened to lots of birth stories. Prepping in this way showed her there were many ways birth could happen and the importance of laboring at home as long as possible. Even with a plan, there would be a point of necessary surrender and the value in doula support, specifically from a black doula. Having that be a theme of many of the stories, she listened to Shannon, sought out a black doula in her community, and found Sharea. Upon meeting Sharea it was an immediate connection, and she added her to her birth team on the spot. As a doula, when you support someone during their birth, you hope that the birthing person sees their strength. That when they reflect on that experience and see just how powerful they were and that it held moments that will bring them joy forever. With the support of her birth team, her husband, her prep through research and curiosity, Shannon looks back at that time and speaks without hesitation that it truly showed her, "there is nothing I can't do!"ResourcesEvidence Based Birth | evidence-based information on pregnancy and childbirthMama Natural | resources and guides for pregnancy and childbirth Supporting Hands Doula Care (Sharea Jenkins) | doula support