64 | Black Maternal Health: Protecting Black Mothers with Adriana Jean Louis

Today, we’re talking to Adriana Jean Louis, doula and founder of Doula Philosophy. In her final year of college, Adriana submitted a thesis on the Black Maternal Mortality Crisis in the Developed United States through the lens of public policy. In her professional life she runs a private practice, Doula Philosophy and also works jointly with non profit organizations that specifically cater to vulnerable women and families.  When working with these organizations, Adriana works directly with adolescent mothers, mothers of Haitian descent, women of color and women with a history of trauma. In private practice Doula Philosophy offers birth, postpartum and home doula services to families in Massachusetts and parts of Rhode Island.  Her passion in Black maternal health and mortality, hospital intervention and the power of informed and autonomous decision making is the hallmark of her practice. Adriana has had the pleasure of being invited to speak at TeamBirth a hospital quality improvement conference, Harvard University, Boston College Law and UMass Dartmouth to name a few on the fundamental difference of doula care in birth outcomes and welcomes the opportunity to educate further whenever possible.  In this episode, we talk about… What doulas do, and why expecting parents should consider working with a doula. The state of the Black Maternal Health Crisis in America. Ways Black folks who intend to have biological children can advocate for themselves. Why Black mothers are less likely to breastfeed, and how we can better support Black mothers who want to breastfeed. Resources for aspiring doulas. RESOURCES: Visit the Doula Philosophy Website Follow Adriana on Instagram @adrianathedoula Follow Pump Mama Pump on Instagram @pump_mama_pump Visit the Evidence Based Birth Website Balanced Black Girl Partners: BLK+GRN | Use code BBG20 for 20% off at blkgrn.com Black Girl Sunscreen | Use code BBG20 for 20% off at blackgirlsunscreen.com Methodology | Use code BALANCEDBLACKGIRL for 20% off your first Methodology shipment Organifi | Use the code BBG for 15% off Organifi supplements Skinny Dipped | Use the code BBG for 15% off your order at skinnydipped.com Peak and Valley | Use the code balancedblackgirl for 15% off your order at peakandvalley.co  Balanced Black Girl is edited by Bex Carlos. If you like this episode, please leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Keep in touch with Les on Instagram @balancedles, follow the show @balancedblackgirlpodcast, and join the Balanced Black Girl Podcast Community on Facebook. PS: If you really want to take your year to the next level, snag our free glow-up guide. This free guide has everything you need to implement a self-care practice that works. You’ll get daily journal worksheets, inspiring quotes, affirmations, and a bonus workout. Get the guide HERE. Our Sponsors:* Check out Babbel: http://babbel.com/balancedSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/balanced-black-girl/donationsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.