73 | Reclaiming Birth to Heal - Taylor Huntley

Community Herbalist and Doula Taylor Huntley shared her two birth experiences that inspired her work and mission. Taylor’s first pregnancy was a surprise that led her down the rabbit hole of learning all of the possible options. She found herself needing to self-advocate more than she expected as she dealt with being “overweight.” She surprised her provider with how healthy she was and not allowing her race to be a risk factor. Her provider started discussing induction at 37 weeks, and Taylor found herself agreeing after some bullying. Taylor put her foot down and called her doctor to cancel the induction on the day she was supposed to check-in. An ominous voicemail from her provider after the cancellation led Taylor to fire her provider at term. She found a midwife to continue her prenatal care and refer her to a hospital with on-call CNMs. The stars aligned as Taylor arrived at the hospital at 42 weeks and was able to have the preferred midwife catch her baby. Taylor was thankful that she hired a doula to support her pregnancy and labor as she continued to have push back about her birth plan from the nurses at the hospital.Taylor gathered herself and all of her knowledge as she embarked on her second pregnancy. She knew what she wanted and how to get it. A Black midwife supported this pregnancy, and it was a planned homebirth. Taylor didn’t have the support from her parents regarding homebirth, but she pushed forward because it was her desire. Their concerns were based on their personal health experiences. She successfully labor at home and delivered in her home with her partner and birth team.Taylor found healing in her homebirth experience after having challenges in her first pregnancy. Her voice was heard and honored. Taylor’s births have led her to serve in a space for Black women through birthwork.Resources:Mama Mangos Care | Austin, TX family supportMama Sana Vibrant Woman | free pregnancy, birth and postpartum support in Austin and Travis CountyBlack Mamas ATX | holistic care for black women before, during and after childbirthThe Woman’s Earth | global sisterhood for women of color