Unpacking the Historical and Epigenetic Context of Black Maternal Health with Olivyah Bowens

In honor of Black Maternal Health Week, we have doula- turned -Radical Birth Keeper, Olivyah Bowens, from Baltimore, Maryland on the show today. Olivyah is a mother of two, a perinatal community health worker, a holistic birth educator, and a graduate of Free Birth Society’s Radical Birth Keeper School. After learning about the atrocious maternal mortality rate of Black women in the United States, Olivyah committed herself to understanding why Black women were dying. Olivyah walks us through the intersection of racism and healthcare, and how it directly, and obviously, negatively impacts Black women and their families.  Olivyah will also provide historical context of racism in OB/GYN and how that links to institutional racism in health care today. Join us in an important conversation around epigenetics, implicit bias, the importance of women seeing themselves reflected in their birth team, and to learn about the far- too -often subhuman treatment of Black women and their babies, in the system. Olivyah also shares how freebirth is a potential solution to opt out of the system for many Black women today.   Connect with Olivyah on IG & FB: @herholisticpath    Work with Olivyah & attend her workshops: https://www.herholisticpath.com/course   Listen to Olivyah’s podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Nw6Y40klYn83XxhLAurQF   Resources: Mamatoto Village Black Mamas Matter Alliance Natal Stories (podcast) Ancient Song Doula Services Black Women's Health Imperative Shafia Monroe Sistersong Unnatural Causes with Dr. Michael Lu Dr. Joy DeGruy My Grandmother’s Hands   OBGYN Whistleblower Episode: https://www.freebirthsociety.com/blogs/the-free-birth-podcast/the-ob-gyn-whistleblower   The Radical Birth Keeper School starts again September 1st, 2021. You won’t want to miss it: https://www.freebirthsocietycourses.com/radicalbirthkeeper   Craving your village? Join Free Birth Society’s Private Membership: https://www.freebirthsociety.com/pages/private-membership   Check out more of Free Birth Society’s courses and offerings!  https://www.freebirthsocietycourses.com   Get The Complete Guide to Freebirth: A sweeping, all-inclusive childbirth education course, designed to prepare pregnant mothers and families for the most powerful independent birth experience possible: https://www.freebirthsocietycourses.com/cgtf   Are you wanting to take responsibility for your life? Work with Emilee: https://www.freebirthsociety.com/collections/coaching   Want more? Birthing Truth: A Collection of Freebirth Stories: https://www.freebirthsociety.com/blogs/birthing-truth-a-collection-of-freebirth-stories   Our Gift to You: Gorgeous pregnancy affirmations straight to your inbox: https://www.freebirthsocietycourses.com/opt-in-pregnancy-affirmations-giftDisclaimer: Free Birth Society, LLC of North Carolina shares personal and educational stories and experiences related to freebirth and holistic care. This content is not medical advice, and we are not a licensed midwifery practice. Testimonials reflect individual experiences; results may vary. For services or scheduling, contact [email protected]. See full disclaimer at freebirthsociety.com/youtubeterms