Black doulas work to bridge health disparities for Black mothers

Zetanefert Zipewtu says she didn’t choose to become a doula — the work chose her.

She became certified after supporting a close friend through pregnancy. Now, almost 15 years later, Zipewtu says she sees the vital role doulas play in supporting expectant mothers across the Black and Brown community.

“A doula is a gap filler,” Zipewtu said on Saturday at a community baby shower at the Garfield Park Fieldhouse on Chicago's West Side to celebrate Black maternal health. “Our job is to ensure that expecting people have the information, emotional support and physical care they need to achieve their birth and postpartum goals.”

Zipewtu, a doula at Our Mothers’ Light Birth and Baby Village, said she prioritizes caring for Black and Brown mothers. Black women are more than twice as likely as white women to die from pregnancy-related causes, according to the 2021-2 data from the Illinois Department of Public Health. Black Illinoisans have the highest maternal mortality rate in the state, at 78 deaths per 100,000 live births.

Zipewtu said doulas aren’t the solution to mortality rate, but can contribute to making a change. “We can't have a shift in Black maternal health if [expecting mothers] don't have people who understand them and identify with them,” she said.

Saturday marked Global Black Doula Day and the start of Black Maternal Health Week, a campaign launched by Black Mamas Matter Alliance to raise awareness, drive activism and build community around the experiences of Black mothers, according to Ayesha Jaco, executive director of the nonprofit West Side United.

The event, hosted by West Side United and Sankofa Wellness Village, aimed to connect expectant and postpartum mothers on the city’s West Side with community resources — a population that often distrusts the health care system.

“What I've seen is that the lack of trust isn't misplaced,” Zipewtu said as she shared information about doula services with expectant mothers at the event.

For that reason, Aleesya Burton of Auburn Gresham on the South Side, chose to give birth to all three of her children at home with the help of a midwife. She plans to do the same with her fourth.

“I feel like the best environment is my home,” said Burton, who is 26 weeks pregnant.

Burton, 31, has had the help of a doula in past pregnancies and said that made a significant difference.

“Whether they give birth in the hospital or at home, it’s so important to have someone that supports you and understands the culture you’re coming from,” said Burton.

Zipewtu said she’s seen the mistreatment of Black mothers giving birth.

“Women are at their most vulnerable,” said Zipewtu. “And even if their family is there, the family is also very vulnerable at that moment.”

Jaco said she’s met expectant mothers who have foregone health care because of fear. The organization is working to build trust to help improve their access to health care.

“There’s hesitancy around going in to see a provider because they may not understand you based on your background,” said Jaco. “We really hope that we're breaking down some of those silos.”

Despite the challenges, Zipewtu says her doula work is worth it when she sees mothers holding their children and getting the best birthing experience possible.

“There are so many doulas out there who want to help,” said Zipewtu.