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As a doctoral student at Iowa State University, my research centers on Black maternal health, birth justice, and community-led care. I am committed to honoring Black midwives' knowledge systems, uplifting their expertise in scholarly and policy spaces, and recognizing their vital role in improving maternal health outcomes.
My dissertation explores the epistemologies, traditions, and lived experiences of Black midwives, centering their ways of knowing as vital contributions to maternal health, birth justice, and community care. Grounded in Black feminist thought and decolonial methodologies, this research amplifies the voices of Black midwives whose practices have been historically overlooked yet remain integral to holistic, culturally responsive maternity care.
Who Are Black Midwives?
Black midwives have long provided vital maternal and infant care, blending clinical skill with spiritual and communal support. Rooted in African healing traditions, their work has been essential to Black communities, especially in the rural South.
In the early 20th century, medical institutions labeled them “granny midwives” to undermine their expertise and push birth into hospitals. However, Black midwives rejected this term, recognizing it as part of systemic efforts to erase their knowledge.
Today, Black midwives continue to fight for birth justice, reclaiming their traditions and advocating for equitable, community-centered care.
Honoring the Work of Black midwifery
Honoring the work of Black midwifery involves recognizing, supporting, and amplifying the invaluable contributions of Black midwives throughout history and today. Here are some ways to honor their work:
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Documenting and Sharing Their Stories – Collect oral histories, publish research, and create platforms that highlight the experiences, knowledge, and impact of Black midwives, ensuring their work is preserved and celebrated.
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Supporting Black Midwifery Education – Fund scholarships and training programs for aspiring Black midwives, creating pathways for future generations to enter and thrive in the profession.
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Amplifying Black Midwives in Leadership – Advocate for Black midwives in leadership roles within midwifery organizations, academic institutions, and healthcare systems to ensure their voices are heard and their contributions are recognized.
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Supporting Birth Justice Movements – Align with initiatives like Black Mamas Matter Alliance and other birth justice organizations that work to reduce disparities in maternal health and promote equitable care for Black families.
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Creating Safe Spaces for Black Midwives – Establish community networks and safe spaces where Black midwives can connect, share resources, and address the unique challenges they face in their work.
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Elevating Black Midwifery in Policy – Advocate for policies that recognize and fund midwifery care, particularly models led by Black midwives, as an essential part of maternal health care systems.
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Celebrating Black Midwifery History – Host events, conferences, and celebrations that honor the legacy and ongoing work of Black midwives, ensuring their contributions are never forgotten.
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Investing in Culturally Competent Care Models – Support midwifery practices that center Black families' needs and traditions, ensuring that culturally competent care is accessible to all communities.
By taking these actions, we help ensure that Black midwifery is recognized and valued for its crucial role in the ongoing fight for birth justice and equitable maternal care.
Untitled (All My Babies Portrait)
Midwife Mary Francis Hill Coley poses in her home alongside photos of the 3,000 children she helped birth. This still is taken from the 1953 black and white documentary film, "All My Babies."
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Fannie Mae Carter Silver
The Importance of Researching Black Midwives' Ways of Knowing
Researching Black midwives' ways of knowing is crucial to honoring their historical contributions to maternal and infant care, especially in the face of systemic racism and marginalization. Their knowledge, rooted in African traditions and passed down through generations, blends clinical skills with cultural, spiritual, and emotional support. By documenting and amplifying these practices, we challenge dominant medical narratives that often dismiss or erase their expertise.
This research not only enriches our understanding of holistic, community-centered care but also advocates for birth justice, addressing racial disparities in maternal health. Recognizing and valuing Black midwifery knowledge empowers future generations of midwives and ensures that Black families have access to culturally competent care, ultimately improving health outcomes for Black birthing people.
Adventures at the 2024 National Black Midwives Conference in Hampton, Virgina
National Black Midwives Alliance 2024 Conference
BLACK LIBERATION BEGINS WITH BIRTH
Calling the Village, Building the Future
Hampton, VA
“We don’t just catch babies; we catch communities. Midwifery is about nourishing the foundation of a community’s future.”
- Okunsola M. Amadou, midwife, birth activist, and advocate for birth equity at
Jamaa Birth Village in Missouri.
