Doulas of Color Unite for Second Annual SMC Doula Conference: Restoring the Village & Improving Birth Outcomes

Doulas of Color Unite for Second Annual SMC Doula Conference: Restoring the Village & Improving Birth Outcomes

Doulas of color from across the nation will gather from September 8-10, 2023, to attend the Second Annual SMC Doula Conference at the DoubleTree by Hilton Portland on 1000 NE Multnomah street.

The SMC Doula Conference stands out as a unique gathering that specifically addresses the needs of doulas of color, who are underrepresented in the doula profession both in Oregon and nationwide. This conference provides a safe space for doulas to emotionally process the demanding work they perform for their clients and find relief from the stress of working in racially hostile healthcare settings. The event aims to unite doulas, birth workers, midwives, and public health workers of all ethnicities and cultures, fostering cross-cultural competencies, sharing best practices for improving perinatal outcomes, and providing guidance on building successful doula businesses.

With the theme of Restoring the Village to Improve Birth Outcomes, the conference focuses on the concept of a birthing village, which refers to the support network of family, friends, and professionals that surround and assist a pregnant woman throughout her pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum journey. Doulas play an integral role in this village.

There is a pressing need to address poor birth outcomes across the nation. Unfortunately, women of color, particularly Black, Indigenous, and Latina women, face a higher risk of experiencing poor birth outcomes compared to white women. The disparities in maternal and infant health outcomes are complex and multifaceted. The birthing village plays a crucial role in ensuring the physical, emotional, and mental well-being of pregnant women and their babies.

The conference workshops will focus on strategies to restore the village for better birth outcomes.

Highlights of the conference include the annual awards luncheon, where two of Portland’s doulas will be honored: Violet Michelle Larry, RN, will receive the Outstanding Doula Leadership Award, and the Black Parent Initiative (BPI) will receive the Outstanding Doula Community Service Award. Additionally, Basmah Karriem of VA will receive the Outstanding Doula Advocate Award. Keynote speakers for the event include Dr. Andrea Little Mason (aka Dr. Doula), author Ananda Lowe, and Dr. Tanya Khemet Taiwo.

Conference participants will have the opportunity to attend workshops covering various topics such as grant-writing for birth workers, postpartum nutrition, smoking cessation during the perinatal period, Theater of the Oppressed, breastfeeding 101, massage for doulas, and a head wrapping, belly binding, and babywearing Pop-up led by Shafia Monroe. The Saturday night meet and greet dance party is open to the public.

For more information about the Second Annual SMC Doula Conference and registration details, please visit www.SMCDoulas.com.