Giving birth to my son Cino was one of the most transcendent experiences of my life. I labored at home with the support of my partner and my midwives. He was born after 23 hours of labor in a birthing tub in our living room. I pulled him out of the water and brought him to my chest, where we stayed together, undisturbed. Being able to birth my child in a supportive and undisturbed environment is a fundamental right that should be extended to every birthing person.

 

The freedom to choose the type of birth that is right for YOU is an unalienable human right that so many birthing people are deprived of in this country. Black women are 3x more likely to die from pregnancy related causes than white women. And in DC, that number is even higher. Black birthing people are often safer at home than in a hospital setting, where medical racism runs rampant, which can look like discrediting a patient’s pain and ignoring postpartum complications, pushing unnecessary interventions that hinder natural labor and drive up C-section rates, stigmatizing against factors like higher BMI, etc.

 

The average cost of homebirths are about $6000 and at-home midwifery care is not covered under most insurance plans (it isn't covered under mine). I’m incredibly privileged to have family support, but I could also use the support of my community! Funds raised will go towards covering the home birth and postpartum care.

 

If you would like to support me and my family in welcoming our newest addition, please consider donating. I am truly grateful for any and all contributions!