Birthing Project USA to name a few are helping Black women connect with their African tradition of home births by providing training, resources, education and a community of support.
What’s the difference between a midwife and doula?
A midwife is a trained medical professional. Per the American Pregnancy Association, midwives hold certification accredited by the Midwifery Education Accreditation Council (MEAC). With this certification they can work in private, public or group practice. Midwives can prescribe some medications, they can perform yearly gynecological exams, and they can deliver your child. They can also provide family planning, infant care, women’s health care, and provide prenatal and birthing care.
You can think of doulas like more of a coach for the mother. A doula should also go through training, certification and have experience with live births, but their primary job is really to be there for the mother throughout pregnancy, during the birth and in some cases, after delivery.
Watch Erykah’s Badu full interview with Sway below.
There are several doula certification programs available, including the more popular ones offered by