National Conference for Doulas of Color to be Held in Portland

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

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

Theme: Restoring the Village to Improve Birth Outcomes

The concept of a "birthing village" 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 are an integral part of that village.

There have been calls to action across the nation to improve several poor birth outcomes. Unfortunately, women of color, particularly Black, Indigenous and Latina women, are at a higher risk of experiencing poor birth outcomes compared to white women. 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 the pregnant women and their babies.

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

Some conference highlights are the annual awards luncheon, 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, and Basmah Karriem of VA, will receive the Outstanding Doula Advocate Award. Keynote speakers are Dr. Andrea Little Mason, aka (Dr. Doula), Ananda Lowe, author and Dr. Tanya Khemet Taiwo.

Participants can attend grant-writing workshops 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 baby wearing Pop-up, led by Shafia Monroe. The public is invited to join the Saturday night meet and greet dance party.

Learn more and register at www.SMCDoulas.com