Happy Fall! ‘Tis the season for candles, pumpkins, and good weather!
This fall I am serving as PR intern with Sista Midwife Productions (SMP). Based in Gentilly, SMP provides education, training and consultations for communities, birth workers and organizations that work with child bearing families. We work to improve pregnancy, birth experiences and to eliminate perinatal disparities by:
- increasing the numbers of black birth workers
- teaching families about their patient rights; and
- creating transparency and accountability within childbirth education and the medical obstetrical system. (Sista Midwife Productions, 2019)
Prior to joining the team, I was introduced to SMP through a powerful and moving presentation by Nicole Deggins, founder of SMP. She was invited to my Global Maternal and Child Health elective to explain the work she does to improve birth outcomes for black women in the city. Her presentation gave me more than just goosebumps, it handed me my life’s mission on a silver platter. I had already decided to pursue a career in MCH at this point, but it was at this moment that I knew the path to take.
So, I got involved. I started out volunteering at The Birth Story Project (an event held once a month which includes a sister circle for sharing birth experiences). Now, I’m sending off monthly newsletters, creating digital content and being of service wherever needed. I am utterly excited about my future with SMP and MCH in the city. I’m open to new possibilities that may arise.
In the meantime, if you would like to subscribe to our newsletters: send an email to sistamidwifeproductions@gmail.com and we’ll add you to the list.
If you or someone you know is interested in volunteering for The Birth Story Project, sign up here!
Here’s to autumn and all it entails.
Cheers,
Joye P.