In 2023, the preterm (premature) birthrate in Louisiana was 13.5% and rated a grade F.
On the contrary, Saint Landry Parish had an improved grade of D+. According to March of Dimes, “The preterm birth rate among babies born to Black birthing people [in Louisiana] is 1.5x higher than the rate among all other babies.”
Various factors like external and internal stress, environmental racism, medical biases, diabetes, hypertension, unhealthy weight, and smoking can cause health challenges for birthing parents of color. In addition, the area lacked culturally competent maternal health education and support groups.
With determination, in 2012, the founder of Community Birth Companion, Devin “Divine” Bailey-Nicholas, took matters into her own hands.
“I don’t think most people were putting out the information that has become second nature now, that Black mothers and Black babies are dying at least three to four times the rate as their white counterparts, and that it was gaps in between [Doctors] seeing Mamas once they gave birth in hospital. So if we know that mamas were dying within a year after giving birth, yet, mothers really ain’t seeing a doctor until maybe six weeks. About that time, they’ve already created issues,” Bailey-Nicholas said.
CBC aims to empower and advocate for Louisiana families of color. Black and Brown birthing families deserve to experience a happy and healthy birthing experience and beyond.
“Breast milk is medicine for our babies, especially in the world and in this country, where our babies are often born too small and too soon,” Bailey-Nicholas expressed.
The Black Wall Street Times interviewed Bailey-Nicholas about the importance of birth justice, the need for birth doulas in Louisiana, breastfeeding, and CBC programs supporting Louisiana families of color.
The need for maternal support formed Community Birth Companion
As a mother and wife, Bailey-Nicholas understands firsthand how important a holistic support system is for Black mothers and babies in Louisiana.
The infant mortality rate has decreased, but Black babies are still dying at a higher rate compared to other races.
The Maternal Vulnerability Index rate in St. Landry Parish is 96.3%, compared to 55.8% in neighboring Lafayette Parish. Healthcare support, socioeconomic determinants, the environment, and a mother’s physical health contribute to the MVI rate.
Bailey-Nichols witnessed the maternal health gaps and breastfeeding stigmas mothers of color faced in St. Landry Parish. She wanted to be a part of the change.
In 2015, Opelousas General Hospital became a designated Baby Friendly hospital.
“They were really encouraging breastfeeding and rooming in. And the reality was that if those mothers were going to be encouraged to breastfeed once they gave birth, they needed that support outside the hospital. And if we have a birth in a hospital, we need mothers who are supported during the prenatal period so they have better outcomes, Bailey-Nicholas said.
CBC began to offer Cafe au Lait Breastfeeding Support groups centering Louisiana families of color. Their group attracts breastfeeding mothers from all walks of life around the country.
“I think we have it in our head that it’s a type of woman that breastfeeds. Look, all types of sisters breastfeed. All types. You know what I’m saying? The pickle with the peppermint sister breastfeeds. The lawyer sister breastfeeds. The Erykah Badu sister breastfeeds. They all breastfeed,” she expressed.
Importance of community-based Doulas in Louisiana
Bailey-Nicholas believes the community health model with wraparound support and cultural congruence can help families survive and thrive.
Doulas provide non-clinical emotional, educational, and physical support to birthing parents during prenatal, intrapartum, and postnatal periods.
Furthermore, community-based doulas are familiar with the community, provide culturally competent care, and typically live in or near it.
In 2024, Louisiana’s legislation passed House Bill 702, Senate Bill 142, and House Bill 272, requiring Medicaid-managed care organizations and private health insurance to cover doula services. This includes five prenatal visits, three postpartum visits, and assistance during labor and birth.
Through programming and services, Community Birth Companion provides childbirth education and community doula certification training. Bailey-Nicholas wants CBC to be the model for doulas in Louisiana to feel confident in their skills and services.
“Is the doula being educated where once they are finished being trained, they can go and help that mother? Where can [they] go as a safe space [to] learn those skills? They’re not medical, but they’re important skills to support families and mothers,” Bailey-Nicholas said.
The more education families receive, the more empowered they are to make informed decisions during the prenatal and postpartum periods. In addition, aspiring community doulas should receive community-based training to align with the community’s needs.
“The type of community doula that we work with is a doula that wants to be trained to work right here; the training that we give them is Louisiana-based. You know, you can go to any hospital in Louisiana [after] coming out of our training and be able to handle your business,” Bailey-Nicholas added.
She encourages doulas to learn the ins and outs of hospital births and then continue to pursue training for birthing centers and at-home births.
Fortunately, CBC has several doula and family success stories.
This includes successful vaginal birth after cesareans (VBACs), vaginal twin births, and families knowing their rights which promotes birth justice.
Community Birth Companion encourages community involvement
Community partnerships help to sustain and elevate CBC’s mission and work.
With mentions of Saul’s Light, a nonprofit based in New Orleans that supports NICU babies and bereaved families, and Birthmark Doula Collective, a New Orleans-based group offering support, education, services, and community for birthing mothers, Bailey-Nicholas feels confident in Louisiana’s birth justice movement.
“We really do feel like if we have someone come to us who’s looking for their options, we can also refer them to organizations that we really do work with and feel good about it,” she said.
The New Orleans Breastfeeding Center umbrella includes a Cafe au Lait in Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Opelousas, Lake Charles, and Shreveport.
Bailey-Nicholas encourages community members to actively advocate for Black and Brown birthing mothers in Louisiana.
“You’re always going to know somebody that’s pregnant. You’re always going to know somebody who’s going to need some type of support with feeding their child. And we give education on that as well. So just share. That’s what a community is about.”
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