APRIL 11, 2025 9:00AM – 5:00PM
Riverside EpiCenter | Austell, Ga

What is Black Doula Day?

Coined in 2022 by Okunsola M. Amadou with five-honorable proclamations designating every April 11th as Black Doula Day™. This year will mark the official global launch of Black Doula Day™ in partnership with Jamaa Birth Village, Black Mamas Matter Alliance, Ancient Song, Atlanta Doula Collective, STL Doulas of Color Collective, Southern Birth Justice Network, Sankofa Healing Center and ROOTT.

Collectively national Black Doula and Black Maternal Health organizations will lead a call to action and Pep Rally on April 11th highlighting 7-core demands to protect, advance and uplift the Black Doula profession.​

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7 CORE DEMANDS FOR BLACK DOULA DAY ™

1. Eliminate misconceptions of the doula scope of practice, including the difference between a doula and a midwife.
2.  Doulas should be paid an equitable reimbursement wage via private and Medicaid insurance at a minimum global reimbursement rate of $3000 USD.
3. Community-based and BIPOC-led organizations and Doulas in the state must be “included” as “experts” in the process of drafting legislation for reimbursement or in lieu of service (ILOS).
4. Doulas should not be used or exploited as a solution or bandage to the biased health care system.
5. Mental health care must be prioritized for BIPOC doulas who are continuously traumatized while attending births along with managing complicated personal lives due to the sacrifice of being on call and carrying the burden of the system.
6. Doulas belong to the community not the state. States should not limit the type of trainings that doulas can take and certify with.
7. It is important to emphasize the care components of the profession using terms such as Birth Companion, Family Support, etc… over the colonialist term Doula.

Black women in the United States are three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than white women. In Georgia, the maternal mortality rate for Black women is 47.2 deaths per 100,000 live births, compared to 14.1 deaths per 100,000 live births for white women. These disparities are largely attributed to systemic racism, lack of access to quality healthcare, and inadequate cultural competency in maternal care.

The Georgia Black Doula Network, GBDN, is a vital initiative launched by the Atlanta Doula Collective, Inc. in 2024, targeting healthcare deserts and focusing on providing essential support to Black and Indigenous communities, by increasing the local doula workforce and promoting its long-term sustainability. As maternal health in the South, particularly for Black women, reaches a crisis point due to restrictive policies undermining reproductive rights, the GBDN is committed to improving maternal health outcomes for these underserved communities.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Shaconna Haley, M.A., CHD

Expert Certified Holistic Doula & Perinatal Consultant

InnerLight Holistic Doula & Perinatal Consulting, LLC

Faculty: African Diaspora & The World and Visiting Professor in Comparative Women’s Studies at Spelman College in Atlanta, GA.

Dean of Students: The  Matrona Foundation Quantum Midwifery Birthkeepers Program.
Publications include: 

• A publication forthcoming in Journal of Racial and Ethnic  Health, “Addressing Racial Disparities in the Hypertensive Disorders in Pregnancy: A Plan for Action from the Preeclampsia Foundation’s Racial Disparities Task Force.”
• The Green Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology: “A Doula’s Presence”
• Special Edition of Obstetrics & Gynecology: Racism in Reproductive Health: Lighting a Path to Health Equity, “The Power of Language in Hospital Care for Pregnant and Birthing People: A Vision for Change“

Topic: The Herstory of Birthwork in the South

SARAHN HENDERSON
Traditional Midwife
Birth In The Tradition

Sahran Henderson, a mother of five adult children who were all born at home as part of her family’s holistic lifestyle, has had a profound impact on the world of birth work. With over 1,000 births assisted since 1980, including twins, breeches, VBACs, and second-generation babies, she has gained invaluable experience and expertise. Through her work, including founding the Community Midwives National Alliance and consulting on projects like the film “The Underground Railroad”, Sahran aims to promote home birth as a safe alternative to hospital births and advance the field of midwifery as a licensed profession in maternal healthcare.

Topic: Herbal Support for Maternal Health

SHAMIKA MILLER
Postpartum Doula & Herbalist
​Essence the Herbalist​

Essence Shamika is a dedicated herbalist and holistic health advocate with deep roots in plant medicine, inspired by her grandmothers’ wisdom in alternative health and women’s care. Originally pursuing gynecology, she shifted her path to focus on holistic healing, founding UnEarthed Botanicals to support women’s wellness naturally. With years of experience in birth work, postpartum care, and reproductive health, Essence is passionate about empowering women through holistic solutions.

Topic: Black Men in Maternal Healthcare

ISRAEL “Izzy” ROUTE
Program Manager, Reaching Our Brothers Everywhere,

Israel Route is a dedicated entrepreneur, coach, and philanthropist who is passionate about empowering others, particularly through his work with youth, teens, and young adults. He co-founded ROUTE way, a nonprofit organization that provides mentorship and helps individuals develop holistic plans to enrich their lives, and also works with Reaching Our Brothers Everywhere (ROBE) to advocate for maternal, child, and family health. Through his various endeavors, including his work in the sports and entertainment industries, Mr. Route creates meaningful pathways for individuals to grow and succeed, focusing on education, exposure, and experiential opportunities to drive positive change.

Topic: Doula Support in Homebirth

Janisa Camille
Full-Spectrum Doula
Doula of the Divine
​

Janisa Camille, founder of Doula of the Divine LLC, is a full-spectrum doula dedicated to holistic birth support, fertility, and postpartum healing. She creates sacred spaces for empowerment, spiritual guidance, and trauma healing, blending mindfulness, movement, and tradition. A Mama Glow trained doula, Janisa also leads The Annual Black Birthworkers Brunch, Divine Tribe Doula Mentorship, and The Divine Doula Agency. Inspired by her own journey through postpartum depression and anxiety, she is committed to supporting Black and Brown communities in reclaiming wellness and maternal care.

Cradled In Culture, Reclaiming the Legacy of Black Doula Care

A​ powerful documentary produced by the Atlanta Doula Collective, that delves into the rich history and resurgence of Black Doula care in Atlanta, GA.

Policy Changes, Insurance Reimbursement and Community-Based Initiatives integrating doula services

 Addressing and Navigating  Systemic Racism in Maternal Healthcare

The Georgia Black Doula Day Conference is made possible by the generous donations of our sponsors. Thank You!