EBB 316 - Discovering a Passion for Birth Work and Training the Next Generation of Black Doulas with Brandie Bishop, CEO of the National Black Doulas Association

·37 min·3 clips

A refugee woman, seven months pregnant, traveled to the U.S. and later reunited with her husband after birth.

The episode begins with host Rebecca Decker introducing Brandy Bishop, CEO of the National Black Doulas Association. Brandy explains her unique path to birth work, starting from a childhood desire to help people and a job at a homeless shelter in Detroit. She details her internship with World Relief, where she worked with refugee families, including pregnant women, which sparked her interest in doula care. A chance encounter with a doula at a hospital led her to research and pursue birth work. Brandy contrasts birth practices in America, where the baby is often the focus, with other cultures that prioritize the birthing person. She emphasizes the importance of making birthing individuals feel heard and seen. The discussion shifts to the National Black Doulas Association, founded by Tracy Collins in 2017 as a directory and community for Black doulas. Brandy describes its growth into a training organization offering doula, postpartum, fertility, placenta encapsulation, and sex and intimacy doula trainings. Key principles in their curriculum include the history of obstetrics and gynecology, contributions of granny midwives, and addressing Black maternal mortality. Mentorship is a core component, pairing trainees with experienced doulas for hands-on learning. Brandy shares an inspiring story of supporting a refugee woman from Central African Republic who gave birth in the U.S. and was later reunited with her husband. She highlights the need for education and advocacy, urging listeners to take action against maternal mortality. The episode concludes with resources for the NBDA and a call to support evidence-based birth practices.

As heard by us

A grounded conversation about training Black doulas as part of maternal health advocacy.

Brandy Bishop's move from birth work toward training and leadership gives this episode its center: Black maternal health advocacy depends not only on care in the room, but on who is being prepared to provide it.

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Why you'd press play

You want a close, human conversation with Brandy Bishop about training the next generation of Black doulas and stepping into leadership at the National Black Doulas Association.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

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