We are committed to revolutionizing maternal health care and ensuring that every mother has access to the holistic health providers she needs. Georgina Dukes-Harris's story is a powerful reminder of why this work is so urgent. Let's continue to advocate for better, more equitable care for all mothers. #MaternalHealth #HealthEquity #HomeBirth #Swishvo
Revolutionizing Access to Holistic Health | Aspen Ideas Health Fellow | Health Innovator | Social Justice Advocate | Tech Leader
This April, I welcomed a beautiful little girl into the world starting with a planned home birth, an experience that was both empowering and deeply transformative. The decision wasn't easy—especially knowing the harrowing statistics about maternal mortality for women of color, particularly those of us who are over 30, in stressful careers, and plus-size. But I knew I needed to take control of my birthing experience to ensure the best possible outcome for my daughter and myself. Surrounded by a dedicated team—my homebirth midwife, three doulas, an assistant, my husband, my mom, and my son—I embarked on this journey with hope and determination. It was a far cry from the birth of my son 12 years ago, where a cascade of medical interventions led to a C-section, and I felt more like a number on a timeclock than a mother bringing life into the world. This time, the experience was different—beautiful and rooted in the belief that my body was capable of doing what it was designed to do. The planned homebirth was costly, yes, but for us, it was a matter of life or death. We chose life. And in doing so, I realized just how urgent the need is to address the disparities in maternal health care, particularly for women of color. This journey has fueled my passion for maternal health and underscored the importance of the work you all are seeing me lead to ensure that every woman has access to the care and support she deserves. If I hadn’t been able to labor at home with my holistic team, I don’t believe I would have had a successful VBAC. Read more about why planned home births are becoming increasingly popular, especially among women of color, in this insightful article by National Geographic