Conversation Starters
- USA Today Article to jumpstart the conversation:
- USA Today Article: Hospitals blame moms when childbirth goes wrong. Secret data suggest it’s not that simple.
Socials
Notes
- What is a pregnancy related death?
- Not only does it include the death of the mother and child during delivery, but the timeframe from birth up to 1 year and all the complications that can culminate during that time frame.
- Black women are 3-4 times more likely to experience death from childbirth
- 60% of these childbirth related deaths are preventable
- 3 Main Categories
- Social Implications via Racial Discrimination
- Physical Weathering
- What should parents look for to understand what’s at stake during pregnancy?
- Why a birth plan is important.
- Why Angie refers to herself as a silent ninja!
- The hardest thing a mother has to plan for.
- What is a Maternity Coordinator?
- Post Partem Classes
- Breast Feeding Classes
- Advanced Women’s Care
- What is a nurse mid wife?
- Understanding the affects of gestational diabetes on African American women
- How are we looking at Black Women’s wellness as a whole?
- How convenience is jeopardizing women’s health during pregnancy
Black on Black on Black on Black Segment
- The importance of supporting, sharing, and showing up as a black business owner
- Angie sheds light on myths about the Black Business community and talks about supporting up and coming Duala’s
- Hear what Angie is curious about and striving for. (A hint, it relates to putting together an army of black women for the cause)!
- Assumptions about Angie and her business
Community Resources:
- March of Dimes
- La Leche League of Florida
- LEAPS Post Partum Support Group – Meets at Ever’man Groceries Educational Center
- Black Midwives Alliance – International
- Black Doula’s Association
- Melanin Motherhood – Local. Founded by Angela West
References
- Modern Grandmother of Birthing’s – Penny Simkin
- Books
- What is a Doula
- Pregnancy in Childbirth
- Books
Bio
Angela is a birth doula, spiritual mentor, life and holistic coach and founder of Asabi Birth Services. In her role, Angela practices, educates’, and seeks to promote all aspects of Black wellness, through birth, spirit and life coaching.
A big believer in community, Angela supports black entrepreneurship, community development projects and cultural, educational programs.
She is a qualified birth doula who completed certification studies with Commonsense School of Midwifery and Doulas of Northern America (DONA).
Angela is no stranger to hospitality, having spent 10 years as a server trainer and fine dining expert, which taught her the importance of patience and communication.
Prior to starting her coaching and consulting business, Angela spent several years as a classically trained musician. She studied piano from the age of 3 and completed accelerated music programs which include, New Orleans Center of Creative Arts (NOCCA), Loyola University and University of West Florida. While studying towards her vocal music education degree, she performed in several musical theatre productions which include Little Shop of Horrors, Once on This Island, and Into the Woods.
Before joining Navy Federal Credit Union in 2018, Angie worked three years at a 30-year-old, Pensacola-based non-profit organization, the African American Heritage Society, Inc (AAHS). Her job titles with the organization include: Office Manager, Program Coordinator and Executive Director.
In her role, she initiated several grant writing opportunities which funded the AAHS Heritage Scholars Summer Program, and the popular Foo Foo Festival: Storyteller’s Circle Series.
During her service with the organization, she collaborated with numerous organizations which include the Florida African American Heritage Preservation Network (FAAHPN), Florida Humanities Council, University of West Florida Archeology, Escambia County Commissioners, Arts, Culture and Entertainment, Inc. She is a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc, the National League of Professional Women, Doulas International, Inc. and The Black Business School.
In her free time, Angela enjoys crafting, gardening, singing, organizing and reading.
Angela currently resides in Pensacola, FL with her husband Kimathi, son Jelani, and dog, Russo.
