Midwifery has never disappeared. In Black communities, it endured across generations despite exclusion from formal medical systems. Enslaved and free Black midwives once attended the majority of births in the United States, serving not only as birth attendants but as healers, educators, and trusted community leaders. Their knowledge sustained families long before modern maternity care and that legacy remains active today.

Through policy change, community leadership, and evolving care models, midwifery continues to center dignity, continuity, and informed choices.

Black History Month is a time to celebrate the extraordinary contributions of Black individuals across all fields, and among them, Black midwives stand as pillars of strength, wisdom, and care. For centuries, we’ve played a vital role in maternal and infant health, preserving traditions, advocating for birth equity, and ensuring that families receive the support they deserve. Our journey has been marked by triumphs, challenges, setbacks, and comebacks—but through it all, our legacy of healing has endured.

The disparities in maternal health outcomes are influenced by a complex interplay of systemic racism, socioeconomic factors, and inadequate access to quality healthcare. However, there is growing recognition of the positive impact that midwives, doulas, and birth education can have on improving Black maternal health outcomes. In this blog post, we will delve into the facts and myths surrounding Black maternal health and explore how midwives, doulas, and birth education are making a difference.