Denise

In our very first guest episode, Denise explains how a fear of pregnancy and labor as a younger woman evolved into a strong desire to give birth at home. The dedicated educator shares how even a planned pregnancy can be a major game changer. Armed with resources she was able to determine what she did and did not want for her delivery. We hear how sisterhood, yoga, and dance also helped prepare Denise for childbirth. With a supportive husband by her side she was one step closer to having the birth she desired. Stick around until the end of the episode to get some of his insight. Despite some annoying pregnancy symptoms Denise was able to have the birth she envisioned. After Denise's episode had already been recorded the midwife that attended her second birth (not shared in this episode), Claudia Booker transitioned (2/19/2020). Claudia Booker was a Certified Professional Midwife at Birthing Hands Midwifery and Birth Services. She was well respected and loved by so many. She believed firmly in the importance of black birthing women being supported by other black women. Denise shares a dedication to the beloved memory of a phenomenal woman.  Resources mentioned in the episode: Business of Being Born (https://vimeo.com/ondemand/thebusinessofbeingborn2/248173698) Holistic Parenting from the Pan Afrikan Perspective. While the book is no longer being printed, you can watch an interview with the author here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1_IJ5ckYOYo ROOTEAD-- https://rootead.org/ "Rootead Enrichment Center offers healing arts and birthwork programs  that are diverse, inclusive, anti-racist and trauma informed. In order  to be equitable, all services offered through the Enrichment Center are  available at low-to-no cost.". Claudia Booker's Legacy-- https://www.birthinghands.net/