Mothering the Mother: African American Postpartum Traditions with Shafia Monroe

In this rich and powerful episode, host Augustine is joined by co-host Israel Johnson, Licensed Direct Entry Midwife and Certified Professional Midwife from Oregon, to welcome the legendary Shafia Monroe — midwife, author, cultural historian, and founder of the SMC Full Circle Doula Training, the first Black doula training launched nationally in 2002 in Portland, Oregon.

Shafia has just published her long-awaited book, Mothering the Mother: African American Postpartum Traditions, Recipes and Healing, and this conversation is a celebration of that birth — and so much more.

In this episode we cover:

• Shafia's 11-year journey from journal entry to published book
• Why African American postpartum care has been largely invisible — and why that must change
• The historical trauma Black mothers carry, and the healing power of returning to traditions
• Why anemia may be at the root of more postpartum depression than we realize
• The herbs every postpartum mother should have on hand
• Shafia's relationship with Erykah Badu, who wrote the foreword and called the book "the postpartum Bible"
• Why more clinical visits is NOT the same as postpartum care
• The ongoing "midwife problem" in America — and why change is urgently needed.
• The critical mass of home birth across US states and what it means for the future of midwifery
• Why we need to retire the word "patient" for pregnant people — and the word BIPOC
• The burnout crisis in midwifery and why we must return to a collective model

Resources & Links:

• 📖 Get the book: Mothering the Mother — Amazon
• 🌐 Learn more about Shafia Monroe: shafiamonroe.com
• 💼 Now Hiring: Clinical Director at New Birth Midwifery, Chaska MN — newbirthmidwifery.com/job-openings
• 🌿 New Course: Plant Medicine Midwife with Tara Compehos — midwiferywisdomcollective.com
• 🏡 Join our community: skool.com/midwiferywisdom

Join Augustine on the Midwifery Wisdom Podcast as she welcomes Ashley from Michigan, who shares her transformative journey from birth trauma to healing and empowerment. Ashley, a former ICU nurse, candidly discusses the importance of recognizing and honoring birth trauma, advocating for co-care and collaborative care, and the revolutionary experience of having a maternal assisted C-section. Together, they delve into the significance of patient rights, the balance between medical intervention and natural processes, and the profound impact compassionate, dignified care can have on the birthing experience. This episode is a powerful testament to the possibility of change and hope within the birthing community.

Links:
For more information about the Turnkey Birth Centre for Sale in Abilene, Texas, write to amy@midwiferywisdom.com
Follow Ashley's Instagram @birthonherterms

00:00 Introduction and Special Announcement
01:26 Meet Ashley: A Journey of Change
03:32 Balancing Art and Science in Birth
04:08 Challenges in Community-Based Midwifery
08:48 Ashley’s Personal Birth Experiences
21:40 The Maternal Assisted C-Section
37:41 Standing Firm on Informed Decisions
38:21 The Importance of Family Inclusion
39:52 Advocating for Support During Birth
41:16 The Impact of Birth Experiences on Mental Health
42:28 The Need for Patient Rights and Advocacy
44:14 The Role of Communication in Healing
48:36 Transforming Pain into Power
49:11 Balancing Passion and Parenthood
54:12 The Value of Midwives and Postpartum Support
01:04:20 The Importance of Trauma-Informed Care
01:12:58 Advocating for Change in Healthcare
01:16:54 Sharing the Journey and Future Plans

Today’s rerun episode features the incredible Professor Hannah Dahlen, an Australian midwife, researcher, and international leader in maternity care. Hannah has published over 100 papers, spoken at more than 100 conferences, and appeared in documentaries and major media worldwide.

In this conversation, Hannah shares:

• Her powerful journey into midwifery, growing up in Yemen alongside her mother, a practicing midwife.
• The art of holding space in birth, and why it’s often misunderstood as “doing nothing.”
• Stories of humility, intuition, and the delicate balance between action and inaction in midwifery.
• Her vision for shifting the global understanding of midwifery alongside obstetrics.

We're also thrilled to announce the launch of the Midwifery Wisdom Fellowship. Christie Davis and I created this mentorship to help future leaders step into advanced practice with confidence, build sustainable careers, and truly change the culture of midwifery for good.

And here’s the best part — to celebrate, we’re hosting a giveaway! One lucky midwife will win a complete starter kit valued at over $500 — everything from a Doppler and neonatal stethoscope, to a scale, instruments, NRP kit, blood pressure cuff and more. PLUS, a gorgeous handmade Patchwork Carpet Bag from St. Clair Designs to carry it all in.

More details on our website www.midwiferywisdom.com