How Black Midwives Can Help our Broken Maternal Healthcare System | Dr. Nikia Grayson | TEDxMemphis

NOTE FROM TED: TEDx events are independently organized by volunteers. The guidelines we give TEDx organizers are described in more detail here: storage.ted.com...
Up until the early 20th century, most births were attended by midwives and happened in the home. As pregnancy and birth became increasingly more medicalized, physicians became the primary caregivers and birth was moved into the hospital environment. Midwives, many of whom were Black women, were excluded. In recent years, midwifery care has made somewhat of a return, but today, less than 6% of midwives in the United States are Black. Dr. Nikia Grayson supports midwifery as part of the solution to our broken system, particularly training and developing a workforce of Black midwives who understand their patients' lived experiences. Dr. Nikia Grayson is a public health activist, anthropologist, and nurse who has devoted her life to serving and empowering people in underserved and marginalized communities for more than 20 years. Working interdisciplinary in the areas of culture, health, and education, Nikia’s work has explored the associations between power, culture, and gender. Dr. Grayson received her Bachelor degree in Communications and a Master of Public Health degree from Howard University. She earned a Master of Art in Medical Anthropology from University of Memphis, a Master of Science in Nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from University of Tennessee Health Science Center, and her midwifery education at Frontier Nursing University. Dr. Grayson is currently the Director of Clinical Services at CHOICES: Memphis Center for Reproductive Health. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@sandyloosesit]

This needs to be publicized more.

[@smc130]

Yes. It’s long overdue.

[@CulinaryGuide]

This is so important

[@angelah1759]

Goodness in the city of Memphis! Each one Teach One!

[@smc130]

Midwives were being eradicated in the northern states since the early 1900’s, especially in New York, Boston and other large metropolitan cities. It’s just took a little longer for doctors in the south to care enough to feel their power was threatened by midwives. The medicalization of obstetrics and moving birth into hospitals was a sad day for pregnant women. Infection rates went up because the midwives were actually cleaner, I.e. handwashing before and after examining women, infants and in between patients.
Retired RN - certified in obstetrics with 30 years experience.

[@SavannahRayReynolds]

Great video. Very important information.

[@bellbell9990]

❤️

[@joannd.5410]

Great information!!!❤👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@benettaward6055]

Yes!!!!

[@caimbeauty9628]

I’m a birth doula 💕💕💕

[@jenmarshallpepper]

👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻