ReBirth of a Nation: Why These Black Traditions Matter with Linda Jones

How we enter this world matters. But white supremacy has infiltrated even the most sacred aspects of Black culture, including our birthing practices. On today’s episode, we’re uncovering the often-erased historical roots of Black childbirth and the deadly implications of its medicalization. Our guest, Linda Jones, is here to break it all down.
Linda, a postpartum birthing doula, birth photographer, and co-founder of Black Women Birthing Justice, has spent three decades serving women of color in their birthing journeys. Her work doesn't stop there, though-she also co-directs the Mothers for Mothers Postpartum Justice Project in the Bay Area and supports similar organizations.
Linda's going to help us understand how reclaiming our birthing culture can serve Black families, communities, and our collective liberation. Get ready to explore the power of Black birthing in this episode you don't want to miss!
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Black History Year (BHY) is produced by PushBlack, the nation's largest non-profit Black media company. PushBlack exists to amplify the stories of Black history you didn't learn in school and explore pathways to liberation with people who are leading the way. You make PushBlack happen with your contributions at BlackHistoryYear.com - most people donate $10 a month, but every dollar makes a difference. If this episode moved you, share it with your people! Thanks for supporting the work.
The BHY production team includes Jareyah Bradley, Brooke Brown, Amber Davis, and Elyse Rawlings. Our producers are Cydney Smith and Len Webb for PushBlack. Engineering and editing the show is Lance John with Gifted Sounds. Our executive producers are PushBlack's Julian Walker and Lilly Workneh.

[@metaphysician9]

Miz Jones I am 77 yrs. I am so thankful to know of you and your work. Thank you so much for explaining 'THE BLACK TRADITION OF BIRTHING. In 1965 when I was 18- I had my daughter a Mid-January baby-prematurely at a hospital. I wish I could facetime with you and tell you of my experience and inexperience. When I was able to take her home I brought her to my best friends house to show her off. Her grandmother berated me for taking her outside so soon and told me to strip down. She was West Indian with a strong accent. I did as I was "Commanded to do!"- she tore up a white sheet and wrapped me tight- I repeat tight! She told me to leave it in place for a week and then return to her! I could hardly breathe on the one hand but it felt like a "hug" on the other! She explained that the top of my baby's skull (cradle) was open and that I had to be very careful not to touch it and to watch what temperature water to use. I had terrible pains in my stomach over the months that made me double over. Grandma gave me "herbals' and healing teas and after 3 months it subsided. She lived across the street from me and demanded to see me and my daughter regularly. I just about worshipped her for her knowledge and I believe that had it not been for her me or my baby would have died. Raised in an orphanage I ate chips & Soda while pregnant and never went to a doctor. I didn't understand "water breaking or anything". We desperately need to get back to our traditions... Thank you PushBlack, Thank you Miz Linda! 💞💞💞

[@PushBlack]

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