Today we’d like to introduce you to Amber Churn.
Hi Amber, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I started with being a doula in a very meaningful way. I lived in NYC in 2017 and while I was there, I was a counselor to pregnant homeless women. One of the residence in the home was admitted on her due date and was a DV survivor when she moved in. Her and I quickly bonded and she told me when she went into labour she wanted me there. Long story short, I helped her through painful contractions and the scariest moments in birth. I held her hand and gave her water when the pain was unbearable. Hours after I arrived she delivered a beautiful baby boy. She asked me if I would do the honors to cut the umbilical cord. I said “Yes”! After helping to deliver her baby I have helped countless families (mostly black families) with birth and postpartum doula services. I have served in multiple cities including. Seattle, New York. And Atlanta. On 2021. I incorporated my doula business. The Black Birth Nerds, LLC. My organization has been holding a virtual support group for new moms since the isolating days of the pandemic. We have also raised $10,000 in free doula services for unsupported black moms. We have recently started a new dad support group. I am currently opening a non-profit, Laura’s Loft .’LLC. help families of black descent facing hardships due to unplanned pregnancies. I hope to continue to protect, empower, and guide black families with my doula services!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I think when you work to empower underserved communities such as black women in the Medical space, you will always have pushback. I remember times where to empower my client with the information I will have to deal with Passive aggressive actions from doctors and nurses. I have experienced being physically pushed, Talked down to, and ignored all at the expense of protecting my clients. I also think just advocating for me as a professional and be heard as a black women advocating for change has been difficult. But still, I rise! My passion to see all black families safe in birth and beyond keeps me fighting towards the goal!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
We specialize in offering birth postpartum Doula services to primarily black families. Our goal is to keep them mentally, physically, spiritually, safe during childbirth and beyond with our holistic services. We provide birth and postpartum support. Also, our services include mommy and daddy support groups, physical fitness classes, nutrition classes, and couples support sessions.
Any big plans?
This year we are planning to launch the pregnancy resource center to help those who are needing trdoirved for their pregnancies. We are also looking to connect to local hospitals and teach childbirth education classes, advocacy classes, and birth planning classes. Our hope is to connect to communities that are underserved and provide free Doula services to black mothers and fathers in both the childbirth and post partumphase. We are seeking to add black lactation consultants, pelvic floor therapists, and nutritionists to continue to support black families after birth.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: The Black Birth Nerd
- Facebook: The Black Birth Nerds
