Community Highlights: Meet Brittney Palmer of Glow & Grow Childbirth

Today we’d like to introduce you to Brittney Palmer.

Hi Brittney, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Back in the day, before I was old enough to really be interested in the concept of childbirth, The Learning Channel (TLC) ran a show called A Baby Story with each episode featuring a new set of families preparing for a new baby and documenting their labor experience and I was hooked. I didn’t know any other elementary aged kids who aspired to be OBGYNs, or have anything to do with birth for that matter, but at 11 years old, I was absolutely fascinated. I found myself in the local library reading and reviewing any and everything I could find on pregnancy and knew I was meant to somehow, have a career focused on the miracle that is birth.

In 2020, after completing my Masters in Public Health, I finally took the leap towards connecting with my purpose training as a birth doula and starting my business, Glow & Grow Childbirth. This was amazing timing, as my family and closest friends began starting their own families, allowing me the privilege of witnessing their transformation into motherhood and greatly shaping my doula practice.

In tandem, I have developed my career as a maternal health professional at a national nonprofit. In this role, I work to spearhead collaboration with local communities, national partners and funders to address maternal health through a health equity prioritized lens. The best practices I’ve learned and relationships I’ve built working alongside community based doula and maternal health organizations leaders offer yet another factor that greatly influences my doula practice.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I believe that the most significant obstacle to this work are the many systemic issues at play such as racism and socioeconomic factors like access to quality healthcare that contribute to what we now know as the Black Maternal Health Crisis and the sense of apathy that keeps these systems afloat. My role as a doula is meant to offer families the support they need to navigate those challenges and have a birth experience that is affirming, respectful, dignified, and safe.

Another challenge I can speak to that I imagine new, and seasoned, doulas may encounter is the need for a strong community of birthworkers to walk alongside them in their journey. The mentorship I receive from the InnerLight Holistic Doula Mentorship Circle has been paramount to my confidence and sustainability as a doula. While I am typically an independent, self-starter, after a short time I realized that this deep and complex work demands that you exist in community where you are able to learn, receive wise council (or a hug), and decompress in a safe environment.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Glow & Grow Childbirth ?
Described as personalized and holistic, Glow & Grow Childbirth offers a variety of support during pregnancy, labor, birth and postpartum emphasizing evidence-based care, empowerment and education. With both in-person and virtual doula services available, my approach centers on dignity for families, informed-decision making and advocating for client’s individual needs. From accompanying clients to prenatal visits to developing individualized birth plans, Glow & Grow Childbirth is there to be a trusted member of your birth team.

With my very beginnings as a doula being shaped by the experiences of my closest friends, I specialize in and am known for bringing a certain level of humor and authenticity that builds trust and connection birthing families need within their support team during what can be a very stressful time. My goal is to curate an intimate experience for families from our prenatal sessions to the delivery space. I work to prioritize evidence based practices and making space for joy and celebration of the miraculous event that is childbirth. In other words, I bring “the vibes”! It’s an honor to watch my all of my doula babies & families grow and I pride myself on my repeat clients and referrals.

Any big plans?
My plans for the future include first, continued education on all things pregnancy, birth and postpartum as understanding new evidence and best practices is essential. I also hope to parlay my skills as an educator to expand Glow & Grow Childbirth’s offerings into more formal, regular Childbirth Education opportunities. Going from a 1:1 model to a larger group format will help me impact a greater number of families while minimizing the burnout many doulas face.

Finally, I look forward to connecting with Atlanta leaders from diverse sectors to continuing to leverage my experience with on-the-ground doula work, my public-health training and public speaking skills to influence, moderate and/or facilitate maternal-health conversations and more importantly, actionable work towards birth equity in Atlanta and beyond.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.glowgrowchildbirth.com
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittneyjpalmer/
• Other: Brittney@glowgrowchildbirth.org

Image Credits
– Queenest Harrington -March of Dimes -Mama Glow, Doula Expo