Doula Roundtable: "Caring for California's Mamas & Birthing Folks"
Wednesday, December 11, 2024, from 12:00-1:00 pm Pacific time
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Download the FlyerThis panel discussion will provide an understanding of how doulas can help create a safe and healthy space for women/pregnant people in California. From the specifics of doula training to a doula’s potential impact—including teaching women/pregnant people about the risks of preeclampsia and related preterm birth and using low-dose aspirin preventively—the panel will give voice to the important role doulas have throughout pregnancy and birth journeys.
Panelists
Kairis Chiaji (she/her) Birth Doula, Educator/Advocate/Consultant
Mrs. Chiaji, solo-preneur of “Braids, Bits & Babies….”, is on a mission to lower infant and maternal mortality and morbidity in the African American community by increasing the number of culturally competent birthworkers, helping them grow their businesses, and mentoring them in civic engagement. Her passion is running Baby Got Back Up Birth Support Services as a professional and community doula, providing birth support, education, and advocacy for birthing families. Mrs. Chiaji began her practice as a birth coach in 1999 in Sacramento and continues to serve Northern California. She and her global cohort know this humble and hard work saves lives. Her motto is, "There are millions of unplanned pregnancies but there NEVER has to be an unplanned birth."
Mrs. Chiaji was honored to have been the national trainer for doulas seeking the Birthing Project USA (BPUSA) certification from 2001-2023 and served on the organization's Board of Directors in various capacities from 2016-2023. At the end of her term, Mrs. Chiaji founded an affiliated nonprofit organization, Children of the Sun Doula Project, INC, home of Northern California’s first Queens Village dedicated to caring for maternal healthcare providers.
Kamilah Davis (she/her), MSW, CMPSS Program Coordinator, County of Santa Clara Perinatal Equity Initiative (PEI)
Ms. Davis has served as Program Coordinator for the Perinatal Equity Initiative at the County of Santa Clara Public Health Department since November 2020. She received her Master of Social Work from San Jose State University and is also a Certified Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist with a focus on maternal mental health. Prior to serving in this capacity, Ms. Davis gained experience working in mental health, reentry, and school settings.
Nkemka Egbuho (she/her), MPH Program & Navigation Services Manager at Roots Community Health (South Bay), Full Spectrum Doula
Ms. Egbuho is the Program and Navigation Services Manager at Roots Community Health (Roots), a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving marginalized and underserved communities. In her role, Ms. Egbuho oversees the coordination and administration of Roots' programs and projects, both new and ongoing, which includes planning, organizing, and staffing to support program activities. As a key member of the leadership team at the South Bay location, she plays an instrumental role in the success of the Family Programs.
Before joining Roots, Ms. Egbuho worked as a preschool teacher for nearly a decade, supporting children from ages 3 months to 5 years. Her experience in early childhood education provided her with valuable skills and insights for her roles in public health and family services. Ms. Egbuho is deeply passionate about her work, viewing it as a form of community service akin to ministry. She is committed to creating opportunities for voices from underserved communities to be heard and ensuring everyone has a seat at the table.
Ms. Egbuho holds a Bachelor of Science from San Jose State University and a Master of Public Health from Capella University, earned in 2021. Her contributions were recognized by CityMATCH in 2021 and 2022. She was also honored by the Black Mamas Matter Alliance in 2022 for her impactful work with Black women in her community.
Michelle Sanders (she/her), CBE, CLEC Founder of Beauty for Ashes Maternal Wellness, Inc., Full Spectrum Doula, Lactation Educator, Childbirth Educator
Ms. Sanders is the Founder of Beauty for Ashes Maternal Wellness, Inc., a nonprofit organization offering a wide range of perinatal supportive services to those with the greatest needs. Ms. Sanders, a Los Angeles native, is a mother of three adult children, a full spectrum doula, lactation educator, and childbirth educator. She is also the CEO of Legacy Birth Pros, a family-run support agency that serves birthing and parenting families throughout California.
Ms. Sanders has worked with several doula programs in Los Angeles County, including AAIMM Doula Program, Frontline Doulas, and the HealthNet Doula Programs. When she is not working behind the scenes fighting to save Black moms and babies, you’ll see her on the frontline as a fierce advocate, marching, rallying, and being a voice for her community.
Moderator
Lindsay du Plessis (she/her), DrPH, MPH Community Engagement Lead, CMQCC
Dr. du Plessis has an extensive public health background addressing health disparities, collaborating with community partners, and implementing intervention and prevention strategies that empower and improve outcomes among vulnerable populations. In her current role, she organizes and implements outreach activities in partnership with local, regional, state of California and national agencies to reduce maternal, fetal, newborn and child morbidity and mortality among at-risk populations. Lindsay earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with a minor in African American Studies from UC Berkeley and a Master of Public Health in Behavioral Science and Health Education from Emory University. She then earned a Doctor of Public Health in Community Health Sciences with a minor in Epidemiology at UCLA.