Black doulas in St. Louis want Black mothers to have a voice — and healthy babies

Denetria Thompson remembers her first cesarean section all too well.

During a pregnancy checkup 10 years ago, Thompson’s doctor scheduled her for induced labor. She was 38 weeks pregnant, and her doctor told her she could deliver early if she wanted to.

A week later, Thompson anxiously walked into Missouri Baptist Hospital at 9 a.m. ready to deliver her little girl. After a few hours, her doctor told her she was not dilated enough and would need a C-section. When Thompson asked why, her doctor said she would tell her after the baby was born. Thompson did not question her doctor’s recommendation because she did not know she could.

“I was young, I was 26 at the time, and I didn't know any better,” said Thompson, 37. “I didn't understand you should have gone through the natural processes.”

Black Doulas in the St. Louis region are seeing increasing demand for their services. Many Black women are seeking out trained childbirth professionals to help support them throughout their pregnancies. They want someone to advocate on their behalf in the hospital room, where they have experienced traumatic births or have faced discrimination during labor and delivery.