Grand Rapids 1st Black CPM: Licensed Midwife

July 6, 2020 I passed my Midwifery Board exam, and later became the 1st Black and Afro Latina Certified Professional Midwife in hometown of Grand Rapids, MI. I have been serving my community for 6 years as a Birth worker, Lactation counselor and support group facilitator. This journey has taken me years to complete and  I am beyond excited to get home and serve my community. Lately we have seen the devastating effects of racism in healthcare evident by the Maternal mortality rates of Black women. I want to raise funds in order to buy all the necessities of a new Home birth practice. That includes renting office space which I estimate will cost 7-8k per year, Supplies, Home birth scholarships for low income families and community outreach and education. At my practice I never want to turn a family away due to the financial aspect of choosing to birth at home. I realize that low risk families want to avoid the hospital due to Covid-19 but finances have been a hinderance for many families. I desire to offer care to all families regardless of race and socioeconomic class. I desire to work with Spanish speaking families as well and bring back aspects of culture that have been lost. I am asking my community to help fund births for families who are unable to pay for services.  Community support is what got me this far and I am asking that you continue to support me in my efforts to serve those who are facing devastating mortality rates in our city. Many studies have shown that institutional racism in the healthcare system is one of the causes of the increased morbidity and mortality statistics that continue to plague the Black community. Every birthing person deserves to give birth with who and where they feel safe. 

I am so grateful for all of the support I have gotten over the years and I am excited to be in a position to give back. 

If you would like more information on my midwifery practice, please check out the link below:
www.delaflormidwifery.com