Support Families' Access to Home Birth

My name is Scharisse.  I had the transformative experience of having a home birth in September.  Since the birth of my baby, I have become involved in the birthing community, training as a doula in the hopes to combine birthwork with my work in early childhood education.  

It is my belief that every low-risk birthing person DESERVES the option for homebirth. Prior to transfering to home birth care, I experienced racism and classism, and I knew that this was not the way that birthing should be. In NYC, statistical data proves that BIPOC families need better care. We should feel seen heard and appreciated by culturally sensitive providers.

When I was approached to help with this fundraiser, I immediately agreed. Our goal is to cover Jackie's home birth expenses, donate extra funds to  Birth From the Earth’s Amber Rose Issac Access to Home Birth Grant, and help cover costs for two low-income clients I am currently supporting for free.  We want to help low-income BIPOC people in NYC have access to births they want!

Here is Jackie's story:

I’ve always dreamt of having home water birth, yet due to lack of support, misinformation and fear mongering from my medical providers against home birth, I was convinced otherwise.

After two hospital birth experiences, a vaginal birth followed by a cesarean birth - both at a widely known NYC facility - this pregnancy I’m most certain about finally pursuing my dream to have a home water birth. During both of my prior labor and delivery experiences, I received care that seemed robotic or lacking humanity, an “assembly line" approach - which ultimately led me to feel unsupported and unheard. This time, I truly desire a more personalized approach, which encourages and uplifts my awareness and health decisions about my body and my baby. I have sought out midwifery care to birth at home!

Yet, the single obstacle in the way of my dream birth becoming reality is finances. My insurance barely helping, combined with high living expenses, it is difficult to do this on our own, so I’ve been encouraged to seek support from “community.” My goal seems so close, and in these heightened times, I know homebirth is the path I want to take, yet remain in need of financial support from anyone willing and able to help, so I humbly ask for donations to help me reach my goal.

We are so hopeful that our community can get us there!