EBB 371 - Reclaiming Black Midwifery in the South with Dr. Nikia Grayson, Chief Clinical Officer of CHOICES in Memphis

Dr. Nikia Grayson, nurse midwife, family nurse practitioner, and anthropologist, joins us to share how she's helping reclaim and restore Black midwifery in the South. As Chief Clinical Officer at CHOICES Center for Reproductive Health in Memphis, TN, Dr. Grayson has led groundbreaking efforts to open Memphis’ first and only birth center, launch the nation’s first Black Midwifery Fellowship, and provide full-spectrum, justice-centered reproductive care. In this episode, Dr. Grayson reflects on the challenges of dismantling systemic racism in health care, the impact of the Dobbs decision on abortion access in the South, and the importance of investing in doulas, midwives, and community-based care. Dr. Grayson also offers advice for birth workers on building new systems rooted in justice, joy, and liberation.

Content note: Discussion of infant mortality disparities as well as difficulties in accessing abortion care post-Dobbs decision.

(02:33) The Vision Behind CHOICES

(04:44) Obstetric Racism and Health Care Barriers in Memphis

(07:21) Building Memphis’ First Birth Center

(10:34) A Calling to Midwifery and Restoring Black Traditions

(13:41) Early Work in Home Birth and Community Care

(15:19) Growing a Midwifery Team in Memphis

(17:57) Launching the Black Midwifery Fellowship

(20:11) Pivoting Care After the Dobbs Decision

(24:26) Sustaining Joy and Practicing Self-Care in Justice Work

(30:51) Partnering with Doulas and Growing Community Support

(34:27) Investing in Workforce Development and Training

(35:41) Advice for Birth Workers: Build Boldly, Do It Afraid

 

Resources

Learn more about CHOICES: www.yourchoices.org | @yourchoicesclinics

.css-j9qmi7{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;font-weight:700;margin-bottom:1rem;margin-top:2.8rem;width:100%;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:start;justify-content:start;padding-left:5rem;}@media only screen and (max-width: 599px){.css-j9qmi7{padding-left:0;-webkit-box-pack:center;-ms-flex-pack:center;-webkit-justify-content:center;justify-content:center;}}.css-j9qmi7 svg{fill:#27292D;}.css-j9qmi7 .eagfbvw0{-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;color:#27292D;}