04/22/2024
On this Earth Day, let's recognize the work of birthworkers pushing through the climate crises happening throughout the world.
As our climate crisis grows, so do the health risks for pregnant people. The ongoing climate crisis worsens the already pressing maternal health issues. Severe heat and air pollution contribute to preterm labor, low birth weight, stillbirth, and other adverse pregnancy outcomes. Additionally, the stress induced by increasingly frequent and intense natural disasters like wildfires, flooding, and hurricanes, driven by climate change, further jeopardizes pregnancy outcomes.
Furthermore, marginalized Black and Brown communities, who already endure elevated rates of maternal mortality, stillbirth, and premature birth, disproportionately reside in areas with higher temperatures and poorer air quality. This disparity stems from historical racist redlining policies, heightening the risks associated with pregnancy for these communities.
As community members, doulas are empathetic to climate challenges but are rarely equipped or compensated to handle them. Most are pushing through, providing clients with their services and knowledge during emergencies like hurricanes, droughts, floods, and wildfires.
While corporations are the largest contributors to our current climate issues, individual action is still very important. Drop your favorite sustainable practices in the comments below so we can all learn together and help create a better Earth for all.
If you'd like to read more about doulas working on the front lines of climate crises, you can find the full quoted article at the link in our bio.
