Advocating for Change: Addressing Health Disparities in Maternal Care At Ikunle Abiyamo, we are on a mission to address the impact of colonization on birthing practices, improve maternal and infant health outcomes, and promote inclusive and respectful care. We believe that every birthing person deserves access to safe and culturally affirming care, regardless of their background or circumstances. In this blog post, we want to highlight our innovative approach and share how we are advocating for change in maternal care. One of the key aspects of our work is hosting virtual listening sessions for birth workers in both Nigeria and the United States. These sessions provide a platform for open and honest conversations about the challenges and disparities in maternal care. By bringing together traditional midwives, healthcare professionals, and other birthing practitioners, we aim to foster collaboration and cross-cultural learning. These sessions allow us to identify areas for improvement and develop strategies to address the systemic issues that contribute to health disparities. In addition to virtual sessions, we also conduct on-the-ground observations and provide support for uncolonized birthing practices. We believe that alternative birthing positions and natural tearing can have a positive impact on maternal health outcomes. By observing and learning from traditional midwives in Nigeria, we can integrate these practices into mainstream healthcare systems in the United States. Our goal is to create a hybrid approach that combines the best of traditional and modern birthing practices, ensuring that all birthing people receive the care they deserve. Advocacy is a crucial part of our work. We engage with policymakers to advocate for systemic changes that will improve maternal care. We believe that establishing a birth center in Nigeria, where US providers can participate in observational learning, is a step towards creating lasting change. By elevating traditional midwifery practices and empowering Nigerian midwives to share their ancestral knowledge globally, we can address the legacy of colonization in birth practices and promote culturally sensitive and inclusive care. Our website serves as a hub for information and engagement. You can learn more about our mission, values, and goals, and find ways to get involved. Whether you want to subscribe to our newsletter, donate to support our initiatives, or register as a member, there are opportunities for everyone to contribute. We also feature a map on our website, highlighting the locations where our team members are working. This showcases the global reach and impact of our organization. In conclusion, at Ikunle Abiyamo, we are committed to improving birthing practices globally and promoting inclusive and respectful care. Our innovative approach, which includes virtual listening sessions, on-the-ground observations, and advocacy, aims to address health disparities and empower marginalized communities. We celebrate traditional knowledge and diverse birthing practices, and we invite you to join us on this journey of change. Together, we can create a world where every birthing person receives the care they deserve.
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