Black doulas are a vital part of the maternal health system, offering support, education, and empowerment to expecting mothers. The Journey of a Doula: Leah Hairston, a Baltimore native and founder of Sweet Bee Services, discovered her passion for doula work early on. Inspired by a lack of representation in birth stories, she pursued a career in doula services after her academic journey. The Role of a Doula: Doulas play a crucial role in providing emotional, physical, and educational support to expecting mothers, aiming to ensure a safe and empowering birthing experience. With a team of certified doulas, Sweet Bee Services offers comprehensive care for home births, hospital births, and everything in between. Addressing Disparities: Racial disparities in maternal health persist, with black women facing a significantly higher risk of pregnancy-related deaths. Sweet Bee Services was founded in response to this alarming statistic, serving a diverse range of clients to address health inequities. Empowering Women: Hairston emphasizes the importance of advocating for mothers' health during and after childbirth. By providing continuous support and education, doulas like Hairston empower women to take control of their birthing experience. Doula vs. Midwife: While midwives focus on clinical care, doulas offer continuous support throughout the pregnancy and postpartum period, focusing on emotional and educational support. A Rewarding Impact: The impact of doulas goes beyond childbirth, as they coach, educate, and advocate for mothers, reducing the risk of traumatic experiences. Testimonials like that of Davida McPhee, praising the life-saving support of doulas, highlight the invaluable role they play. For more information on Leah Hairston and Sweet Bee Services, visit https://www.sweetbeedoula.com.