Lakiyah Green, an expecting mother, holds her stomach outside the Bolivar County Library in Cleveland, Miss., on Friday, Dec. 7, 2024, after attending a workshop for expecting parents. She is six months pregnant and preparing for the birth of her first child in March. Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi Today
At the Bolivar County Library in Cleveland, expecting parents gathered in early December for a hands-on workshop to prepare for labor and delivery.
The event, led by certified doula Brittany Isler, aimed to equip families with tools and confidence for a safe birth experience.
Among the attendees was Lakiyah Green, 17, who is six months pregnant and expecting her first baby, a boy, in March. Isler will be Green’s doula later this year and receive free services to guide her through the birthing process.
“I wanted to learn everything about birth,” Green said. “I saw this online, and my stepmother encouraged me to come. The positions and movement techniques we learned today were so helpful.”
Green shared her excitement for the journey ahead.
“I’m excited and have confidence in the process,” she said. “Coming here gave me even more confidence.” When asked what she was most excited about, her answer came with a smile: “Just meeting my baby.”
Lakiyah Green, an expecting mother, sits on a birthing ball during a workshop at the Bolivar County Library in Cleveland, Miss., on Friday, Dec. 7, 2024. The ball is used to help promote movement and comfort during labor. Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi Today
Isler, who has worked as a doula for three years, is passionate about empowering families with knowledge and support.
“Lactation is my first love, but I became a doula after hearing clients’ birth stories and realizing they needed more support,” she said. “I’ve experienced traumatic births myself, and I know how important it is to advocate for moms and teach them they have a voice.”
Brittany Isler, a certified doula, poses for a portrait at the Bolivar County Library in Cleveland, Miss., on Friday, Dec. 7, 2024. Isler, who has been supporting expecting parents for three years, offers free doula services to those in the Mississippi Delta. Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi Today
The workshop emphasized evidence-based practices, including six simple steps for achieving a safe and healthy birth.
“Many moms in this area don’t know their options or feel they have the right to ask questions,” Isler explained. “Classes like these help break down stigmas and empower parents with knowledge.”
Brittany Isler, a certified doula, walks through a slideshow about birthing techniques during a workshop at the Bolivar County Library in Cleveland, Miss., on Friday, Dec. 7, 2024. She guided expecting parents through key information to help prepare for a safe and confident birth experience. Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi Today
In Mississippi, where maternal health outcomes are among the poorest in the nation, free workshops and services like these provide critical resources to families who might not otherwise afford doula support.
“Education helps improve outcomes because knowledge is power,” Isler added. “Now, these parents know they have choices, and they’re not alone.”
The session created a warm and welcoming environment, with parents sharing their thoughts and learning about building a supportive birth team. Events like this offer hope and reassurance to families preparing for childbirth in a state where maternal health education is critically needed.
Brittany Isler, a certified doula, provides birthing information to expecting mother Lakiyah Green during a workshop at the Bolivar County Library in Cleveland, Miss., on Friday, Dec. 7, 2024. The event aimed to empower parents with tools and knowledge for a safe and confident birth experience. Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi TodayAttendees listen as Brittany Isler, a certified doula, provides birthing information during a workshop at the Bolivar County Library in Cleveland, Miss., on Friday, Dec. 7, 2024. Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi TodayBrittany Isler, a certified doula, presents a slideshow on birthing techniques during a workshop at the Bolivar County Library in Cleveland, Miss., on Friday, Dec. 7, 2024. She provided expecting parents with valuable information to help them prepare for a safe and informed birth. Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi TodayGift boxes filled with new mom essentials, including diapers, wipes, and bottles, are in place at the Bolivar County Library in Cleveland, Miss., on Friday, Dec. 7, 2024, during a workshop for expecting parents. Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi TodayNew mom essentials, including diapers, wipes, and bottles, are seen inside gift boxes at the Bolivar County Library in Cleveland, Miss., on Friday, Dec. 7, 2024, during a workshop for expecting parents. Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi TodayBrittany Isler, a certified doula, presents expecting mother Lakiyah Green with a gift box of new mom essentials, including diapers, wipes, and bottles, during a workshop at the Bolivar County Library in Cleveland, Miss., on Friday, Dec. 7, 2024. Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi Today
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