Birthworker Spotlight Brandis Holloway-Webb

How long have you been working in the maternal health field? What brought you to this work and what ignites your passion for it?

I have been working in this field since 2015. From a young age, I knew I wanted to work with pregnant people. My mother works in the health field and I remember watching a documentary with her as a young girl showing conception to birth. I was blown away and very fascinated with the whole process and as I got older that fascination with human anatomy and physiology grew with me. I was in a health and science academy at my high school, which allowed us to explore careers in the health sciences and classes related to those professions. It was clear to me early in life that I wanted to take care of people but especially people having babies! The more I learned the more my love grew for caring for and supporting families. Then I had my own experiences with pregnancies and birth and more than ever want to help others have the best experience of an event that they will remember for the rest of their lives!

In what area do you serve professionally and regionally?

I work in the Peoria and Bloomington areas as a nurse, birth assistant at The Birth Center, lactation consultant, birth educator, and occasional birth coach for friends and family. 

This year’s theme for Black Maternal Health Week  is “Building for Liberation Centering Black Mamas, Black Families & Black Systems of Care.” Why do you think this theme is important in the climate of Black Maternal Health? How do you think our local community can work to Center Black Mamas, Families, and Systems of Care?

I think this theme is important because we know that black people, particularly black women, have worse birth outcomes across the country compared to our counterparts for simply existing in the body we were born into. A light has to be shown on us in order to make change happen. When we can lift up a population left behind we all win, we will all benefit and become a happier and healthier society. 

I would like to see the central Illinois health care community have more awareness of Black Maternal Health because as a whole I don't get the sense that people who care for these families are aware of the full weight of this issue. We definitely have leaders that are aware and have taken action already but we need as much community support to help support black birthing families. Second, just listen. People can feel the need to defend when talking on this subject but the evidence is clear on what the status is for people birthing while black. We need the people outside of the black community to first listen to our experience and HEAR us and many will find what action to take next. 

There is a long way to come in terms of Black Maternal Care in our country, but can you share moments of triumph or joy to in relation to being a Black Mama or Black Birthworker? Moments where you have come alongside someone or someone in our community has come alongside you?

I find joy every day in the little things, from the tiny kisses I get from my son to the dance parties I make my husband and son have with me. 

As a black birth worker, I find joy in the connection I get to build with families and in showing black families that black birth workers are few but we are mighty. 

Though black people have had challenges in this country throughout history there is one thing that continues to persist... Black Love. The black community doesn't dwell in the doom and gloom but finds a way to love each other and find joy in life even when the odds are against us.

Tell us about what's coming up for you? Where can we find out more about your work or more resources about Black Maternal Health?

I hope to be a part of Peoria’s second Black Breastfeeding Week again this summer supported by the Central Illinois Breastfeeding Task Force, otherwise, I will be learning and finding ways to support the cause when they arise. 

I encourage people to follow Black Mamas Matter Alliance online, their IG has many resources to take advantage of especially this week.   

HAPPY BLACK MATERNAL HEALTH WEEK! 

Thank you so much to Brandis for sharing her time and wisdom with us and for serving families in our community with such love and commitment!