Episode Details

Today's guest is Latham Thomas, a renowned doula and the founder of Mama Glow, an international platform dedicated to maternal health and education that supports individuals throughout their childbearing journeys. Inspired by the profound experience of giving birth to her son 21 years ago, Latham became a doula herself, working with celebrities like Alicia Keys, Anne Hathaway, and Ashley Graham. She also established a doula training program that has educated countless birth workers and positively impacted thousands of families. In addition to her work as an author and visiting professor at Brown University, Latham co-founded the Mama Glow Foundation, a nonprofit focused on promoting reproductive justice and birth equity through education, advocacy, and the arts.

The United States has one of the highest maternal mortality rates among wealthy nations, with particularly alarming statistics for Black women, who are nearly three times more likely to experience death during pregnancy or childbirth compared to their white counterparts. This highlights the crucial nature of Latham's work, especially in centering the experiences of Black women.

In today’s discussion, Latham addresses these shocking statistics and the various strategies she employs to tackle these issues. She also reflects on her upbringing, shares her transformative birth experience, and explores the similarities in raising teens, tweens, and toddlers, as well as the significance of community in motherhood.

Follow Latham on social at @glowmaven and @mamaglow

Details on Doula Expo: https://www.doulaexpo.com/ October 5-6 in Brooklyn. Dubbed “Coachella for Birthworkers and families” by Good Morning America, The Doula Expo by Mama Glow is an annual culture-shifting festival that celebrates and uplifts culture and brings together experts, influencers, celebrities, thought leaders, elected officials, and everyday people making an impact on the future of birth work.

Pod Mapping: https://ausm.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Pod-Mapping.pdf 

Credits

Production: A-List Me https://www.a-listme.com/

Music: Far Eye House

Photo: Birch Thomas

Design: Erin Fox Creative