Talking Motherhood & Black Maternal Health with Lou-Ann Wattley Belk, founder of Well Worth Watering
Dec 4, 2019
Join us for an engaging conversation with Lou-Ann Wattley Belk, creative Mama and founder of Well Worth Watering, a newly birthed blog and online community that channels the pregnancy, birth and mothering stories of black women in order to nourish and empower black birthing people. As we work to dismantle the roots of the deep injustice that exist for black women’s maternal health, we can't ignore the narrative. We have to uplift as many stories of success as we do stories of sorrow. Lou-Ann's goal is to fearlessly hold space for both.
Well Worth Watering serves as a call to elevate the voices of black mother’s unique stories—stories that might otherwise wither on the landscape of the maternal health crisis. It has also become a mantra for Lou-Ann to unapologetically use her voice, creativity and writing for something greater than herself. Committed to learning and growing in her roles as a mother of 2, wife, brand design consultant and creative writer, Lou-Ann now calls Northern Virginia home.
We delved into:
- Challenging our ideas / notions of black motherhood, birthing experiences… honoring the many narratives.
- How anti-blackness impacts black mothers and
children.
- Ways we can all support black mothers - from listening to our
lived experiences to donating to organizations like Black Mamas Matter Alliance
.
- Lifting up self-care along our motherhood journeys.
Resources and Ways to Support -
Submit your birthing / motherhood story to Well Worth Watering
Why Black Mothers and Babies are in a Life-or-Death Crisis, The New York Times
Black Mothers Keep Dying after Giving Birth. Shalon Irving's Story Explains Why (NPR)
Sisters in Loss podcast Spotlights faith filled black women who share their grief and loss stories and testimonies. Black women experience miscarriage and stillbirth four times more than white women according to the NIH and CDC.
The case of Lashonda Harris
Kira Johnson's Case (Judge Hatchett's
Daughter-in-law)
Stay Connected with Well Worth Watering:
https://www.wellworthwatering.com
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Stay Connected with Pray with our Feet:
IG: @praywithourfeet
Twitter: @praywithourfeet
This podcast is generously edited by my hubby, Kes, a talented videographer / photographer / editor at www.keston.online.