In today’s episode, we talk with Carla Belliard, a doula from the Dominican Republic. She talks about birthing in Latin America and how it’s more common in the DR to give birth through a C-section. This is because most workers have insurance, and there’s a cultural stigma surrounding vaginal birth on the basis of social status and fear. We discuss cultural attitudes surrounding birth and the origins of these attitudes. We also talk about the importance of educating women about the process and consequences of C-sections vs. other birthing procedures. We discuss Informed consent and how, in Latin America, women are not allowed to question their doctors. We talk about how the family dynamic in Latin America can affect the birthing experience and vice versa, as well as supporting and empowering moms and planning for a positive birth and postpartum experience.

-Birthing Culture in Latin America 3:57
-Educating Women About Birth 23:35
-Informed Consent; Birthing and Family Models 34:31
-Making Empowered Choices and Influencing Others to Do the Same 44:12

“And I always emphasize the importance of knowing who you choose to be your provider. Maybe talking about how your provider is working for you, and not you for your provider, is the first step. Like, empowering everyone -- whether you’re black, latino, asian, white -- how, if you choose to work with a provider, your provider is working for you. You’re paying that person.” 36:24