Ancient Song Doula Services advocates for women of color
Founder and executive director Chanel Porchia-Albert says the organization offers sensitivity training to medical providers and services to low-income women of color, including those living in shelters and prisons.
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Apr 15, 2023, 5:37 PM
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Updated 468 days ago
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9h agoBrooklyn-based organization Ancient Song Doula Services has been helping women of color through birth and motherhood since 2008.
Founder and executive director Chanel Porchia-Albert says the organization offers sensitivity training to medical providers and services to low-income women of color, including those living in shelters and prisons.
Porchia-Albert says marginalized women face additional challenges during pregnancy that are often overlooked.
“When it comes to supporting brown, Black and indigenous people, I need to talk to them about what to expect if they go into an institution as someone who is on low income, on Medicaid,” she said.
Prior to founding the organization, Porchia-Albert says she noticed a clear lack of resources available for vulnerable demographics.
“Doulas were seen as something that was for middle class affluent women and white women. Not for the poor, Black, or immigrants with substance issues,” she said.
A major part of her work is advocating for policies that break down the institutional barriers that make Black mothers more vulnerable, Porchia-Albert says.
While state budget negotiations are continuing in Albany, Ancient Song and other advocates are also pushing for New York to include doula services in Medicaid coverage.
