In this season we’ve been talking so much about how we hold space for those in our care through the complicated parts of pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. In this week’s episode we are diving into reflection as a tool for holding space for ourselves and our work as birth professionals.
We are thrilled to have Cheyenne Scarlett, MA, ECS, BCD, ECE on the show today to explore her research into the experience of Black perinatal health disparities in Toronto, and what lead her to create a journal resource for birthworkers. Cheyenne is the author of Deep Dive: A Self-Reflection Workbook for Birthworkers and is also a certified childbirth educator who uses insights from her research to guide preparing folks for birth.
Cheyenne Scarlett, MA ECS, BCD, ECE 
Maggie Runyon, MSN, RNC-OB
Cheyenne (she/her) is a researcher, educator and advocate. Cheyenne has a particular interest in how childbirth affects child development and has been advocating for better perinatal health care on social media. Cheyenne is a certified childbirth educator and doula and she works with both parents and healthcare providers to improve birth for all people. You can follow her work on Instagram @motherofscarletts
What is the role of reflection in growing as birth professionals as we process our own experiences, show up for our clients, and learn to provide more nuanced care?
Cheyenne has some incredible insights to share to help guide your path as you consider how to move forward and deepen your self-awareness.
Join us in conversation as we explore:
~the impact of storytelling in understanding birthcare
~the interaction of birth trauma and child development
~experiences of Black parents during birth navigating complexities of Canada’s healthcare system
~balancing the need for systemic change, personal change for birth pros, and preparation for birthing people
~disconnect between the care people think they’re providing and the way people experience it
~the power of self-reflection for birth professionals
~the role of reflection as part of a trauma-informed care practice
~navigating defensiveness that can come up during reflection
You can learn more about Cheyenne’s work and her journal,
Deep Dive: A Self-Reflection Workbook for Birthworkers here!
Check out this episode’s full transcript or tune in wherever you enjoy podcasts.
We’d love to hear from you; join our community group to discuss!
Music from https://filmmusic.io
“Gonna Start” by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)
License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)