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A South L.A. Birthing Center Built By Black Midwives And The Community
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There’s a long history of disparities in infant mortality and maternal health for people of color. Two local midwives are trying to do something about it.
In L.A. County, Black moms are four times more likely than white moms to die of complications related to pregnancy and childbirth. African American babies are three times more likely than white babies to die before their first birthday.
“While the overall infant mortality rate in California is declining, wide disparities persist in different race ethnic groups, and these disparities are increasing,” said Anura Ratnasiri, who authored a recent study about birth outcomes in the state.
Midwives Kimberly Durdin and Allegra Hill believe the individualized care they provide through Kindred Space LA is one part of the solution.
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“Feeling empowered in your birth is something that you carry with you forever,” Hill said.
It’s an experience they hope to bring to more people with the opening of a new community-funded birthing center in South L.A.
“This space doesn't really belong to us,” Hill said. “It feels like it belongs to everybody. And we're constantly trying to figure out how to let our community benefit from this space.”
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