Lilian Bodunrin was drawn to the disturbing maternal death rates among Black women when she first learnt about them.
She provides care for women during one of their most vulnerable periods as the owner of Lili Doula Birth Services and a licensed birth and postpartum doula.
A doula is a non-medical practitioner who helps people during pregnancy, labor, delivery, and the postpartum period by offering them physical, emotional, and informational support.
Because to unidentified medical issues, unequal access to care, and systemic racism in the healthcare system, Black women experience higher pregnancy-related complications and mortality rates than white women, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The vacuum in maternity care is being filled by doulas with cultural backgrounds.
She was divinely inspired to pursue a career in advocacy and support.
I was frequently in odd circumstances when individuals would open up to me from an early age. “I discovered that I had a talent for motivating others and assisting them in overcoming trauma,” she stated. It seemed like a calling when the chance to train as a doula presented itself. I had the impression that God had drawn me to it and instructed me to place my foot there.
The work has a strong foundation in both individual and group experiences. She heard accounts of Black women in the medical field feeling ignored. Unfortunately, these accounts reflect systemic healthcare disparities and are not merely anecdotal.
I have experienced being ignored in doctor’s offices as an African American lady. Bodunrin said that decisions were made without a thorough knowledge of my demands. I want to ensure that women are aware of their rights and are able to make knowledgeable decisions regarding their care.
Bodunrin’s work goes much beyond labor and delivery, even though it starts in the birthing room. A key component of her strategy is mental health support, which fills a gap that is sometimes overlooked.
According to her, mental wellness during pregnancy and after giving birth is crucial. The neurological system changes during pregnancy and the fertility process, and it’s critical for women to know when they need assistance.
Bodunrin encourages her customers to express their feelings and ask for help when necessary by normalizing discussions about mental health. She provides them with tools to deal with postpartum anxiety, melancholy, or even anger. She aims to make seeking professional assistance during trying times less stigmatized.
John-Patrick and Azah Egbo, two of the several families who have profited from Bodunrin’s knowledge, talked about the life-changing events that occurred during their first pregnancy. In order to deal with the daunting new landscape of pregnancy and the postpartum period, Azah, a first-time mother, looked for a doula. It seemed obvious to pick Bodunrin, a dependable community member.
According to Azah, Lilian is an expert on everything related to pregnancy and the postpartum period. She kept us informed and ready at every turn, from giving us a parent binder full of information to posing insightful questions that enabled us to plan out our goals for the journey.
The couple’s decision to give birth at home made Bodunrin’s assistance even more crucial.
According to John-Patrick, “we knew a home birth might come with challenges.” However, under Lilian’s direction, we felt secure and prepared to go after the delivery experience we want.
During her pregnancy, Azah recalls one particularly anxious moment: There was a time when I had really concerning symptoms. I called Lilian before I called my doctor. She soothed me, carefully described what might be going on, and suggested that I see my doctor again. I really needed that degree of peace and understanding.
John-Patrick highlighted how Bodunrin’s instruction gave him the means to help his wife through labor.
Lilian taught me how to be hands-on and demonstrated activities to assist ease Azah’s agony. He laughed as he continued, “She guided me through the process, telling me what to say and even when to keep quiet.”
He also emphasized Lilian’s calm amid an otherwise frantic circumstance. She provided us with spiritual grounding in addition to being a serene presence. She reminded us to center ourselves, sang worship songs, and offered prayers. One of her main sources of support throughout that time was her faith.
Having a doula like Lilian meant more to Azah and John-Patrick than only receiving knowledge or emotional support; it meant advocating for their rights and empowering them.
According to John-Patrick, Lilian was the perfect helping hand, particularly for a father who wanted to get involved but wasn’t sure where to begin. In a process full of unknowns, she brought us calm, assurance, and a sense of control. One of the best choices we have made was to give delivery at home with Lilian at our side.
Rebuilding the village—the network of support that every mother deserves—is her goal.
According to Bodunrin, doula assistance entails being present on an emotional, physical, and informational level. We support our clients’ self-advocacy and offer a safe, accepting environment for them to talk about their experiences.
Note: Every piece of content is rigorously reviewed by our team of experienced writers and editors to ensure its accuracy. Our writers use credible sources and adhere to strict fact-checking protocols to verify all claims and data before publication. If an error is identified, we promptly correct it and strive for transparency in all updates, feel free to reach out to us via email. We appreciate your trust and support!
