Tia Lindsey

Member of BElovedBIRTH Black Centering Community

I’m from Oakland, born and raised. Growing up, I was part of Black communities of kids that we still kick it today. It was our families dropping us off to other families. We were playing soccer or going to the lake and going on hikes and learning karate together.
 
Black Centering feels very much like that, and I’m glad that my daughter has an opportunity to be a part of that. Because it’s not just we’re going to get you through the pregnancy. It’s totally about postpartum. It’s totally about family organizing, what you’re doing in the community, how can we help you, those type of things.
 
I chose to give birth at Highland because of the new birthing center. My mom was talking about it for years because she works at Eastmont. She told me, “Highland has this awesome new birthing center, and you have to take a tour.”
 
As a Black mother, the mortality rate is very alarming. And to have the support and understanding and the care that’s been provided has been impeccable and super comforting. Literally the Black Centering program became the center.

Just knowing I’m going somewhere that I will be absolutely cared for, my kid will be absolutely cared for, our narrative is understood, my family is protected and they want the best outcome for us—is a huge deal. Most of the midwives that I’ve met here, and even the nurses, they’re from here and this community is important to them, so they understand people like me and my family.