Finding Black Birthing Joy in Rural Georgia: Aquarius’ Story
Our Birthing Person: Aquarius Watkins
Other Guests: Dr. Joy Baker, M.D., OB/GYN
Episode Description: While rural communities around the country—like LaGrange, Georgia—are battling limited maternity care access, mothers like Aquarius Watkins, are still striving for joyful birth experiences. With the help of a local Black OB/GYN, here’s how Aquarius advocated for herself and manifested her dream birth. Come join host Kimberly Seals Allers as she travels into the community south of Atlanta where mothers and perinatal physicians are working together to center joy and healing.
- Aquarius Watkins is a 30-year-old stay at home mom in LaGrange, Georgia; a rural community about one hour south of Atlanta. Born and raised in LaGrange, Aquarius gave birth to her first baby in her hometown with the support of a local OB/GYN.
- Dr. Joy Baker is a board certified obstetrician and gynecologist in her hometown of LaGrange, Georgia. After completing her medical school and residency training at Morehouse School of Medicine and Grady Health System, she worked in urban and rural communities for 10 years. In 2019, she became one of the first OB/GYNs to earn special certification in Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders, as well as treatment of addiction in pregnancy. Today, she supports birthing people at Weststar West Georgia Medical Center. IG handle: @deliveringjoymd
- Chanel Stryker-Boykin is the owner of In Joie’s Arms Birth Doula Services, LLC, and a Holistic Labor Support Specialist (Doula), Placenta Encapsulation Specialist, and a Community Childbirth and Lactation Educator in the Metro Atlanta area.
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