Episode 48: When One Thrives, We All Rise: How to Be an Ally in Women’s Health Equity

 

🖤 “It’s Not My Story”—Why That’s Exactly Why You Should Listen


𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆’𝒔 𝒂 𝒎𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒊𝒏 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚 𝒋𝒖𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒄𝒆 𝒋𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒏𝒆𝒚 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝒘𝒆 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒛𝒆: 𝒔𝒊𝒍𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒊𝒔 𝒂 𝒍𝒖𝒙𝒖𝒓𝒚 𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆 𝒑𝒆𝒐𝒑𝒍𝒆 𝒋𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒅𝒐𝒏’𝒕 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆.

In Episode 48 of The Boob Business Podcast, we dive into a conversation that’s often avoided, yet deeply needed: the intersection of racism and maternal care. This episode isn’t about blame. It’s about seeing the truth more clearly, holding space for it, and learning how to respond with heart, humility, and hope.

We’re joined by Dr. Courtney E. Williams, a maternal health researcher, sociologist, and someone who not only studies reproductive justice—but lives it. Her insight brings clarity to a topic often clouded by discomfort and defensiveness.
 

Why This Conversation Isn’t Optional

When we talk about breastfeeding or birth experiences, we tend to focus on latching, pumping, pacifiers, and sleepless nights. But for many Black birthing people, those practical questions are layered beneath something much heavier: inequity, invisibility, and systemic barriers to care.

Black mothers in the U.S. are 3 to 4 times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white mothers. That’s not just a number. That’s someone’s sister, best friend, client, or patient. And if it’s not your story—it’s still your responsibility. Because a broken system doesn’t just hurt “them.” It reflects all of us.
 

The Stories Behind Black Breastfeeding Week

If you’ve ever wondered why there’s a need for Black Breastfeeding Week, you’re not alone. In this episode, we unpack the why behind this initiative—not as a “separate” movement, but as a necessary correction in a world where Black breastfeeding journeys are often erased, shamed, or misunderstood.

This isn’t about division.
It’s about visibility.
Representation.
Healing.
 

Dear Allies: Here’s How You Can Show Up

Dr. Williams doesn’t leave us with just problems—she offers pathways. Gentle, clear, and rooted in lived experience, she outlines how white doulas, healthcare providers, and supporters can actually help.

🫶 Show up without centering yourself
👂 Listen more than you speak
📚 Stay curious and committed to unlearning
🤝 Lead with empathy, not ego

You don’t need a script. You just need to care enough to keep showing up.
 

If You're Feeling Uncomfortable, You're Probably Paying Attention

This conversation will stretch you—but in the best way. It’ll remind you that real support doesn’t come from being right. It comes from being present. And committed.

Whether you’re a birth worker, a new parent, a medical professional, or just someone with a heart for equity—this episode is a mirror and a map. A mirror to see what’s really happening. A map to help guide what you do next.
 

A Few Ways to Keep Learning

Because care doesn’t stop at the conversation:


🎧 Ready to Listen?

Pull up a chair. Bring your heart.

 👉 Click here to listen to Episode 48 of The Boob Business Podcast.

This is how we start shifting the story—from silence to solidarity.