Today we’d like to introduce you to Abriona Markham.
Hi Abriona, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
In 2018, I was a senior in college and became a first-time mom. I made the decision to breastfeed my baby, a decision deeply informed by my undergraduate research on why Black families were not breastfeeding at the same rate of other demographics. Breastfeeding started as a mere question when I was informed on the amazing benefits and later became very personal. I discovered that Black families do indeed breastfeed, however my research opened up the shocking disparities in Black infant and maternal mortality rates, and how Kansas mirrored the national crisis.
Nurturing my desire to make change, I helped co-found the Black Breastfeeding Coalition of Topeka. I quickly learned that my efforts needed a new approach. I needed to reach families before obstacles set in, and their lack of support superseded their excitement to nurse their baby. Therefore, in 2022, I became the only active Black doula in my county and took on the Executive Director role at Topeka Doula Project, Inc.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
For the most part the journey ebbs and flows. We have networked with a lot of amazing people along the way and that leads us to new and exciting things. The other side is our communities still need education on what we are and what we do. We are doing the educational part little by little and we are hoping it catches on. We have been able to see our impact on a small scale which is great for such a small organization.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
We envision a future where every family, regardless of circumstance, has access to a safe, supported, and empowered perinatal experience. We want everyone who wants a doula no matter barriers to have one if they want one. Our main work is birth doula services, where a specialized individual gets to know you, your values, and what’s important to you in order to make sure you have the information you need to make an informed decision on your birth process and after. Autonomy is important to us, as a doula we do not make decisions for you, but we are a megaphone that amplifies the decisions you make. We serve underrepresented families and families who don’t have the extra money to pay out of pocket. We also have the only maternity clothing closet in our county available to anyone who needs it. Our slogan is: “Nurturing the community through Birth” because we want to let our community know that we can remail connected no matter what part of parenthood you’re in, in order for people to build their community or village.
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.topekadoula.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/topekadoulaproject?igsh=MWo5dW44cXdtOWdpYw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BcBKN3uLG/?mibextid=wwXIfr
