We Are San Antonio Black Doula Collective
SABDC Mission or operates to:
Our mission is to support black families and doulas of San Antonio to help counter the high rates of maternal and infant mortality rates in the following three ways:
First by supporting black families throughout their reproductive and postpartum period with financial assistance to doulas and midwifery services.
Secondly, we advocate for affordable options, and better health care, and seek equitable treatment for black families through collaborative and strategic partnerships.
Lastly, we train professional doulas, provide mentorship and create spaces for doulas to be included in healthcare panels.
Creation of S.A.B.D.C.
It began with a craving for connection, sistahood, and village. Alexis Saabs, Co-President, arrived in San Antonio, Texas and the thought crossed her mind “Where are the other Black doulas?”
So like the go-getter she is, she went looking and in the beginning, she could only find Natasha Sobers, President. Natasha had been doing some work here with her own group and was also looking to connect. The two got together and met more Black doulas Alexis had the idea to create a group where we could lift each other up and let the public know that we exist. Both Natasha and Alexis worked hard coordinating Black doulas and helping them reach out to the Black community of San Antonio to provide representation to Black families during their reproductive period. With the rising number of deaths of Black birthing parents and lack of community in San Antonio, it was more than time to find solutions.
“We are past just repeating the stats of the Black maternal and infant mortality rates, we want to provide a solution”
Natasha Sobers Founding President.
We Do This By:
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Raising Awareness
SABDC raises awareness through free social media content via the major social networks, and our website, and hosts conversations around the reproductive journey and health topics, doulas, and building a community in San Antonio.
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Hosting Events
SABDC hosts events and local meet-ups on topics of advocacy, birth, fertility, postpartum, and parenting to make sure our families know their options. We also strive to make sure doulas are celebrated and appreciated for their work in the community.
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Collaborate
We know we cannot change these stats ourselves so we love collaborating with different organizations and businesses who will help us contribute to solutions for the Black community. We welcome creating a team of midwives, doctors, nurses, legislators, etc. to move the needle forward.
We Serve On Workforce Groups
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C.A.R.E. Iniative
In partnership with the San Antonio Metro Public Health
CARE initiative which will address systemic barriers to care, with a focus on Black maternal health and mental health in San Antonio and Bexar County.
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March of Dimes Collective Impact Doula Initiatives Group for Houston and San Antonio
The March of Dimes Collective Impact Initiative is a national network of cities and communities across the nation focusing on improving birth outcomes and reducing health inequities (the “Initiative”). As a part of Initiative, the Greater Houston Collective Impact Initiative is a cross-
sector partnership that facilitates the improvement of equitable birth outcomes for Greater Houston using a shared vision, collective action and rigorous continuous improvement.
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Healthy Equity and Justice Collaborative
In partnership with UT Health San Antonio School of Nursing Team
Family involvement in the carceral system (justice and child foster and protective services) is an important topic still not widely addressed in health care. As researchers, we are seeking to initiate collective work to improve maternal and infant health for carceral system involved families in the San Antonio community. As you review our invitation letter, we hope that you will consider joining us in the fight to address and eliminate health disparities and promote community resilience in this historically underserved population