The International Center for Traditional Childbearing, ICTC is a non-profit, culturally diverse, pregnancy support, health promotion and training organization. We offer prenatal and parenting classes, doula services/trainings and complete pregnancy support. As a whole, we strive to positively impact the lives of the unborn, newborn, mothers, fathers and their families; through education, breastfeeding promotion, and overall self-care. We are fully committed to the empowerment of women, increasing positive birth outcomes and decreasing infant mortality in African American Communities. Impart: We strive to follow the moral and ethical guidance of our learned Midwives and Healers of past.
7th International Black Midwives and Healers Conference
Call for Papers Application
“Weaving the Cultural Traditions of Midwifery”
ICTC welcomes the submissions of papers for presentations covering all aspects of midwifery including the medical, social, spiritual and political role of midwives in the communities that they serve; evidenced based training models for midwives and doulas, healing work that is beneficial to women during childbearing years and beyond and solutions to addressing infant and maternal mortality and poor birth outcomes in our communities. Also papers on breastfeeding promotion and sustainability, youth programs, preconception health, interconception, fathers, and public health models for capacity building are encouraged. In addition cultural competency, health inequities in communities of color and resilience based models are needed.
Submission deadlines are January, 31st, 2010, late papers will not be considered by the conference committee. For an application, please click here.
7th International Black Midwives and Healers Conference
“Weaving the Cultural Traditions of Midwifery”
October 8-10, 2010, LA, California
Full Circle Doulas speak out against infant mortality.
Portland, OR (BlackNews.com) - A doula is a trained non-medical professional who provides emotional support during pregnancy, labor and the postpartum period. Research confirms that doulas:
* Enhance the pregnancy experience for the mother and family
* Lower risk of premature birth, caesarean and medical intervention
* Can increase breastfeeding beyond six-weeks
"Doulas help reduce infant mortality," says Shafia M. Monroe, ICTC Founder/CEO. "They also provide health education, emotional support and advocacy. In addition, they can be part of the hospital maternity team, serving as a bridge for cultural understanding and community based services."
On a policy level, recent developments will enable certified doulas to submit reimbursement claims to Medicaid and third-party provider insurance companies. This is wonderful news that serves to both validate and legitimize the profession!
Since spring of 2008, ICTC has trained over 100 women and men of color around the country as Full Circle Doulas and certified seven who worked diligently to complete the certification requirements and improve the lives of women and families in their communities!
The training prepares individuals to become professional doulas who then work for positive community birth outcomes. Training covers the Black midwife legacy, birth traditions, spirituality, evidence-based infant mortality reduction strategies, breastfeeding techniques, comfort measures, postpartum care and entrepreneurial skills. Certification is obtained upon meeting the requirements.
Become a Full Circle Doula!
January 14-17, 2010 in Montgomery, AL
February 18-21, 2010 in Portland, OR
April 15-18, 2010 in Atlanta, GA
May 20-23, 2010 in Richmond, VA
Kamala Myree, a massage therapist and trained Doula, says, "This training has empowered me to get out into the world and do the work."
"For many women this training is the gateway for starting on a life-long dream of serving women and being with women in childbirth," says Claudia Booker, a certified doula and ICTC state representative.
Crystal Johnson, doula and mother of two, says, "The training is inspiring me to be a better mom for my own kids. I will incorporate the training into my own life."
Save the Date for the Full Circle Doula Conference!
March 20, 2010 in Oregon City, OR
To register or learn more about the Full Circle Doula training or conference, contact Aqiylah Collins at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or (503) 460-9324 or visit www.ictcmidwives.org. Trainings and conference are inclusive and open to everyone.
ICTC is a Black infant mortality prevention, breastfeeding promotion and midwife training not-for-profit organization. The mission of ICTC is to increase the number of Black midwives, doulas, and healers to empower families, in order to reduce infant and maternal mortality.