PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — Etta Wallace found her passion in birth work after becoming a labor and delivery nurse in 2018.
That’s when she decided to launch her own business Love, A Labor Nurse.
“Love, A Labor Nurse provides doula services and breastfeeding support. We’ve recently hosted the Black Moms Breastfeed Too event the last few years,” she said.
As a certified childbirth educator, doula, and lactation specialist, Wallace said her favorite part about birth is teaching women each step of their labor and allowing them to make informed choices.
The Love, A Labor Nurse team is comprised of Wallace and three other nurses with various backgrounds. The doula services and birth education Wallace’s team provides is important, especially heading into Black Maternal Health Week, which kicks off April 11 and ends April 17.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states black women are three times more likely to die from a pregnancy-related cause than white women.
The agency cites multiple disparities, such as variation in quality healthcare, underlying chronic conditions, structural racism, and implicit bias.
Wallace said they’re working to raise awareness surrounding maternal health for all.
“Back in October, the maternal health report came out and shows that 91% of maternal deaths were preventable. In turn, we want to bring awareness and raise funds to provide doula services to for people in the community to provide the best outcomes as possible,” she said.
On Sunday, Love, A Labor Nurse will host a Maternal Run for Health to bring attention to the poor maternal health outcomes in Illinois.
“I want to bring the whole birthing community together,” Wallace said.
Attendees can participate in the 5K or one-mile walk, learn about resources, education, and get refreshments.
