Grand Doula Basmah Karriem has been in the birthing community for over 35 years. Birth freedom, justice and equality is the core that allows her to effectively communicate for the rights of mother and child. While she encounters the physical side of birth, she invests in the spiritual side which brings about the powers of the birthing process. Culturally speaking, she believes a mother should be supported during this exceptional time in her life. This support is necessary to bring about positive outcomes which will reduce disparities in our communities. She realizes there must be a community effort to save these valuable lives. She is a leader, advocate, teacher, and trainer who maintains birthwork as a continuous priority. She is our sister’s keeper.

 

She is the Chief Creative Officer (CCO) of Mother of Civilization Birth Services which includes the MOC Training Program, Childbirth Education, Lactation support and Midwife Assistant. Matriarch of United Black Birth Collective (UBBC), A Trainer for SMC (Shafia Monroe), Grand Doula for Mommies, Babies, Bellies and Daddies, She is an assistant midwife for Traditional Birth Ministry and 2023 Advocate of the year for SMC.

 

She has received the Richmond City Infant Mortality Prevention Award in the state of Virginia. She has held many birthing hands throughout the nation. Working as a community doula has allowed her to come face to face with injustice and disparities shared by so many women of childbearing years. 

"I've assisted in over 500 births over the span of 35 years in service to the Birthing Community."