Black Family: A Doula Story 56 mins
Produced by Danny Alpert
A Doula Story documents one African American woman’s fierce commitment to empower pregnant teenagers with the skills and knowledge they need to become confident, nurturing mothers. Produced by The Kindling Group, a Chicago-based nonprofit organization, this powerful film follows Loretha Weisinger back to the same disadvantaged Chicago neighborhood where she once struggled as a teen mom. Loretha uses patience, compassion and humor to teach “her girls” about everything from the importance of breastfeeding and reading to their babies, to communicating effectively with health care professionals.
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I am blown away! It's amazing what just ONE person can do...can change people's lives...for future generations. Thank you for making this video. It was so INSPIRING!
Posted by Chaya | Jul 11 2009 at 10:44 pm | report this comment
What an amazing video! What an amazing woman! God bless her and her "team"!
Posted by Stephanie | Jul 01 2009 at 12:34 am | report this comment
Awesome, awesome documentary!
Posted by Divine IZ Earth | Mar 31 2009 at 10:41 pm | report this comment
Loretha is a blessing to this world. May she receive all the support from this world and beyond for the love, compassion and action that she brings to her service
Posted by Pema | Mar 15 2009 at 08:06 am | report this comment
Their are a few moments in this film where you can see a shift in these young lives. What Loretha is doing here is so powerful. So needed. So obviously working. Women empowered to take back their voice in birth. Where no one els can do it for you. And come out the other side a mother. With tools, goals, strong attachment and love. Where is the monument erected to these women who are becoming the foundation on which their own community will stand?
Posted by Mary | Mar 11 2009 at 03:36 am | report this comment
Just beautiful. I was a single homeless woman while pregnant with my first child. I met a wonderful doula while attending classes through the house I was in. She was amazing and everything you could ask for in an adviser, friend and doula. I am currently on my way to becoming a doula and womens advocate. This is inspiring in so many ways!
Posted by Beth | Mar 11 2009 at 03:21 am | report this comment
This is my second post...could someone contact me about getting a copy of this and also being able to post it on our websites and get the word out there. Please respond. Judith@BIrthBalance.com, www.BirthBalance.com, 212-222-4349. THanks.
Posted by Judith Halek with Birth Balance | Mar 10 2009 at 11:18 pm | report this comment
So beautiful and inspiring. Loretha teaches us all so much about mothering the mother. Thank you.
Posted by seasidedoula | Mar 09 2009 at 01:09 pm | report this comment
Amazing! Loretha is empowering these girls to find and use their voices in the most vulnerable time of their lives. Allowing them to take back their lives or find peace within themselves will make them better Moms and help their communities grow. We need more women like her!!
Posted by Diana Hurwitz | Mar 07 2009 at 11:32 pm | report this comment
That was absolutely amazing. I wish all teen moms knew that much compassion and care during their pregnancies. Powerful.
Posted by amelia parker | Mar 06 2009 at 05:45 pm | report this comment
This was a great documentary, and so inspiring. I wish all young mothers could have this kind of help.
Posted by Holly | Mar 04 2009 at 09:01 pm | report this comment
God Bless Loretha and everyone else doing this good work! I would also like to know how to purchase or link to this video.
Posted by Helena Wu, Midwife & Herbalist | Mar 02 2009 at 08:42 pm | report this comment
I, too wish information on how to purchase this important documentary. It should be shared extensively!
Posted by Julie Martin, midwife | Mar 02 2009 at 04:02 am | report this comment
How does one purchase a copy of this video...and I would like to post it on my website...could someone please contact me about this. Beautiful piece. Judith Halek, Director of Birth Balance.
Posted by Judith | Feb 25 2009 at 12:06 am | report this comment
I'm an African American woman filmmaker and soon-to-be first time mother. In my search for African American doulas, I came across this documentary and was moved beyond words. I laughed. I cried. I wanted to hug everybody and be hugged by Loretha. Though I am not a teenager, Loretha is the kind of doula I've been seeking. Her warmth, her humanity, her down to earth approach, and sister love are commendable. This is why doulas like her are essential to the black community, not just to teen mothers but to all sisters expecting babies. Her love and respect are tangible, and are what we do not get when delivering in most hospitals. This is also why Black Media.org is necessary -- to give us the platform to express our voices. Many thanks to all the participants who made this amazing documentary happen.
Posted by Lorna Green | Jun 12 2008 at 08:14 pm | report this comment
This film made me cry, I am so inspired to have a film that will truly serve as an inspiration and teaching tool as this one has been. It is well made! Amazing
Posted by Camille Holder-Brown | Jun 02 2008 at 10:16 pm | report this comment
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Thank you Loretha for your beautiful compassionate soul. I am a former doula . The women you serve are truly blessed to have you. Bless you and your family.
Love & Gratitude
Linda Welch New Hartford Ny
Posted by Linda Welch | Aug 25 2009 at 12:34 am | report this comment