Every now and then, a conversation finds you at the exact moment you need it. That was my sit-down with Latoya Lewis.
This episode of Black. Girl. Iowa. wasn’t just an interview—it was a moment of alignment. I edited this episode on March 11, a day that held weight and significance: National Day of Rest for Black Women and Harriet Tubman Day. I had just turned 39. I was sick—both physically and emotionally drained—but committed to showing up. And somehow, this conversation didn’t take energy from me. It gave me life.
When the Journey Chooses You
Latoya’s path to Iowa wasn’t linear or ideal. Like many Black women, her story is layered with responsibility, resilience, and sacrifice. She arrived in Iowa as a young mother navigating homelessness—seeking stability for her daughter and herself. “I was couch-surfing with an infant. I needed consistent housing. That’s what brought me here.”
But Iowa didn’t just offer stability—it became the place where she would build herself back up. She earned three degrees, including two master’s in public and health administration. That alone would be enough to celebrate—but Latoya’s story goes beyond her credentials. Her true calling was just getting started.
Answering the Call: Becoming a Doula
Latoya’s passion for birthwork began early. As a teen mom herself, she witnessed the vulnerability and isolation that can accompany childbirth—especially for Black women. Later, while working with pregnant teens at the House of Mercy, she noticed something: even in a room full of professionals, Black girls were often unsupported, unheard, and unseen. “I saw Black girls giving birth completely alone. No parents. No partners. No advocates. I knew I needed to do something.”
That “something” became Mahogany Doula Services, a practice rooted in advocacy, education, and support for birthing individuals—particularly those from Black and Brown communities. “I’m not there to speak for you. I’m there to help you speak for yourself.”
In a world where medical racism continues to impact outcomes for Black mothers and babies, Latoya is showing up as a protector, an educator, and a healer.
B.R.A.I.N.: A Framework for Birth—and Life
One of the most transformative parts of our conversation was when Latoya introduced the B.R.A.I.N. framework, a decision-making tool she teaches all of her clients:
- B – What are the benefits of this choice?
- R – What are the risks?
- A – Are there alternatives?
- I – What does your intuition say?
- N – You can say no.
“It’s about informed decisions. It’s about control. It’s about knowing that you get to decide what happens to your body.”
We both agreed—this tool doesn’t just belong in delivery rooms. It belongs in our everyday lives. As Black women, we’re often told to push through, to take care of others before ourselves. What if we paused and asked: Is this serving me? Do I want this? Am I saying yes because I’m afraid to say no?
Building More Than a Business
Mahogany Doula Services isn’t just about attending births. Latoya is building a network—a support system that includes partnerships with community organizations, connections to therapy, and access to wellness resources that go far beyond labor. “I want to serve the whole person. That means mind, body, and community.”
Her vision is clear: to shift how we view birth, health, and Black motherhood. She dreams of expanding her services to include workshops for medical professionals, training for future doulas, and deeper systemic change. “I’ve always been a helper. I just didn’t know there was a word for what I was called to do.”
Rest Is Resistance
Recording this episode reminded me just how much I still struggle with rest. I almost cancelled. I was tired, recovering from illness, and emotionally heavy from a hard week. But instead, I listened to my spirit and leaned into stillness. “Rest isn’t something you earn. It’s something you’re entitled to.” That hit different. In a world that constantly demands our labor, our time, our voice—choosing rest is revolutionary. Choosing peace is powerful. Choosing yourself is the ultimate flex.
My Moment of Clarity
This episode didn’t just leave me inspired—it left me changed. Latoya’s calm, her passion, and her unwavering commitment to her purpose reminded me of my own. That Black. Girl. Iowa. isn’t just a podcast—it’s a space for truth-telling, healing, and community care.
“Your only competition is you. Give yourself grace.”
That’s the energy I’m taking with me into this next chapter. I hope you do, too.
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