Support, Advocacy, and Community Through Doula Services with Leah Hairston

We live in a world where Black birthgivers face a disproportionately higher risk of mortality, with a rate of 44.8 deaths per 100,000 live births*. And Leah Hairston is on a mission to change that number to 0 deaths.

Leah is a seasoned doula, health advocate, and the CEO and founder of Sweet Bee Services, Baltimore's concierge doula agency, with a 100% survival rate. In this episode of Bet On Yourself, Sis!, Leah shares her entrepreneurial journey into the field of doula services and creating a business that prioritizes community needs and well-being.

She discusses the importance of autonomy and choice in maternal health and the challenges faced by Black women in the healthcare system. And she emphasizes the need for education and support in navigating maternal care.

Our conversation highlights the intersection of personal purpose and professional responsibility, and the necessity of addressing financial concerns in the pursuit of impactful work. We discuss the need for Black Women Entrepreneurs to embrace our unique identities and serve our communities.

And, we advocate for rest, noting that it is imperative and not earned. We talk: 8:53 - The importance of autonomy and choice 17:51 - Entrepreneurship in the doula space 29:20 - Sustainable business practices 37:40 - Entrepreneurship as a responsibility and privilege 45:13 - Advice for Black Women Entrepreneurs Episode References: Navigating Identity Shifts in Business and Life with Shervon Laurice * CDC’s Data from the Pregnancy Mortality Surveillance System Connect with Leah! - IG @sweetbeeservices - LinkedIn @lhairston - Website Connect with Pink Lady! - IG @pinkladyprod - Tik Tok @pinkladyprod - LinkedIn @pinkladyprod Follow Bet On Yourself, Sis! on social media - IG @betonyourselfsis - Tik Tok @betonyourselfsis - YouTube @betonyourselfsis