Meet the Sisters.
ÀBĪYÈ was founded by two sisters who are focused on promoting the wellbeing of the birthing person during their pregnancy and childbirth experience.
As Yoruba American women, it was important to us to select a name that was a reflection of our heritage. Named after the Yoruba word for “successful birth”, ÀBĪYÈ Collective is based in the belief of empowering birthing people with knowledge, resources, and information to ensure they feel confident to birth on their terms.
Co-Founder, Birth & Postpartum Doula
Ade
Ade is a Mama Glow Birth & Postpartum Doula. She was called to this work because of her commitment to protecting and affirming Black Life. Since becoming aware of the inequities that Black birthing people face in labor and delivery, Ade is committed to doing everything in her power to educate, inform and advocate for those bringing babies earthside.
“I wasn’t familiar with the title of doula, but I’ve been doing the work my whole life. Surprisingly enough my debut as a doula was at age 2, while I comforted my mother during the labor and delivery of my sister.
I believe that a support system for the birthing person is the cornerstone to preparing to deliver. I’ve observed the power of having personal relationships play a role in birth stories, and I’ve been honored to have also experienced the power in being part of a support network during pregnancy, labor and delivery.
My strength in advocacy and education is rooted in my career-long work in policy and government relations. Throughout my professional career, I have found success in my recognition that we share the same basic needs; to be seen, to be heard, and to feel assurance. I’ve noticed the same needs are present for birthing people, and I love the connection between these two areas of my passions.
In May of 2020, alongside my sister Abiola, I completed my Birth Doula training through Mama Glow, and I followed up with Postpartum Doula training through Mama Glow in August, taught by Master Birth Doula Latham Thomas. I am a practicing Mama Glow Doula Trained caregiver, working towards final certification.
I’m honored to venture into this next endeavor with my lifelong best friend and sister. I’m excited to share the heart and spirit of ÀBĪYÈ with all who may recognize a reflection of themselves in it."
Co-Founder, Birth & Postpartum Doula, Advanced Practice Nurse
Dr. Abiola, DNP, MPH, RN, PHN
Dr. Abiola is an Advanced Practice Public Health Nurse and Mama Glow Doula with a passion for both her local and global community. As a firm believer that everyone should be equipped with the knowledge and resources to live a healthy life, Dr. Abiola enjoys engaging community members, leaders, and political representatives in conversations and action pertaining to health equity, birth equity, and addressing historical trauma in BIPOC communities.
“My journey to this work started at birth, but I was made aware of it in 2014 when a nursing professor told my class to inquire about our birth stories as a homework assignment.
My vague and distant understanding of the injustice Black birthing people faced in the U.S was made crystal clear through my mother’s retelling of both of her birth stories.
This journey continued in 2017 when I worked as a public health/home visiting nurse for a local public health department. After years of denying a calling in Maternal & Child Health- I accepted this position because an AMAZING BLACK WOMAN helped me realize that public health, health equity, and racial equity all had a home in the Maternal and Child Health field under the umbrella of birth equity.
My work allowed me care for birthing people, support parents, support the social, physical, and behavioral development of children birth to 5 years, co-lead a Birth Equity Community Council, and co-create health interventions that prioritized the wellbeing of U.S- born and foreign-born Black communities and birthing people.
In May 2020, I took a pivotal step in my doula journey and completed my Birth Doula training with Mama Glow and world renown Doula and birth advocate, Latham Thomas. In August of 2020, I completed Postpartum Doula Training via Mama Glow and am currently a practicing Mama Glow Doula Trained caregiver, working towards final certification. In October 2020, my sister and I created the ÀBĪYÈ Collective and we are excited to receive each and every one of you who feel connected to our ethos and essence."
