We had the good fortune of connecting with melisa scott and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi melisa, what do you want people to remember about you?
I want people to remember that I love this work and that I feel privileged to be able to do it.  Midwives walk alongside people as they experience some of the most intense moments and it is a true honor to be a part of a family’s story.

Much of my work involves listening, teaching, comforting and holding space for women to do their work (in their own way) and another part is advocating for system change.

It is difficult to work within a system (US Maternity Care) that so desperately needs to be different and to acknowledge that it will not happen overnight. I hope that people will remember that I am fighting for change.

What should our readers know about your business?
Being a midwife is amazing, fun, humbling and sometimes heavy. The heaviness comes from working within the American healthcare industry where Black mothers are 3-4 times more likely to die than their white counterparts. Wealth nor education are protective factors for Black mothers and as a Black woman and mother this data is difficult to carry. With my dear friend and dream partner, LaTresa Wiley- I am so proud that we have been able to create a space for Black mothers to be supported and honored. Together, we have been honored to facilitate “Our Village” a support group for Black moms for the past 4 years. Hearing from the moms about how transformative their experience with the support group is something that fuels my passion to strive for equity in our maternal health system.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’ve attached a flyer for the Black Maternal Health Event that is scheduled for April 13th Parkridge community Center in Ypsilanti.

Together, we will shine a light on disparities in Black Maternal Health and uplift the incredible victories fueling Black Maternal JOY!
Free event with food, keynote speakers, professional photo shoot, massages and more.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I dedicate this shout out to the families and women who have allowed me to be present with them in times of great joy and sorrow, Being in the space with pregnant and birthing families is vulnerable and tender- thank you for trusting me.

Website: https://www.umwomenshealth.org/resources/classes-support

Instagram: ourvillagemi

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076844996864 Our Village

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