Doula Has Attended 80 Births Since She Was 13 and Was There to Support Nephew When His Preemie Died of Rare Condition (Exclusive)

SeQuoia Kemp, a 31-year-old certified doula in Central New York, has dedicated her life to ensuring that expectant mothers feel heard and that their human rights are upheld during childbirth. Her journey into birth work began at the tender age of 13, when she requested to attend the birth of her babysitter’s fourth child. It was during this experience, which involved a Black midwife named Ruth, that Kemp found her true calling.

Since that defining moment, Kemp has been instrumental in assisting with approximately 80 births, primarily in Syracuse, where the rate of Black infant mortality is significantly elevated compared to national figures. “There are people who come to me out of fear,” she explains, noting that many of her clients express a common concern: “I don’t want to die.” This sense of urgency drives Kemp’s mission to address the historical health care disparities faced by communities of colour.

In March, Kemp was appointed president of Café Sankofa, a volunteer-led wellness initiative that includes the Sankofa Reproductive Health and Healing Center, an organisation she co-founded. Additionally, she runs a programme called Standing in the Gap, aimed at enhancing the birthing experiences for mothers who have been overlooked by the system in the past.

Kemp’s commitment to health advocacy is, in part, born out of her own struggles with a serious health issue during her pre-teen years. She endured the pain of large, benign cysts and faced stigmatism at school, where peers questioned whether she was pregnant. After experiencing ruptures and ultimately requiring surgery that led to the removal of her right ovary, Kemp knows how it feels to be dismissed by medical professionals — a sentiment that fuels her advocacy today.

Her professional qualifications include a bachelor’s degree in public health, earned in 2016, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing obtained in 2020, both from the University of Rochester. As a certified doula, Kemp highlights several benefits of her role. Studies suggest that doulas can ease pain during labour, reduce reliance on pain medications, and decrease the likelihood of unplanned C-sections when safe. More importantly, she believes in ensuring that women have a voice throughout their delivery experience. “We’re just your cheerleader,” she asserts.

One of Kemp’s poignant experiences included assisting a client who previously delivered via C-section. During the second birth, Kemp worked with both the mother and a midwife, employing manoeuvres to keep the mother motivated and calm. The situation transformed from one of despair to joy, culminating in a birth where the mother “laughed the baby out,” creating an atmosphere of celebration in the delivery room.

Another mother, Kishana Bartley, reflected on her experience with Kemp during a high-risk pregnancy. Even when Kemp was away at a conference, she remained in contact with Bartley by phone until she could physically be present at the hospital. Kemp’s advocacy allowed Bartley to dictate her birthing environment, such as keeping the delivery room dimly lit and giving birth on her side rather than her back. Bartley described the moment she first held her baby, A’mya, as magical and expressed gratitude for Kemp’s supportive presence.

Even when tragedy struck, Kemp stood resiliently alongside her family. After her teenage nephew and his partner faced the challenging arrival of their son, Psalm, at just 33 weeks gestation, Kemp travelled to New York City to provide support as their doula. Unfortunately, shortly after his birth, Psalm was diagnosed with a rare liver condition and ultimately did not survive. Kemp expressed that his strength and the hope his family found in him made his loss all the more devastating.

In the aftermath of Psalm’s death, Kemp found renewed resolve to uplift her grieving family while processing her own feelings of sorrow. “I just had to be more intentional about how I’m showing up for him and his grief,” she noted. Inspired by the nurse practitioners involved in Psalm’s care, Kemp has contemplated pursuing a similar path alongside her work as a doula and her leadership in the community.

Kemp’s unwavering commitment stems from a desire to prevent infant mortality and support families through their most challenging moments, motivated by the memory of her great-nephew. “I have a renewed commitment to support families,” she said, summing up her mission and her vision for the future. Through her various roles, SeQuoia Kemp is not only advocating for women and their children but also creating a beacon of hope for her community, where equity in healthcare remains a paramount goal.