166 | Bennies Babies - Trinity Stephens
Birth doula and student-midwife Trinity Stephens is serving the Southwestern Ohio birthing community at an early age. She's 17 years old but has been a birth worker for four years. She completed her initial training with her Aunt Rhonda and has continued to build her skills and garner further education through training and hands-on work with local midwives.
Trinity with her family
After attending her first birth, virtually, she couldn't serve in the hospital due to her age. Trinity reached out to local midwives to see if she could shadow them. Her parents were supportive and encouraged her to learn a trade; this work aligned with what they had instilled in her. They fully invested in the desires of her heart. As a homeschooler, her schedule allows for freedom of choice and how she spends her time. Trinity was also able to attend college classes and started her research on Black Maternal and Infant Health and solutions to better outcomes and positive experiences. Her research led her to think beyond doula work and explore the obstetrician/gynecologist route. She knows that Black women need to feel safe in their pregnancy journey, and Trinity wants to be a haven. Eventually, she connected with a midwife willing to meet with her, and she has been attending births with her ever since. Trinity fell in love with home birth and has shifted her plans to become a midwife. Seeing safe, natural births have helped her see the possibilities for birthing people to birth without fear and unnecessary interventions. Trinity understands that midwives need to prepare for challenges during birth, and this has also helped her be patient with the midwifery process. She has attended over 100 births and counting. Each birth helps her become more confident about the work ahead. None of the births she has attended count towards her midwifery journey because she hasn't graduated from high school yet. She's not rushing the process and loves learning.
Trinity with her aunt Rhonda Fellows, Doula. Photo courtesy of Sharel Bratcher
Left: Renee Watkins (Student Midwife) Middle: Emily Shultz, CPM owner of Ohio Midwife ( Preceptor) Right: Trinity Stephens ( Student Midwife) . Photo courtesy of Sharel Bratcher
Trinty practicing “Skillz and Drillz” at the Wisdom Midwifery Conference 2022 . Photo courtesy of Sharel Bratcher
Trinity listening to baby’s lungs - Mother: Saige B. Photo courtesy of Emily Shultz
Exploring her family tree regarding birth work has created some interest in her lineage and how it is a birthright. She has three practicing doulas in her family; her cousin, BSiCs own, Danielle Jackson, her Aunt Rhonda, and her Great Aunt Joyce. She encourages more people to answer the call because our people need us. Stepping into the work humble and ready to receive correction. We have an ask - if you feel led to support Trinity with her Midwifery journey, please listen to her birth story, and donate to her Cashapp: Bennies Babies The Doula Service.