When Lilian Bodunrin first learned about the alarming maternal mortality rates among Black women, she felt a pull that could not be ignored.
As a certified birth and postpartum doula and owner of Lili Doula Birth Services, she cares for women at one of the most vulnerable times of their lives.
A doula is a non-medical professional who provides physical, emotional, and informational support to people during pregnancy, labor, birth, and postpartum.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Black women face higher pregnancy-related complications and mortality rates than white women due to unknown health conditions, inequitable care access, and structural racism within the healthcare system. Culturally based doulas are filling in the gap in maternal care.
Once I discovered the maternal health rates for women of color, it was so disheartening. I wanted to be a part of the change, making sure women have the best opportunity not to lose their lives while bringing in life.
Lilian Bodunrin
Her journey into advocacy and support was “divinely” inspired.
“From a young age, I was often in peculiar situations where people would open up to me. I realized I had a gift to encourage people and help them navigate trauma,” she said. “When the opportunity arose to train as a doula, it felt like a calling. I just felt like God drew me to it and told me, ‘This is where I’m placing your feet.’”
The work is deeply rooted in personal and collective experiences. She heard stories about Black women feeling unheard in the medical space. Tragically, these stories are not just anecdotal; they represent systemic healthcare inequities.
“As an African American woman, I’ve been in doctor’s offices where I wasn’t heard. Decisions were made without truly understanding my needs,” Bodunrin said. “I want to make sure women know their rights and can make informed decisions about their care.”
While Bodunrin’s work begins in the birthing room, it extends far beyond labor and delivery. Mental health support is a cornerstone of her approach, addressing a gap that often goes unnoticed.
“Perinatal and postpartum mental health is so important,” she said. “Pregnancy and fertility journeys change your neurological system, and it’s crucial for women to recognize when they need help.”
Bodunrin normalizes conversations about mental health, encouraging her clients to voice their emotions and seek support when needed. She equips them with resources for postpartum depression, anxiety, or even postpartum rage. She wants to destigmatize getting professional help during challenging life situations.
Among the many families who have benefited from Bodunrin’s expertise, John-Patrick and Azha Egbo shared their transformative experiences during their first pregnancy. As a first-time mother, Azha sought out a doula to navigate the overwhelming new terrain of pregnancy and postpartum. Choosing Bodunrin, a trusted member of their community, became a natural decision.
“Lilian is a bank of knowledge when it comes to all things pregnancy and postpartum,” Azha said. “From providing a parent binder packed with resources to asking thought-provoking questions that helped us map out what we wanted for our journey, she kept us informed and prepared every step of the way.”
When the couple decided to have a home birth, Bodunrin’s support became even more essential.
“We knew a home birth might come with challenges,” John-Patrick said. “But with Lilian’s guidance, we felt confident and equipped to pursue the birth experience we wanted.”
Azha recalled one particularly nerve-wracking moment during her pregnancy: “There was a phase where I experienced really alarming symptoms. I didn’t call my doctor first—I called Lilian. She calmly explained what might be happening, reassured me, and advised me to follow up with my doctor. That level of calm and knowledge was exactly what I needed.”
John-Patrick emphasized how Bodunrin’s guidance equipped him with tools to support his wife during labor.
“Lilian showed me exercises to help relieve Azha’s pain and taught me how to be hands-on. She walked me through the process, told me what to say, and even when to stay quiet,” he said with a laugh.
He also highlighted Lilian’s peace in an inherently chaotic situation. “She wasn’t just a calm presence; she was spiritual grounding for us. She prayed, sang worship songs, and reminded us to center ourselves. Her faith was a major source of strength in that moment.”
For both Azha and John-Patrick, having a doula like Lilian wasn’t just about education or emotional support—it was about advocacy and empowerment.
“Lilian was the ultimate helping hand, especially as a dad who wanted to be involved but didn’t know where to start,” John-Patrick said. “She gave us peace, confidence, and a sense of control in a process full of unknowns. Choosing to have a home birth with Lilian by our side was one of the best decisions we made.”
Her mission is to rebuild the village, the support system every mother deserves.
“Doula support is about being there emotionally, physically, and informationally,” Bodunrin said. “We help clients advocate for themselves and provide a judgment-free space for them to share their experiences.”
