The Midwifery Folklorist™: Accomplishments & Innovation
Designated Days, Inventions, Innovation, Models of Care and Publishings
Discover and learn about designated days, groundbreaking inventions, innovations, firsts, models of care and publishings created by the Midwifery Folklorist™ Okunsola M. Amadou. These innovations have transformed maternal health and midwifery education granting Okunsola with three designated days in honor of her accomplishments for Black families and the global maternal health system. Models of Care have been made available for implentation world wide via license for qualifying organizations-embodying a decade of creating equitable, culturally centered solutions for families and communities.
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Midwife Okunsola Day: St. Louis County Council designates every October 26th as Midwife Okunsola Day, 2021
Jamaa Birth Village Day: St. Louis County Council designates every April 15 as Jamaa Birth Village day, 2021, City of St. Louis designates every April 15 as Jamaa Birth Village day, 2024
Black Doula Day™ founded by Okunsola: St. Louis County, St. Louis City, Columbia and Kansas City, MO, designates every April 11th as Black Doula Day™, 2022, Celebrated globally as of 2024
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African Indigenous Pre-Colonial Midwifery Framework™ (Patent Pending)
Patent Application: A Procedure for Restoring and Protecting African Indigenous Pre-Colonial Midwifery™ Practices
Folk Midwifery™ Certification Pathway (Patent Pending)Patent Application: A Three-Level Model for Protection and Promotion of Traditional Midwifery Practice
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First Black Certified Professional Midwife Student in Saint Louis- 2015
First community based Black Maternal Health organization in St. Louis-Ferguson-2015
First Black owned, led and taught doula training in Saint Louis- 2016
Launched the first Black doula collective in Missouri & Saint Louis, 2018
First home birth book in America written by a Black Midwife for Black women- “A Black Woman’s Guide to Home Birth: For Women & Families of Color & the Birth Workers Who Serve Them”- 2018
First Black woman in Missouri to graduate from the Midwives College of Utah- 2019
First Black Certified Professional Midwife in Missouri- 2019
First Black Owned Midwifery Clinic In Missouri, Saint Louis & Ferguson- 2015
Opened the Equal Access Midwifery Clinic, Missouri’s first wraparound, holistic Black Maternal Health Midwifery care practice, Juneteenth 2020
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Black Student Midwife Model of Care©-2015
Equal Access Midwifery Clinic Model of Care©-2018
Okunsola’s Community Doula Training©-2017 (Rebranded 2022)
Birth Center & Postpartum Retreat Haven Model of Care©-2022
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The Moon Goddess Guide Book: Herstories, Rituals and Practical Guidance to Awakening Your Inner Lunar Power, by Okunsola M. Amadou (Previously known as Brittany “Tru” Kellman), 2012, 2018
A Black Woman’s Guide to Homebirth: For Women and Families of Color & the Birth Workers Who Serve Them, by Okunsola M. Amadou (Previously known as Brittany “Tru” Kellman), 2018
Medicaid Reimbursement for Doula Services: Definitions and Policy Considerations, Co-authored by Okunsola M. Amadou
A Black Woman’s Guide to Becoming a Doula: Unlocking Your Full Potential as a Birth Worker & Perinatal Support Person, by Okunsola M. Amadou, 2024
Education, Conferences & Panels
Explore my dynamic speaking engagements, keynote presentations, and conference materials that share insights from my 10+ years of experience in maternal health, midwifery, and folklore. Through education and advocacy, I bring the stories and strategies of folk midwifery to audiences worldwide, inspiring meaningful change.
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Community Yoga Instructor, St. Louis County Library Indian Trails Branch Library, 2009-2010
Women’s Healing & Restorative Circle Facilitator, St. Louis Community, 2009-2014
Staff Yoga Instructor: Library In-Service Day, St. Louis County Library, 2011
Reiki Master Teacher & Trainer, 2011-2017
Herbal & Aromatherapy Workshop Facilitator, Cheryl’s Herbs, 2014-2015
Doula Training Educator: Uzazi Village 2016-2018, Jamaa Birth Village (Okunsola’s Community Doula Training©)- 2016-2025, 460+ doulas certified globally
Doula Education Workshop Lead Facilitator: Barnes Jewish Hospital, Missouri Baptist Hospital, Progress West Hospital, Children’s Hospital, Goldfarb School of Nursing, Washington University OB Med Students- 400+ providers trained, NICU & L & D Nurses, Midwives, OBGYNS, MFM Specialist, and CHW’S-2023-2025
Technical Expert Advisory Panel Advisor: March of Dimes, 2023-2024
Mother Baby Action Network Advisor: March of Dimes, 2023-2024
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Death by Delivery Documentary Screening & Panel Discussion-Washington University, 2018
Home Visitation Stakeholder Panel-Missouri Foundation for Health, 2018
Black Women in Activism: Addressing Racial Health Disparities-Black Studies Department University of Missouri Columbia, 2018
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Keynote-Black Maternal Health in Missouri: Implementing Thriving Solutions that Work-University of Missouri Columbia, 2019
Eliminating Racial Bias: Thriving Solutions that Work-MO Family Health Council Conference, 2019
Integrating Risk Appropriate Care: Advancing Black Maternal-Infant Health-Maternal Infant Health Convening, 2019
Healthy Moms and Babies: Paving the Path to Reproductive Equity-Panelist Washington University, 2019
Implicit Bias in Perinatal Mental Health: Root Issues w/Practical Solutions-Heartland PMAD, 2019
Black Midwifery 101-Jamaa Birth Village, 2019
Black Women in Activism: Addressing Health Disparities- University of Missouri Columbia, 2019
Midwives College of Utah Graduate Address: Small Steps, Big Footprints, 2019
Missouri Maternal Mortality Conference: Panel Discussion, 2019
Family Pride Workshop- St. Louis, 2019Centering Community in Healthcare Practices: Panel-Reproaction, 2020
Black Mamas Matter Alliance: Black Maternal Health Week Presenter-2020
Expansion of Black Maternal Health Solutions Amid COVID: Maternal Infant & Health Convening, 2020
Women’s Health & Wellness Panel- St. Louis Mental Health Board-2021
City of St. Louis Department of Health HIV/STI Prevention: Women’s Health Panel-2021
Jamaa Birth Village: Evidence Based Midwifery, Doula Care & Perinatal Mental Health-23rd Annual Low Birth Weight Partnership Workshop, MBRC INC., 2021
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St. Louis Black Maternal Health Week: Press Conference, 2022
Legacy of Homer G. Phillips: Panel-Missouri History Museum, 2022
Every Family Deserves a Doula: Community Doulas for Expecting Families & Their Support-Missouri Regional Bootheel Consortium- 2022
Birthing Justice Documentary Screening & Panel Discussion-Missouri Foundation for Health, 2023
Integrating Spirit Work into Midwifery: Flower Essences, Homeopathy & Ritual- Black Midwives Day Conference, 2023
Community Midwife Day: Convening of Black Midwifery Movement Leaders Panel- Georgia State Capitol, 2023
Black Mamas Thriving: Shifting Birth Culture in St. Louis-St. Louis Racial Equity Summit, 2023
Jamaa Birth Village: Robert Woods Johnson Foundatiom Catalyze Summit, 2023
Birthing Justice Screening- Washington University, 2023
Black Maternal Health Panel Discussion-Saint Louis University, 2023
MCH in Missouri: Masters Public Health Students, SLU, 2023
Keynote-Reducing Maternal Mortality Through Love, Acceptance, and Representation: The Parlee Center for Science and the Common Good at Ursinus College, 2024
Keynote-History of Black Midwifery: MO History Museum, 2024
Black Doula Day™ Pep-Rally & Panel: Black Mamas Matter Alliance, 2024
Maternal Mental Health Seminar: Speaker & Panelist: Washington University, 2024
Voices Unheard Panel: Black Maternal Health-Black Anthology Washington University, 2024
Reflecting on Reproductive Justice Symposium: Panel Discussion-Reproductive Justice, Health, Rights, Working Group, 2024
Traditional Midwifery Skills for Student, Certified & Licensed Midwives-NBMA 2024
Calling In Spirit: Exploring & Reclaiming the Foundations of African American Traditional & Spiritual Midwifery- NBMA & BMMA BMHC-2024
Black Doula Day™ Black Mamas Matter alliance Pep-Rally: Black Maternal Health Week, 2024
Black Doula Day™ Press Conference: City of St. Louis Department of Health 2024
Sister Doula Film Screening Keynote: City of St. Louis Mayors Office 2024
Missouri Maternal Child Health Regional Convening: National Governors Association, 2024
Safer Childbirth Cities Hill Day: Legislative Rounds, Merck for Mothers, 2024
Advisory Committee on Infant & Maternal Mortality: Panel Discussion-HRSA, 2024
St. Louis Regional Discussion on Maternal Child Health: Panel Discussion- National Medical Association & the City of St. Louis Department of Health, 2024
American Hospital Association Accelerating Health Equity Conference, 2024
Fostering Health Equity in Missouri: A Focus on Mothers & Infants, 2024
Improving Maternal Health Outcomes in St. Louis: Spring Council Meeting Panel- St. Louis Metropolitan Hospital Council, 2024
Risk Appropriate Care, Missouri Black Maternal Health Summit, 2024
History of Black Midwifery-Facing Race Conference, 2024
Humans of STL Panel-Barnes Jewish Hospital, 2024
Recognition & Awards
Proclamations & Resolutions
Over the years, my work has been honored with 10 proclamations and 7 resolutions, including a Congressional Resolution, for advancing Black Maternal Health. These recognitions reflect a relentless commitment to equity, innovation, and the preservation of traditional midwifery practices.
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Proclamation-Saint Louis County Executive Sam Page designates every April 11-17 as Black Maternal Health Week due to the trailblazing work of Jamaa Birth Village- April 2022
Proclamation-City of St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones’ office designates every April 11-17 as Black Maternal Health Week due to the trailblazing work of Jamaa Birth Village and every April 11th Day of the Black Doula- April 2022
Proclamation-Saint Louis County Executive Sam Page honors Black Breastfeeding Week August 25-31st on behalf of the pioneering work of Jamaa Birth Village in normalizing Breastfeeding in the Black Community-August 2023
Proclamation-City of Saint Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones’ office honors Black Breastfeeding Week August 25- 31st on behalf of the pioneering work of Jamaa Birth Village in normalizing Breastfeeding in the Black Community-September 2023
Proclamation-Saint Louis County Executive Same Page honors every April 11th as Black Doula Day coined by Okunsola M. Amadou-April 2024
Proclamation-Saint Louis County Executive Sam Page honors every March 14th as Black Midwives Day and the inaugural Missouri Black Maternal Health Summit every April 16-17 led by Jamaa Birth Village- April 2024
Proclamation-City of Saint Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones’ office honors every April 11th as Black Doula Day coined by Okunsola M. Amadou-April 2024
Proclamation-City of Columbia Missouri honors the inaugural Missouri Black Maternal Health Summit every April 16-17 having taken place the first year in Columbia, MO, led by Jamaa Birth Village- April 2024
Proclamation-Missouri House of Representatives honors every March 14th as Black Midwife Day and every April 11th as Black Doula Day- April 2024
Proclamtion-Missouri House of Representatives honors the inaugural Missouri Black Maternal Health summit taking place every April 16-17 led by Jamaa Birth Village- April 2024
Proclamation-City of St. Louis Mayors Office recognizes Jamaa Birth Village 10th year of service and annual History of Missouri Midwives event.-October 2024
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Resolution-Saint Louis County Council names every October 26th Midwife Okunsola day and every month of October Community Midwife Month on behalf of the pioneering work of Jamaa Birth Village- October 2021
Resolution-State of Georgia Resolution honoring pioneering, innovative and trailblazing Midwives across America that improved Black Maternal Health-March 2022
Resolution-Saint Louis County Council designates every April 11-17 as Black Maternal Health Week due to the trailblazing work of Jamaa Birth Village-April 2022
Resolution- Congresswoman Cori Bush honors every April 11-17 as Black Maternal Health Week due to the trailblazing work of Jamaa Birth Village and Okunsola M. Amadou and honors the future Birth Center in Ferguson, MO- April 2022
Resolution-Missouri House of Representatives designates every April 11-17 as Black Maternal Health Week due to the trailblazing work of Jamaa Birth Village and every April 11th as Day of the Black Doula- April 2022
Resolution-St. Louis County Council recognizes Jamaa Birth Village’s 10th year of service and the Inaugural History of Missouri Midwives event, 2024
Resolution-Missouri State Representatives honors Okunsola M. Amadou and Jamaa Birth Village for it’s work in increasing Black breastfeeding rates in the state, 2024
Grants & Awards
My career has been supported by over 20 grants under my leadership for Jamaa Birth Village-focused on maternal and child health, empowering initiatives that uplift midwives, doulas, and families. The over 20 awards underscore a history of impactful, results-driven programs that prioritize accessibility and cultural integrity in maternal care.
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March of Dimes-Centering Pregnancy, 2017
Missouri Foundation for Health, Dr. Corrine Walentik Grant, 2018
Together Rising, Midwifery Clinic renovation, 2018
Merck for Mothers, Safer Childbirth Cities Initiative, STL 360 Doulas Initiative, 2021-2024
Yellow Chair Fund, Safer Childbirth Cities Initiative, STL 360 Doulas Initiative, 2021-2024
Birth Center Equity, Birth Center Funds, 2022
Groundswell Fund, Repreductive Justice Fund, 2022
Together Rising, Birth Center Project, 2022
Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, Cora Faith Walker Doula Scholarship, 2022-Current
March of Dimes, Mother Baby Action Network, Hospital Friendly Doula Initiative, 2023
Every Mother Counts, 2024
Race Forward, Rinku Sen Award, 2024
Panorama Fund, Maternal Health Equity Initiative, 2024
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Briana Blackwelder Scholarship Award- Midwives College of Utah, 2015
STL Phenomenal Woman Award, 2018
Standing Up For Moms & Babies Corrine Walentik Provider/Practitioner Award, 2018
Missouri Foundation for Health Dr. Corrine Walen0k Leadership in Health Award, 2018
Midwest Sociological Society 2019 Social Action Award, 2019
The 2020 Care Award Community Action for Reproductive Equity, 2020
Midwives College of Utah Alumni of the Year, 2020
Merck For Mothers Safer Childbirth Cities Initiative Award, 2020
Focus St. Louis What’ s Right with the Region Award, 2021
BJC Hospital Cares Award, 2021
Honorary Georgia Citizen Award, 2022
Saint Louis County Library Black History Frankie Freeman Inspirational Award, 2022
Delux Power 100 Most Influential People in St. Louis, 2022
St. Louis Living Legends Award, 2022
St. Louis Black Maternal Health Queen Mother Award, 2022
National Philanthropy Change Makers Award, 2023
Kalpha Alpha Psi Inc. Black History Pioneer Award, 2024
National Black Midwives Alliance Community Visionary Award, 2024
Saint Louis County District-1, Community Hero Award, 2024
American Child Health Programs (AMCHP), John MacQueen Lecturer Award, 2024
St. Louis American Foundation Salute to Young Leaders Award, 2024
Race Forward Rinku Sen Award, 2024
Anthem Awards-Health Community Space Award, 2024
Merck for Mothers 2024 Safer Childbirth Cities Initiative Designation-St. Louis, 2024
Impact, Press & Media
Boards, Committees & Memberships
Discover my leadership roles and collaborative efforts within local, national, and global organizations dedicated to maternal health, midwifery, and cultural preservation. This section highlights my active participation on influential boards, committees, and memberships, showcasing a commitment to shaping policies, advancing equity, and amplifying the voices of underrepresented communities in birthwork and cultural heritage.
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Headstart Advisory Committee, 2014-2015
St. Louis Breastfeeding Coalition Board of Directors, 2015-2016
Jamaa Birth Vilage Board of Directors, 2021-Current
National Association Certified Professional Midwives (NACPM), 2024-Current
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Missouri Midwives Association (MMA), 2015-Current
Black Mamas Matter Alliance(BMMA) Kindred Partner, 2018-Current
National Association of Certified Professional Midwives, (NACPM)s,2018-Current
National Perinatal Task Force, 2019-Current
International Council on Monuments & Sites-World Heritage USA (ICOMOS), 2024-Current
National Trust for Historic Preservation: Forum Organization Member, 2024-Current
Association of African American Museums, 2024-Current
American Allliance of Museums, 2024-Current
Society of Africanist Archaeology, 2024-Current
American Folklore Society, 2024-Current
Black in Marine Science, 2025-Current
Press & Media
With a trailblazing and pioneering decade of features in over 50 media outlets—including TV, radio, and print—I’ve amplified the voices of midwives and mothers globally. My storytelling bridges the gap between tradition and modernity, bringing folk midwifery to the forefront of cultural and maternal health conversations.
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Select this link to view.
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Press Releases
Black Maternal Health Proclamation by St. Louis Mayor Tishaura O. Jones, 2022
Jamaa Birth Village Partners with Local Stakeholders to Host
FREE Community Baby Shower in Recognition of Black Breastfeeding Week, 2022
St. Louis Regional Stakeholders and Supporters Join Jamaa Birth Village in, 2022
Jamaa Birth Village and Uzazi Village advocate for Missouri Medicaid Doula
Reimbursement via the Missouri Community Doula Council, 2024
Black Doula Day 2024: Celebrating the Ancestral Legacy of Black Birthing Companions, 2024
Press Conferences
St. Louis Black Maternal Health Week Recognition: Press Conference, Jamaa Birth Village, 2022
Black Midwives Day Press Conference: National Black Midwives Alliance, 2024
Black Doula Day Global Launch Press Conference: Jamaa Birth Village & City of St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones’ Office, 2024
Legacy In Action: Achievements & Elevation
Certifications & Degrees
This section showcases the academic and professional milestones that have shaped my journey as a midwife, educator, and folklorist. From earning an Associate of Science in Midwifery to advancing my education in Museum Studies with a focus on folklore, these achievements highlight a commitment to excellence in both maternal health and cultural preservation. My certifications and degree reflect a lifelong dedication to bridging traditional practices with modern education to empower communities and preserve the art of folk midwifery.
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Certifications & Diplomas
High School Diploma: Hazelwood East High School, 2005
East West School of Natural Healing: 200 HR Registered Yoga Teacher, 2009
East West School of Herbal & Aromatic Studies-Cheryl’s Herbs, Cheryl Hoard: Certified Aromatherapist, 2009-2010
USUI Reiki Training: Cheryls’s Herbs, Deborah Halter-Level I, San Mueller-Level II-Lelvel III, Reiki Master Healer & Teacher, 2010-2011
Traditional Birth Attendant Training-Certified Birth Attendant: Midwives on the Move-UmmSalaamah Sondra Abdullah, Dutch Komenda Ghana, Tradiitonal Midwives from Ghana villages Ntranoa, Nsawam, Anlo, Kanka, and Ewegyan, 2013.
Certified Perinatal Health Worker: Uzazi Village, 2015
Certified Lactation Counselor: Center for Breastfeeding, 2015
Certfied BLS/CPR Educator: American Heart Association, 2016
Certfied Professional Midwife: North American Registry of Midwives, 2019
Certified Midwife Preceptor: North American Registry of Midwives, 2024
Museum Studies Certificate: University of Iowa, 2025 (Upcoming May 2025)
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Associates of Science in Midwifery: Midwives College of Utah, 2015-2019
Spiritual Apprenticeships, Ceremonies & Initiations
Journey through my path of spiritual apprenticeships, sacred ceremonies, and transformative initiations, which form the roots of my work as a seer, diviner, folk healer, midwife and priestess. This 18-year spiritual process embodies a profound dedication to bridging the scientific and spiritual realms of folk healing, midwifery, and cultural heritage, creating a holistic foundation for my life's mission.
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Hoodoo & Astrology Apprenticeship: Kichawi Daktari, Completed with Blessings, 2011-2021
Hoodoo Bone Divination Apprenticeship: Michelle Jackson, Completed with Blessings, 2014-2024
Merindilogun Divination Apprenticeship: Chief Iyanifa Osun Monife Balewa, Completed with Blessings, March 2023
Ifa Divination Apprenticeship: Cheif Iyanifa Osun Monife Balewa, March 2023-Current
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Lucumi Eleke Ceremony- Chicago, January 2014
Hand of Ifa Ceremony-St. Louis, March 2022
Pinaldo Ceremony-Chief Iyanifa Osun Monife Balewa, Completed with Blessings for Godchildren, December 2023
Chief Installation Ceremony: Chief Iynifa Osun Monife Balewa, 2025
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USUI Reiki Master Initiation, San Mueller, 2011
Isese Orisa Priestess Initiation: Egbe & Olokun-St. Louis, 2021
Isese Orisa Priestess Initiation: Yemoja & Obtala-St. Louis, 2022
Ifa Initiatiom-Osun Golden Harvest Temple, 2023
Vodun Initiation-African Magick Temple, Bokor Christopher Voncujovi, 2024
Mami Wata Initiation-African Magick Temple, Bokor Christopher Voncujovi, 2024