KQED's The California Report Farmworkers Train As Doulas In Santa Cruz County
Dec 24, 2025
In Watsonville, Mixtec farmworkers are becoming doulas, offering vital support to Indigenous women during pregnancy and childbirth. Inez shares her own challenging birthing story that inspired her to enter this field. A tribal group celebrates the return of thousands of acres of land in central California, marking a significant victory for the Tule River Tribe. The doulas also discuss overcoming language barriers and the importance of cultural care in their community.
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From Isolated Birth To Community Support
- Inez, a Mixtec farmworker, trained as a doula after a difficult, solitary birth experience in the U.S..
- She now accompanies pregnant Indigenous women, offering translation and comfort during prenatal visits and ultrasounds.
Language Barriers During Labor
- Varginha, a Mixtec pregnant farmworker, describes past births without Mixtec translators and a doctor who knew little Spanish.
- She says having Inez explain things in Mixtec brings huge relief during care.
Culturally Rooted Doula Training Works
- Nurse midwife Maria Brahamontes created culturally rooted doula training to mirror Indigenous caregiving practices.
- Community-based doulas improve communication and emotional support for Indigenous patients during labor.