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 two decades of creating equitable, culturally centered solutions for families and communities.

    1. Midwife Okunsola Day: St. Louis County Council designates every October 26th as Midwife Okunsola Day, 2021

    2. 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

    3. 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

  • 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

    1. First Black Certified Professional Midwife Student in Saint Louis- 2015

    2. Founded Jamaa Birth Village as the first community based Midwifery, Doula and Black Maternal Health organization in St. Louis-Ferguson-2015

    3. First Black owned, led and taught doula training in Saint Louis- 2016

    4. Launched the first Black doula collective in Missouri & Saint Louis, 2018

    5. 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

    6. First Black woman in Missouri to graduate from the Midwives College of Utah- 2019

    7. First Black Certified Professional Midwife in Missouri- 2019

    8. First Black Owned Midwifery Clinic In Missouri, Saint Louis & Ferguson- 2015

    9. Opened the Equal Access Midwifery Clinic, Missouri’s first wraparound, holistic Black Midwifery care practice & clinic, Juneteenth 2020

    1. Black Student Midwife Model of Care©-2015

    2. Equal Access Midwifery Clinic Model of Care©-2018

    3. Okunsola’s Community Doula Training©-2017 (Rebranded 2022)

    4. Birth Center & Postpartum Retreat Haven Model of Care©-2022

    1. 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

    2. 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

    3. Medicaid Reimbursement for Doula Services: Definitions and Policy Considerations,Co-authored by Okunsola M. Amadou

    4. 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

    5. The Black Midwife Oracle: 28-Cards Guiding You Through the Voices, Wisdom, Stories, and Power of Black Grand Ancestral Midwives, 2025

Education, Conferences & Panels

Explore Okunsola’s dynamic speaking engagements, keynote presentations, and conference materials that share insights from her 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.

    1. Community Yoga Instructor, St. Louis County Library Indian Trails Branch Library, 2009-2010

    2. Women’s Healing & Restorative Circle Facilitator, St. Louis Community, 2009-2014

    3. Staff Yoga Instructor: Library In-Service Day, St. Louis County Library, 2011

    4. Reiki Master Teacher & Trainer, 2011-2017

    5. Herbal & Aromatherapy Workshop Facilitator, Cheryl’s Herbs, 2014-2015

    6. Doula Training Educator: Uzazi Village 2016-2018, Jamaa Birth Village (Okunsola’s Community Doula Training©)- 2016-2025, 460+ doulas certified globally

    7. 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

    8. Technical Expert Advisory Panel Advisor: March of Dimes, 2023-2024

    9. Mother Baby Action Network Advisor: March of Dimes, 2023-2024

    10. African Indigenous Midwifery Museum (AIMM) Advisory Council, 2025-2028

    1. Death by Delivery Documentary Screening & Panel Discussion-Washington University, 2018

    2. Home Visitation Stakeholder Panel-Missouri Foundation for Health, 2018

    3. Black Women in Activism: Addressing Racial Health Disparities-Black Studies Department University of Missouri Columbia, 2018

    1. Keynote-Black Maternal Health in Missouri: Implementing Thriving Solutions that Work-University of Missouri Columbia, 2019

    2. Eliminating Racial Bias: Thriving Solutions that Work-MO Family Health Council Conference, 2019

    3. Integrating Risk Appropriate Care: Advancing Black Maternal-Infant Health-Maternal Infant Health Convening, 2019

    4. Healthy Moms and Babies: Paving the Path to Reproductive Equity-Panelist Washington University, 2019

    5. Implicit Bias in Perinatal Mental Health: Root Issues w/Practical Solutions-Heartland PMAD, 2019

    6. Black Midwifery 101-Jamaa Birth Village, 2019

    7. Black Women in Activism: Addressing Health Disparities- University of Missouri Columbia, 2019

    8. Midwives College of Utah Graduate Address: Small Steps, Big Footprints, 2019

    9. Missouri Maternal Mortality Conference: Panel Discussion, 2019

    10. Family Pride Workshop- St. Louis, 2019Centering Community in Healthcare Practices: Panel-Reproaction, 2020

    11. Black Mamas Matter Alliance: Black Maternal Health Week Presenter-2020

    12. Expansion of Black Maternal Health Solutions Amid COVID: Maternal Infant & Health Convening, 2020

    13. Women’s Health & Wellness Panel- St. Louis Mental Health Board-2021

    14. City of St. Louis Department of Health HIV/STI Prevention: Women’s Health Panel-2021

    15. Jamaa Birth Village: Evidence Based Midwifery, Doula Care & Perinatal Mental Health-23rd Annual Low Birth Weight Partnership Workshop, MBRC INC., 2021

    1. St. Louis Black Maternal Health Week: Press Conference, 2022

    2. Legacy of Homer G. Phillips: Panel-Missouri History Museum, 2022

    3. Every Family Deserves a Doula: Community Doulas for Expecting Families & Their Support-Missouri Regional Bootheel Consortium- 2022

    4. Birthing Justice Documentary Screening & Panel Discussion-Missouri Foundation for Health, 2023

    5. Integrating Spirit Work into Midwifery: Flower Essences, Homeopathy & Ritual- Black Midwives Day Conference, 2023

    6. Community Midwife Day: Convening of Black Midwifery Movement Leaders Panel- Georgia State Capitol, 2023

    7. Black Mamas Thriving: Shifting Birth Culture in St. Louis-St. Louis Racial Equity Summit, 2023

    8. Jamaa Birth Village: Robert Woods Johnson Foundatiom Catalyze Summit, 2023

    9. Birthing Justice Screening- Washington University, 2023

    10. Black Maternal Health Panel Discussion-Saint Louis University, 2023

    11. MCH in Missouri: Masters Public Health Students, SLU, 2023

    12. Keynote-Reducing Maternal Mortality Through Love, Acceptance, and Representation: The Parlee Center for Science and the Common Good at Ursinus College, 2024

    13. Keynote-History of Black Midwifery: MO History Museum, 2024

    14. Black Doula Day™ Pep-Rally & Panel: Black Mamas Matter Alliance, 2024

    15. Maternal Mental Health Seminar: Speaker & Panelist: Washington University, 2024

    16. Voices Unheard Panel: Black Maternal Health-Black Anthology Washington University, 2024

    17. Reflecting on Reproductive Justice Symposium: Panel Discussion-Reproductive Justice, Health, Rights, Working Group, 2024

    18. Traditional Midwifery Skills for Student, Certified & Licensed Midwives-NBMA 2024

    19. Calling In Spirit: Exploring & Reclaiming the Foundations of African American Traditional & Spiritual Midwifery- NBMA & BMMA BMHC-2024

    20. Black Doula Day™ Black Mamas Matter alliance Pep-Rally: Black Maternal Health Week, 2024

    21. Black Doula Day™ Press Conference: City of St. Louis Department of Health 2024

    22. Sister Doula Film Screening Keynote: City of St. Louis Mayors Office 2024

    23. Missouri Maternal Child Health Regional Convening: National Governors Association, 2024

    24. Safer Childbirth Cities Hill Day: Legislative Rounds, Merck for Mothers, 2024

    25. Advisory Committee on Infant & Maternal Mortality: Panel Discussion-HRSA, 2024

    26. St. Louis Regional Discussion on Maternal Child Health: Panel Discussion- National Medical Association & the City of St. Louis Department of Health, 2024

    27. American Hospital Association Accelerating Health Equity Conference, 2024

    28. Fostering Health Equity in Missouri: A Focus on Mothers & Infants, 2024

    29. Improving Maternal Health Outcomes in St. Louis: Spring Council Meeting Panel- St. Louis Metropolitan Hospital Council, 2024

    30. Risk Appropriate Care, Missouri Black Maternal Health Summit, 2024

    31. History of Black Midwifery-Facing Race Conference, 2024

    32. Humans of STL Panel-Barnes Jewish Hospital, 2024

Recognition & Awards

Proclamations & Resolutions

Over the years, Okunsola’s work has been honored with 10 proclamations and 8 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.

    1. 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

    1. 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

    2. 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

    3. 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

    4. Proclamation-Saint Louis County Executive Same Page honors every April 11th as Black Doula Day coined by Okunsola M. Amadou-April 2024

    5. 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

    6. Proclamation-City of Saint Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones’ office honors every April 11th as Black Doula Day coined by Okunsola M. Amadou-April 2024

    7. 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

    8. Proclamation-Missouri House of Representatives honors every March 14th as Black Midwife Day and every April 11th as Black Doula Day- April 2024

    9. 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

    10. Proclamation-City of St. Louis Mayors Office recognizes Jamaa Birth Village 10th year of service and annual History of Missouri Midwives event.-October 2024

    1. 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

    2. Resolution-State of Georgia Resolution honoring pioneering, innovative and trailblazing Midwives across America that improved Black Maternal Health-March 2022

    3. 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

    4. 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

    5. 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

    6. Resolution-St. Louis County Council recognizes Jamaa Birth Village’s 10th year of service and the Inaugural History of Missouri Midwives event, 2024

    7. 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

    8. Resolution-Missouri State Representatives honors Okunsola M. Amadou on the founding of the African Indigenous Midwifery Museum, 2025

Grants & Awards

Okunsola’s career has been supported by over 20 grants under her 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.

    1. March of Dimes-Centering Pregnancy, 2017

    2. Missouri Foundation for Health, Dr. Corrine Walentik Grant, 2018

    3. Together Rising, Midwifery Clinic renovation, 2018

    4. Merck for Mothers, Safer Childbirth Cities Initiative, STL 360 Doulas Initiative, 2021-2024

    5. Yellow Chair Fund, Safer Childbirth Cities Initiative, STL 360 Doulas Initiative, 2021-2024

    6. Birth Center Equity, Birth Center Funds, 2022

    7. Groundswell Fund, Repreductive Justice Fund, 2022

    8. Together Rising, Birth Center Project, 2022

    9. Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, Cora Faith Walker Doula Scholarship, 2022-Current

    10. March of Dimes, Mother Baby Action Network, Hospital Friendly Doula Initiative, 2023

    11. Every Mother Counts, 2024

    12. Race Forward, Rinku Sen Award, 2024

    13. Panorama Fund, Maternal Health Equity Initiative, 2024 & 2025

    14. Chicago Beyond, Advancing Maternal Health in Missouri through Okunsola’s School of Traditonal Midwifery, Okunsola’s Community Doula Training, and Midwifery care, 2025-2028

    1. Briana Blackwelder Scholarship Award- Midwives College of Utah, 2015

    2. STL Phenomenal Woman Award, 2018

    3. Standing Up For Moms & Babies Corrine Walentik Provider/Practitioner Award, 2018

    4. Missouri Foundation for Health Dr. Corrine Walen0k Leadership in Health Award, 2018

    5. Midwest Sociological Society 2019 Social Action Award, 2019

    6. The 2020 Care Award Community Action for Reproductive Equity, 2020

    7. Midwives College of Utah Alumni of the Year, 2020

    8. Merck For Mothers Safer Childbirth Cities Initiative Award, 2020

    9. Focus St. Louis What’ s Right with the Region Award, 2021

    10. BJC Hospital Cares Award, 2021

    11. Honorary Georgia Citizen Award, 2022

    12. Saint Louis County Library Black History Frankie Freeman Inspirational Award, 2022

    13. Delux Power 100 Most Influential People in St. Louis, 2022

    14. St. Louis Living Legends Award, 2022

    15. St. Louis Black Maternal Health Queen Mother Award, 2022

    16. National Philanthropy Change Makers Award, 2023

    17. Kalpha Alpha Psi Inc. Black History Pioneer Award, 2024

    18. National Black Midwives Alliance Community Visionary Award, 2024

    19. Saint Louis County District-1, Community Hero Award, 2024

    20. American Child Health Programs (AMCHP), John MacQueen Lecturer Award, 2024

    21. St. Louis American Foundation Salute to Young Leaders Award, 2024

    22. Race Forward Rinku Sen Award, 2024

    23. Anthem Awards-Health Community Space Award, 2024

    24. Merck for Mothers 2024 Safer Childbirth Cities Initiative Designation-St. Louis, 2024

Impact, Press & Media

Boards, Committees & Memberships

Discover Okunsola’s leadership roles and collaborative efforts within local, national, and global organizations dedicated to maternal health, midwifery, and cultural preservation. This section highlights her 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.

    1. Headstart Advisory Committee, 2014-2015

    2. St. Louis Breastfeeding Coalition Board of Directors, 2015-2016

    3. Jamaa Birth Village Board of Directors, 2021-Current

    4. National Association Certified Professional Midwives (NACPM), 2024-Current

    5. Missouri Association for Museums and Archives-Board of Directors, 2025-2027

    1. Missouri Midwives Association (MMA), 2015-Current

    2. Black Mamas Matter Alliance(BMMA) Kindred Partner, 2018-Current

    3. National Association of Certified Professional Midwives, (NACPM)s,2018-Current

    4. National Perinatal Task Force, 2019-Current

    5. International Council on Monuments & Sites-World Heritage USA (ICOMOS), 2024-Current

    6. National Trust for Historic Preservation: Forum Organization Member, 2024-Current

    7. Association of African American Museums, 2024-Current

    8. American Allliance of Museums, 2024-Current

    9. Society of Africanist Archaeology, 2024-Current

    10. American Folklore Society, 2024-Current

    11. 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-Okunsola amplifies the voices of midwives and mothers globally. Her storytelling addresses the gap between tradition and modernity, bringing the origins of midwifery to the forefront of cultural and maternal health conversations.

Legacy In Action: Achievements & Elevation

Certifications & Degrees

This section showcases the academic and professional milestones that have shaped Okunsola’s journey as a midwife, educator, and folklorist. From earning an Associate of Science degree in Midwifery to advancing her education in Museum Studies with a focus on folklore, these achievements highlight a commitment to excellence in both maternal health and cultural preservation. Okunsola’s certifications and degree reflect a lifelong dedication to honoring traditional practices with modern education to empower communities and preserve the art of folk midwifery.

  • Certifications & Diplomas

    1. High School Diploma: Hazelwood East High School, 2005

    2. East West School of Natural Healing: 200 HR Registered Yoga Teacher, 2009

    3. East West School of Herbal & Aromatic Studies-Cheryl’s Herbs, Cheryl Hoard: Certified Aromatherapist, 2009-2010

    4. USUI Reiki Training: Cheryls’s Herbs, Deborah Halter-Level I, San Mueller-Level II-Lelvel III, Reiki Master Healer & Teacher, 2010-2011

    5. 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.

    6. Certified Perinatal Health Worker: Uzazi Village, 2015

    7. Certified Lactation Counselor: Center for Breastfeeding, 2015

    8. Certfied BLS/CPR Educator: American Heart Association, 2016

    9. Certfied Professional Midwife: North American Registry of Midwives, 2019

    10. Certified Midwife Preceptor: North American Registry of Midwives, 2024

    11. Museum Studies Certificate: University of Iowa, 2025

    1. Associates of Science in Midwifery: Midwives College of Utah, 2019

Spiritual Apprenticeships, Ceremonies & Initiations

Journey through Okunsola’s path of spiritual apprenticeships, sacred ceremonies, and transformative initiations, which form the roots of her work as a seer, diviner, folk healer, midwife and priestess. This 18-year spiritual process embodies her profound dedication to addressing the scientific and spiritual realms of folk healing, midwifery, and cultural heritage, creating a holistic foundation for her life's mission.

    1. Hoodoo & Astrology Apprenticeship: Kichawi Daktari, Completed with Blessings, 2011-2021

    2. Hoodoo Bone Divination Apprenticeship: Michelle Jackson, Completed with Blessings, 2014-2024

    3. Merindilogun Divination Apprenticeship: Chief Iyanifa Osun Monife Balewa, Completed with Blessings, March 2023

    4. Ifa Divination Apprenticeship: Cheif Iyanifa Osun Monife Balewa, March 2023-June 2024

    5. Mamissi Apprenticeship: Mami Sika, October 2025-Current

  • Lucumi Eleke Ceremony- Chicago, January 2014

    Pinaldo Ceremony-Chief Iyanifa Osun Monife Balewa, Completed with Blessings to receive Godchildren, December 2023

    1. USUI Reiki Master Initiation, San Mueller, 2011

    2. Isese Orisa Priestess Initiation: Egbe & Olokun-St. Louis, 2021

    3. Isese Orisa Priestess Initiation: Yemoja & Obatala-St. Louis, 2022

    4. Vodun Initiation-African Magick Temple, Bokor Christopher Voncujovi, 2024

      Mami Wata Entrance-African Magick Temple, Bokor Christopher Voncujovi, 2024

    5. Mami Wata Engagement-Mami Sika, 2025

    6. Afa-Mami Sika, 2025