Empowerment Through Culturally-Rooted Care: Casandra’s Open Arms Birth Story
November 6, 2025 1:48 pm
Meet Casandra
Que bola! My name’s Casandra. I’m first-generation born in the United States from Cuba and Spain. I always thought I was lucky to be born here (the American dream!), especially knowing mi familia (my family) had to make many sacrifices when they moved to a new country.
My culture has always been muy importante (very important) to me, pero (but) it has been hard to keep alive under the pressure to “Americanize.” I will never be “American enough” here or “Latina enough” porque hablo español un poquito (because I speak a little Spanish). Thankfully, having mostly been raised by mis abuelos (my grandparents), I grew up with our language, music, food, dances, and stories. I also educated myself about the history of our ancestry from both Spain and Africa, which was crucial to understanding our roots and giving me Cuban pride. Each day, I work to keep our culture alive by honoring our ancestors and passing it on to the next generation.
Reality of Giving Birth in the US
When I had my first child in a U.S. hospital, neither my culture nor my choices were respected. As a young mother and a woman of color, I experienced discrimination and unnecessary interventions. I promised myself that the next time I was pregnant, I would give birth in a way my ancestors would recognize. I wanted a midwife, a natural birth at a birth center, and a doula. I wanted my choices to be respected.
Later, I learned I wasn’t alone. Statistics show that Black and Brown birthing people face higher rates of preventable maternal mortality, unnecessary C-sections, delayed diagnoses, denial of pain relief, and mistreatment; not because our bodies fail, but because systems are designed to fail us. Systemic racism intensifies health problems and hinders opportunities to better medical treatment.
Too often, birth is treated like a business, rather than care. In low-income neighborhoods, choices are limited to what insurance covers, leaving families without many options or advocates. Research shows that having a doula improves care before, during, and after pregnancy. This support can reduce racial disparities and enhance the well-being of birthing people of color and their babies.
Finding Open Arms
When I became pregnant with my second child, I was blessed to find a licensed midwife near me. She referred me to Open Arms Perinatal Services, where I was matched with my doula, Betty. Betty felt like family from day one. We connected immediately and built a trusting relationship.
With Open Arms and my midwife’s support, my pregnancy was treated as something sacred, not a business. Open Arms’ childbirth education class gave me the knowledge to create a strong birth plan. My decisions were respected, and my culture was celebrated! My midwife asked for clear consent in all the care provided, and Betty was with me every step of the way.
From the moment I first contacted Open Arms, I felt at home – like I was speaking with family, people who cared about me as a real person. Doula care matters! It makes a big difference! I believe all birthing people should have doula care as an option. My Open Arms doula, Betty, was not only my birth partner, but someone I will remember forever, having shared loving memories of my baby’s birth.
Thank you, Open Arms! Because of the support I received from the Open Arms community, I am now inspired to make an impact of my own by helping families in my community.