Meet Hemrish Emmy Chirwa | Birthworker & Student midwife

We had the good fortune of connecting with Hemrish Emmy Chirwa and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Hemrish Emmy, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
As a birthworker my main goal is that they don’t just feel supported but they are supported in their maternal health no matter which setting they receive care from. As a birthworker or as most people refer to as doula, I provide emotional and informational support to expecting and postpartum families. To be able to support my community with my work allows families to be in a safe environment and feel valued and supported in the most crucial moment of their life especially for the black and marginalized communities. Did you know black women are more at risk to maternal
mortality than their white counterparts and they are also more likely suffer from racial discrimination in the health care system? Life can be extremely challenging when you are marginalized and have barriers to overcome regarding access to care and support. By providing accessible support it not also allows families to thrive but holds community to thrive together collectively.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
MamaNiyaa was cultivated by my passion to help others, especially mothers. I never got the chance to know my mom but her story led me towards being thoughtful and kind to others as they go through this thing called motherhood. I started as a postpartum supporter and nanny then after I had my son I started to look into what a doula was and whether that path was in alignment with me. It was a challenge at first being that I was not stable financially and just had my first child and other challenges I had going on but when something is meant for you – when a persons purpose is already predestined things open up and make way. I had trial and error with the different training programs available and finally found a program called BeboMia that was curated in my hometown, Toronto Canada and was able to grow so much from my educators there! Because of the community which is mainly marginalized families who find it either hard to find safe and accessible support or face health disparities I serve it’s not as lucrative as other Birthworkers in the metroplex, and though that aspect of business is important for stability and sustainability it’s not my priority and that is honestly very challenging. Being able to afford childcare outside of school and daycare hours has always been a challenge but with the community I have, we somehow make it work! MamaNiyaa has a long way in terms of goals to accomplish so I’m still learning and growing and finding ways to make my services better and more accessible.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Man, if I had any of my close friends visit me I’d take them to Las Colinas I think they’d love it over there by the river walk and probably drive to San Antonio so they can experience the river walk there also. We would probably hang out more in Richardson at a few cafes like Big Dash and Peace Middle East Cafe – I love calm environments and eccentric food and vibes. We would absolutely have to go shop by Modefa which is also in Richardson they love what I buy from there! Definitely would need to go by Bolder Adventure by Epic Park, so much to do in that area that they’d enjoy. Growing up we spent a lot of time outdoors so going for a walk by White Rock Lake and Cedar Ridge Park would also be pretty fun for us.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My success would not be possible without the guidance of the Creator nevertheless without the collective support I’ve received from my village. My village is my source of mentorship, support and inspiration. From my loving family and friends to people who I found community with to make it all possible I owe them my gratitude. Vogel & their dedicated team that helped me become a doula to my mom who is deceased but her story and my journey on motherhood has been my fuel. I also would not be able to support families the way I do without the collective effort of other maternal support providers like Dr Cheryl Edinbyrd and her team at Tree of Life birth center & wellness, Midwife Bri and her team at Center for Birth & Wellness, Shamaa Foundation for always motivating me to go after my dreams and the families – the families who have allowed me to be in their space of vulnerability and sacredness I thank them tremendously for trusting me!

Instagram: @mamaniyaa.the birthworker

Other: MamaNiyaa.cares@gmail.com