Called by God, Tried by the State: Brenda Capps

In this episode, we sit down with Brenda Capps, the first elder midwife to speak her truth for this project. It’s the story of a life woven with loss, love, and deep faith. Brenda shares:Growing up in the South, surrounded by church and early memories of Black granny midwives who showed her the sacred power of birthHer own fast and instinctive births—some caught by her husband, some arriving so quickly there was no time for painHow midwifery found her, not through licenses but through prayer, mentorship, and unwavering devotionServing under religious exemption, traveling far and wide to be with families, and the calling she’s always followed as a “traveling midwife”The betrayal of a student she once trusted, the investigation that followed, and the arrest that tried to silence her storyWhat she’s learned from loss—attending stillbirths, grieving her husband and son, and how faith has carried her through every heartbreakWhy she believes no piece of paper should decide who can walk with birthing womenHer plea to future midwives: keep the work sacred, and never lose the wonderBrenda’s voice is both tender and fierce, wise and raw. Her story is a window into a way of midwifery that’s slipping away—and a reminder to honor the faith and fire that have always kept it alive.Mentioned in This Episode:“Mayes' Midwifery" is edited by Sue Macdonald and Gail Johnson.“Spiritual Midwifery” Ina May GaskinThank you to all the elders, donations and volunteers that have made this project possible.Together, we can preserve the wisdom of elder midwives for generations to come. Give today and be part of this legacy.…please visit bridgemidwives.com for more information on how to donate.Community Circles (First Thursdays of each month)Podcast editor: Shea LyonsArchivist and Producer: Blyss YoungInstagram: @TheBridgeMidwivesJoin our Facebook community: The Bridge Midwives Project

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