Climate Strike or Coachella?

Freshman year of high school I decided to become a vegetarian, not really knowing my motives behind it or what it would teach me. I soon began watching all of the typical documentaries that introduced me to the idea of animal agriculture, and how these practices were one of the leading causes of fossil fuel burning. I was angry, hurt, and left wondering, “Why wasn’t I ever taught this?”

Since then I have always considered myself pretty conscious of my carbon footprint, so when I heard about the Amazon rainforest burning and the subsequent climate strikes, I felt called to join. I didn’t have many expectations, except that the strike in New York would probably be one of the largest in the world. But that day left me with very mixed emotions. 

I had no other plans for September 20th besides fighting to address the climate crisis alongside hundreds of thousands of other people. There were more children and teenagers who attended this protest than any other I’ve been to before, and after seeing them all I probably trust them with my life more than the people in charge right now. Even on the ride from Brooklyn into Manhattan, the J train was filled with families and young children with homemade signs, and I thought about how there was already a generational gap between me and these kids — kids who are literally forced to think about whether or not they will be able to live on a habitable planet for the rest of their lifetime, while my only existential dread as a child came from rumors that the world was going to end in 2012. 

I attended the march with my boyfriend and two other friends, and when we got off the train at Chambers Street along with what seemed like an entire freshman class, we were greeted by the roaring of hundreds of thousands of other people. The crowd marched from Foley Square down to Battery Park, and before we even rounded the corner onto Broadway, there were kids standing on the ledges of government buildings and chanting with the crowds. They were so fearless and there was no authority in sight to even try to stop them. We continued walking down to Wall Street, and I had my own sign that I made that morning that said “PROTECT OUR MOTHER” on one side and “CLIMATE JUSTICE NOW” on the other. The rest of the signs were a mix between calling for action in a serious tone, and memes, all of which were very thoughtful.

We chanted, we screamed, we walked proudly, all united for one of the most important causes of our time. Kids stood on top of garbage cans and hung from the railings of construction sights. For one day we all got to see a glimpse of what our future would look like — a generation of people who make their own rules, are creative, and actually give a shit about important things. 

There was anticipation as everyone neared the end of the route and began filling Battery Park, but the energy that I accumulated from the march itself slowly started fading as I stood in the lawn with songs like “Drogba (Joanna)” starting blasting into my ears. Sure, it’s a fun song to hear from cars driving by as I’m walking through my neighborhood in Bushwick, but there was something about hearing it in this setting that felt disingenuous.

If the people who organized the rally wanted us to be having conversations about how to help our dying planet, they were being drowned out by pop music. My boyfriend and a couple other friends I met up with after even said it felt like we were at a festival, not a climate change rally. The speakers began coming on stage, and the first were a group called The Peace Poets, who performed spoken word rap songs and compared us to indigenous people on strike, fighting for their native land to be protected… really?

Already feeling drained, I decided to move to the outskirts of the lawn where I could sit against the fence and listen from afar. I was feeling discouraged by the two hours that were ahead of me and the lack of service I had to even check the schedule of the event, so I looked up at the trees above me and meditated on the reasons why I was there in the first place. After two people spoke about the health issues they’ve dealt with as a result of fossil fuel burning, I heard a group of teenage girls next to me go “Jaden Smith”?! as they fled toward the stage. I sat and listened for a couple minutes, but I was not interested in even standing up to see the show. Then Smith started playing the song “Icon” off one of his latest albums, and suddenly I couldn’t even bear to sit there anymore.

As I walked out of the park, there was a middle aged man dancing around to the song, literally as if he was at Coachella. It’s not like I don’t understand or appreciate the impact of music when it comes to social change in the world, but at that point I felt like the day was full of empty promises. Even in between speakers when the organizers came on stage and asked, “How’s everyone feeling?!” and the crowd roared, I turned to my boyfriend and jokingly said, “I mean, I’m not happy we’re here.”  It’s like we were encouraged to dance and sing and forget about all our problems here, when that’s exactly what we shouldn’t be doing for like, two hours. Was it too much to just sit and listen? Did we really have to be entertained and encouraged to follow the acts on Instagram? As I walked out of the lawn back toward the street, a man stopped me to talk about an organization he worked with in the Bronx to fight climate change. While I usually do anything in my power to avoid handouts on the street, this person was actively using their time to get people involved in something that would actually create change. I listened to what he had to say, took a paper he was handing out, and thanked him, walking away with a little more hope than before. 

On the train ride home, my boyfriend and I had a thoughtful conversation about what the day meant to us and how it left us feeling — and the feeling wasn’t so good.

We questioned whether or not people were actually encouraged to do anything different, or whether or not these young children now had the idea in their head that protests were all about famous acts and a day off from school. The week following the strike, nothing felt different. Even after the UN Climate Summit, it seems like everyone in the world is putting the responsibility of this movement on one 16-year-old girl. There have been comments on Greta Thunberg’s Instagram like, “keep inspiring us.” Are we all taking a backseat because we see one person taking action?

I applaud Thunberg for her bravery and acknowledge the sacrifices she has had to make to fight for a cause she believes in, but is she now accountable for the success or failures of the climate justice movement? And while it’s crucial to address the change that needs to be done on a federal level to rid our planet of plastics and fossil fuels, does that mean we shouldn’t even try to change our individual actions? The point of this movement is to get us thinking about what we can do differently. If we are not consuming consciously, if we are still buying fast fashion, if we are still not aware of how much waste and plastic we accumulate, then how are we going to call out big companies for their carelessness?

I was sitting in class this week and the teacher had everyone say one thing they cared about. An overwhelming number of people mentioned the environment, sustainability, or climate change. Yet when I looked around, there were multiple people still scrolling on websites like H&M and Zara. 

I don’t think they even grasp the irony. 

 

Photos by Nate Jerome. 

 

Interview With A Doula

Humans have been giving birth at home for thousands of years. Despite all the advances in modern medicine, there are still scores of women today who opt for delivering their babies in private settings rather than at a hospital. 

Jalisha Hanshaw, 23, is a certified doula living in upstate New York. She goes to school for Health Service Administration and Women Studies at CUNY Lehman College. I had the chance to talk to Jalisha about what it means to be a doula. Below is an edited transcript of our discussion.

 

Can you start by explaining what a doula is?

Hanshaw: A doula is basically a birth worker. We help women through pregnancy, birth, and even postpartum. We don’t deliver [the baby]; we’re usually there for emotional and mental support. So whenever they need any help like with anxiety or getting through the whole birthing process, we’re there to help them get through it mentally and emotionally.

 

Can you differentiate between a midwife and a doula?

A midwife actually has the certification to perform the birthing process. It’s basically an assistant to the doctor. Basically we’re there aside the midwife, but we don’t even have to be with a midwife, we can be there just assisting the mother [in] get through the birthing process. The difference between the two is that they’re certified and we’re not certified to perform birth, so we’re there just for the support. A lot of women don’t know the difference.

 

Can you talk about how your interest in this began?

My dad is actually a RN [registered nurse] at a hospital in New York City. One day my mom and I were going to pick up my dad and we were standing outside, and this lady and her husband pulled up in a minivan and she’s like, about to give birth. She didn’t really speak any English, and my mom speaks a little Spanish, she’s bilingual, so she was helping talking to her about the situation and trying to calm her down. I was rubbing her back and I felt so bad for her, she didn’t have any support. In that moment I was like, You know what? I really like doulas. I like helping woman through birth and their pregnancy and postpartum.

Also, I go to school for health service administration so I have a little bit of a background in human resources and why it’s important to always help people.

 

What was your training like?

I actually found the doula certification training through Instagram. Her name is Latham Thomas and she has her own organization called Mama Glow. I signed up for that and it was located in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. It’s a three day training and there are so many women who come to this event from all over the United States, from different countries. We’re usually there sitting in a circle. She’s a certified doula, she has a lot of connections to other people like acupuncturists and physicians.

The first day she’s actually teaching us about the anatomy of the woman’s body and what the body actually looks like before, during, and after pregnancy. So we’re learning about the science behind pregnancy and birth. The second day it’s more of like a holistic outlook. The third day is more about why it’s important to have a doula, so it’s more informative.

 

What’s the environment like where you work? Are you doing a lot of home births?

It’s really up to the mother. I live in upstate New York so a lot of woman do not know what a doula is, so they already have a birth plan. There aren’t a lot of places where I live where there are water births, home births, and access to midwives. A lot of women do just go to the hospital. I’m into virtual — a lot of women like their private births, so most of the time I’m on FaceTime with them. I haven’t actually been to the hospital with a mother yet just because they’re still unsure of the whole point of having a doula.

 

How do you think living here in New York affects what you do and the type of women you work with?

What I notice is there’s a big social disparity between different types of women. I feel like I have more access to white women than I do with people of color just because a lot of Caucasian women already have a lot of support from their families, their friends, versus someone who is Black — they don’t have as much support. So they experience more anxiety, more cesarean sections, and stuff like that.

I really try to target those populations — not saying I don’t target Caucasian women — you should never just target one population because everyone is different. But I notice that I do actually have to focus on those populations that don’t get those services. Today, I came from my orientation for maternal depression where we’re going to different boroughs of New York City that suffer from those social disparities. I’m looking forward to that because then I can actually get to know different types of women, understand their struggles, and why they don’t have a lot of support.

 

I know that the maternal mortality rate for women of color is higher [than that of white women]. Do you think that having access to doulas and people supporting them would help change that?

It starts with healthcare providers; they are the frontline to the patients. Having a lot of support is important, but having the knowledge and information about those resources comes from the healthcare provider. So I feel like doctors and midwives and social workers, everyone involved in the healthcare system needs to understand that they have to do their work, as well. I need to target those populations that struggle with maternal mortality, which is highest among African Americans.

The lady who gave me my certification is going around the country talking to residents [doctors and physicians], about how they need to interact with those communities. I think it’s important hearing it from the doula and midwife because for centuries, even before doctors and OB-GYNs existed, these people have been helping [others] give birth for thousands of years and have the most knowledge. That’s why we as people, as healthcare providers need to learn from them. They have so much knowledge about giving birth and pregnancy and postpartum.

 

Can you talk a little about your responsibilities with the women you work with?

The woman I work with right now suffers from severe anxiety. She’s almost due, so I’m trying to figure out the best ways to bring down her anxiety [with] different essentials oils, prenatal yoga.

Anxiety comes from stress. This is her first child, [so this anxiety] is very common. People who have children their first time are very scared and they don’t know what to expect. She has a lot of support from her husband, and we’re starting to do sleeping hypnosis on her, which relaxes the mind before she goes to bed. Affirmations are something good, too, like a poem or something to read to her while she’s giving birth. Also breathing techniques. Acupuncture induction is good, too, because Pitocin [a drug that helps the uterus contract during labor] is kind of dangerous because when that happens, they’re not able to feel themselves pushing out the child and that can cause blood clots. Doing holistic and natural remedies is the best way to go, especially for someone who’s high risk.

 

That was something that I found so interesting. I heard about hypnosis and how that can totally change how a woman thinks. They can go into their pregnancy and the birthing process with a completely different mindset, and that can actually relieve the pain. These holistic practices are something you learn during training?

Yeah, between those three days she actually had some acupuncturists come in and teach us how to induct the mother if she’s like 40, 41 weeks. A lady named Kimberly — she’s in charge of birth consulting — she came and introduced her book to us. I’m actually taking a birth consulting class in May, so I’m going to be learning more about that. That’s a separate certification so I’m trying to get that as well so I can learn more about how to help mothers, because the most important thing is that she comes back to [a healthy] mindset after. A lot of women go into postpartum depression because of a lack of support and not understanding how their body is now versus before [birth].

 

Do you ever talk to mothers, either while their pregnant or postpartum about sex?

Yeah, that’s really important. Having sex during your birth is actually encouraged because the more you’re open and aroused the faster the process is.

 

Wait, during the actual birth?!

They suggest it. Not actual intercourse, but being aroused is another way of opening up. Another reason why some people have C-sections is because they’re so tense. It’s hard for the baby to come out of the vagina because she’s so tense. So that’s why it’s so important to have, like I said before, a lot of support, especially from the partner or the husband, whoever is there who’s been supporting her since the beginning [of the labor process] is very important. And that’s why it’s important to have a doula because some people just don’t have that support.

 

What’s something you wish everyone could know about being a doula or pregnancy and childbirth, in general?

I wish people were more open to holistic things. Ever since the start of the 19th century when OB-GYNs and medicine were introduced, [there’s] been a change, especially for women.

I feel like we should really focus on how to use natural things instead of medicine, because medicine is not always the answer. Half of the time you don’t even have to use medicine. If you have a headache, for example, or you have menstrual cramps. You can simply take a walk. These [are] things people don’t know, and I think it’s important that they do. Especially communities, like I said before, that aren’t informed about alternative solutions.

 

What’s a personal goal you have in this field?

I want to see everyone go through a natural birth. I don’t want anyone to say, “I had to have a C-section. I had to take…” Even my mother, she practically almost died giving birth to my brother because of the simplest complications that could’ve been solved. It’s terrible to hear those things and I feel like a lot of those things could be resolved if people were given the right information and people were given the support.

 

So you haven’t witnessed an actual birth?

Not yet, I just got my certification in October, so between that time and now I was searching for women who were 5-6 months pregnant. I have a few clients right now, I have one that’s going to be delivering on February 24th, and then one who’s due June 4th. Right now I’m working with them. I’m really excited for February 24, because she wants me to physically be there — which is very different because a lot of women, once I tell them that I have to be there to witness the birth, it’s like, “Oh, never mind. I want it to be personal.” Which is fine, everyone is different, but knowing someone wants me to be there and wants that support is very exciting.

 

That’s so cool. Are there any resources you would recommend to people who are interested in becoming a doula, or who are interested in the services you provide?

People can email me or DM me on Instagram if they have any questions about fertility, having a doula, postpartum. I’ll be more certified in that section in the Spring [of 2019]. If they’re interested, they can email me at mynamesjalisha@gmail.com.

 

 

For more information on the services a doula provides, click here. You can follow Jalisha on Instagram here. 
Photos of Jalisha taken her brother, Jamont Hanshaw. 

 

Birth Control 101

It’s 2019 and there have never been more contraceptive options available for individuals looking to avoid pregnancy. Below is a list of the birth control options currently available and their respective efficiency.

CONDOMS

 

What are they?

Condoms are thin pouches made of latex (rubber), plastic (polyurethane, nitrile, or polyisoprene) or lambskin that cover the penis during sex and prevent semen from entering the vagina. Note: condoms made of lambskin do not prevent STIs, but they’re still effective for reducing the risk for pregnancy.

Internal condoms are pouches made out of nitrile (soft plastic) that you put inside of your vagina or anus to act as a barrier so sperm cannot enter. Internal condoms also prevent STIs.

Condoms are an accessible form of birth control that you can find in your local drug stores, college campus, Planned Parenthood health centers, doctor’s office, or supermarket. There is no age restriction to buy condoms, and no prescription is needed.

 

Do they protect against STIs?

Yes, condoms reduce your chances of getting a sexually transmitted infection during oral, anal, and vaginal sex.

 

How often do I have to switch it?

You should use a new condom every time you have sex. Make sure to replace condoms if you’re switching between anal and vaginal sex to prevent bacterial infections.

 

How effective are condoms?

Condoms used for penises are 85% effective, while condoms for vaginas are 79% effective.

 

Benefits?

  • Inexpensive
  • Do not need a prescription
  • Protect against STIs
  • Can be used with other birth control methods
  • Disposable
  • Convenient

 

Considerations?

  • Condom size does matter, so make sure you are using a condom that fits securely and comfortably.
  • Condoms have an expiration date.
  • Do not use a male and female condom at the same time or two male condoms.
  • Play around with different brands and types of condoms to see which type fits and feels best.

 

“THE PILL”

 

What is it?

The birth control pill is an oral contraceptive that uses hormones estrogen and progestin to prevent pregnancy. These hormones stop ovulation so the sperm and egg can’t fertilize, which stops pregnancy from happening. These hormones also thicken the mucus on the cervix, making it harder for sperm to reach an egg. The pill continues to work through the month, even when you are taking placebo pills so that additional forms of contraception aren’t needed.

A prescription is needed to get the pill. There are many different brands, so talk to your healthcare provider if you think it’s right for you.

 

Do they protect against STIs?

No, the pill does not prevent STIs. You should still use condoms while you’re on the pill to protect you and your partner from infections.

 

How often do I have to take it?

The pill is meant to be taken once every day. You should take it at the same time every day to make it as effective as possible. To remind yourself to take it, set an alarm and keep your pill pack in a convenient place.

 

How effective is the pill?

The pill is 91% effective when taken at the same time, every day.

Benefits?

  • A convenient form of contraception.
  • May lead to lighter or more regular periods.
  • Can decrease menstrual cramps.
  • The pill can help time your period.
  • Allows for sexual spontaneity.

Side effects? (Most will go away by the second or third month of use – as your body adjusts to the hormones)

  • Headaches.
  • Nausea.
  • Spotting between periods.
  • Decreasing libido.
  • Breast tenderness.

 

IUD (Intrauterine Device)

 

What is it?

An IUD is a small, T-shaped contraceptive that sits in the uterus to prevent pregnancy. There are two types of IUDs: copper (ParaGard) and hormonal (Mirena, Kyleena, Liletta, and Skyla). The copper IUD has no hormones, and the copper itself is what prevents sperm from getting to an egg. The hormonal IUDs use a hormone called progestin, which thickens the cervical mucus to trap the sperm, and sometimes stops ovulation altogether.

 

How often do I have to switch it?

ParaGard can protect you for up to 12 years. Mirena and Liletta work for up to 7 years, Kyleena works for up to 5 years, and Skyla works for up to 3 years. If you prefer a birth control with little maintenance, IUDs may be a good choice.

 

Do they protect against STIs?

No, IUDs do not lower your risk of getting STIs.

 

How effective are they?

IUDs are 99% effective. Copper IUDs can also be used as emergency contraception, and if inserted within 5 days after unprotected sex, it’s more than 99.9% effective.

Benefits?

  • REALLY convenient (You barely have to think about it).
  • Discreet.
  • Does not require daily dosing.
  • You can get pregnant after you have it removed.
  • Can reduce cramps.
  • Can make your period lighter or no period at all.
  • The copper IUD has no hormones.

Side effects?

  • Spotting between periods.
  • Cramping.
  • Irregular periods.
  • Heavier periods and worse cramps (copper IUD).

IMPLANT

 

What is it?

The birth control implant, also known as Nexplanon, is a matchstick-size device that’s inserted with a gun into the upper arm by a nurse or doctor to prevent pregnancy. The insertion process is similar to getting your ears pierced and it is removed with topical numbing cream and a quick incision. The implant releases the hormone progestin that works the same way as a hormonal IUD.

 

How often do I have to switch it?

The birth control implant last up to 3 years.

 

Do they protect against STIs?

No, the implant does not lower your risk of getting STIs.

 

How effective are they?

The implant is 99% effective.

 

Benefits?

  • Discreet
  • Does not require daily dosing
  • Good option for those who can’t use estrogen contraceptive methods
  • Fewer hormonal ups and downs due to the steady flow of hormones

Side effects?

The most common side effect is irregular menstrual bleeding. This is the most common reason for removal of Nexplanon. Other side effects can include weight gain, headaches, acne, and abdominal pain. However, it is a safe form of birth control for most women.

 

BIRTH CONTROL SHOT  

 

What is it?

The birth control shot, also known as Depo-Provera, is an injection you get from a doctor or nurse that contains the hormone progestin. This hormone works the same way as a hormonal IUD or implant to prevent pregnancy.

 

How often to I have to get it?

In order to be effective, you must get the birth control shot every 12-13 weeks, or every 3 months. To make sure you don’t miss your appointments, add them to your calendar or have a friend or family member remind you.

 

Do they protect against STIs?

No, the shot does not lower your risk of getting STIs.

 

How effective is it?

The birth control shot is 94% effective when it’s injected every 12-13 weeks.

Benefits?

  • Convenient and private (You get the shot at a doctor’s office).
  • Does not require daily dosing.
  • Can lighten or stop your period.
  • It can help protect you from uterine cancer and ectopic pregnancy.
  • The shot is temporary, you can get pregnant after you stop using it.

Side effects?

  • You have to get the injection every 3 months.
  • Change in your period.
  • Weight gain.
  • Headaches.
  • Breast tenderness.
  • It can take up to 10 months after stopping the shot to get pregnant.

BIRTH CONTROL PATCH 

 

What is it?

The birth control patch is a transdermal [application of a medicine or drug through the skin] contraceptive that you can wear on your stomach, upper arm, butt, or back. The patch contains estrogen and progestin to help prevent pregnancy.

 

How often do I have to switch it?

Similar to the pill, you only wear the patch for three weeks, then you get a break for one week before putting on another.

 

Do they protect against STIs?

No, the patch does not lower your risk of contracting STIs.

 

How effective is it?

When used correctly, the birth control patch is 91% effective.

Benefits?

  • Convenient.
  • No daily dosing.
  • Can make your period lighter and less cramping.
  • Can regulate your period.
  • Can reduce acne.
  • You can get pregnant right away when you stop using it.Disadvantages?
  • You have to change it on time.
  • There can be negative side effects: bleeding between periods, nausea, headaches and more.
  • Some side effects can be serious: these include heart attack, stroke, and blood clots. Talk to your doctor to see if you are a good canidate for the patch.

 

BIRTH CONTROL RING

 

What is it?

The birth control ring, also known as the NuvaRing, is a contraceptive that sits inside of the vagina. The vaginal lining absorbs the hormones estrogen and progestin which help prevent pregnancy. You need a prescription to get the NuvaRing.

 

How often do I have to switch it?

In order to be effective, you must change the ring once a month.

 

Does it protect against STIs?

No, the NuvaRing does not lower your risk of getting STIs.

 

How effective is it?

When used correctly, the NuvaRing is 91% effective.

Benefits?

  • Convenient.
  • No daily dosing.
  • Makes your period regular.
  • Can lighten your period and reduce cramps.
  • Can reduce acne.
  • You can get pregnant after using it.Disadvantages?
  • Your partner can feel it during fingering, etc.
  • You need to change it on time
  • You can have spotting between periods.
  • Extra vaginal wetness.
  • Change in libido.
  • Some side effects can be serious. Talk to your doctor to see if you are a good candidate.

 

Every medication and type of birth control has side effects. It’s best that you do your own research before settling on an option and, if available, consult with a medical professional. 

 

Photos (in order of appearance) by @retro_fucking, unknown, Oliver Hadlee Pearch, and Petra Collins.Â