Sabia Wade

Bias, Burnout & Liberation in Birth Work with Sabia Wade

Byplusmommy

Exploring the intersections of medical harm, systemic oppression, and reproductive justice in maternity care with Sabia Wade.

In Episode 226 of the Plus Mommy Podcast, I had the profound honor of speaking with Sabia Wade—a Black queer CEO, educator, full-spectrum doula, and author of Birthing Liberation: How Reproductive Justice Can Set Us Free.

Sabia’s work invites us to challenge the very systems that shape our healthcare experiences and to reimagine birth work as a space rooted in justice, community, and healing. In this powerful conversation, we talk about medical bias, chronic stress, weight stigma, spiritual care, and the emotional toll of burnout—all through the lens of reproductive justice.

Bias in the Birth Room

Sabia and I explored how weight bias and racism are deeply woven into maternity care. From being denied access to surgeries based on BMI to being ignored or misdiagnosed by providers, we unpack how bias harms—and sometimes endangers—birthing people.

“People aren’t broken. The system is broken.” – Sabia Wade

We also talk about how bias shows up differently depending on body size and how factors like race, gender identity, and income level intersect in powerful, often harmful ways.

Burnout Isn’t Just About Doing Too Much

For those of us in birth work, burnout can feel inevitable. But as Sabia shares, it’s not just about overworking—it’s about navigating systems that aren’t built to support care workers, especially those in marginalized bodies.

From the emotional labor of witnessing harm to the spiritual toll of holding space in a system that often resists change, Sabia gets real about the burnout that comes with this work—and why building a team and community is essential for sustainability.

Liberation Through Reproductive Justice

At the heart of our conversation is this powerful truth: Reproductive justice is about more than birth—it’s about creating a world where people can live freely and fully.

Sabia shares how spiritual tools, nervous system support, and deep community care are essential to truly liberatory birth work. We also discuss her powerful storytelling in Birthing Liberation, where she rewrites a tragic birth outcome to show what’s possible when people are centered, believed, and cared for.

“Hope is a discipline. Liberation is a daily practice.” – Sabia Wade

Sabia wade author

What You Can Do

Whether you’re a parent, a perinatal professional, or someone learning how to better support your community, this episode is a call-in and a call-to-action.

Sabia reminds us that we all have a role to play. Sometimes it’s asking better questions and calling out harm. Sometimes it’s doing the inner work to show up with less bias and more intention.

“We do this work for the people who don’t even know they’re not free yet.” – Sabia Wade

Recording & Show Notes: Plus Mommy Podcast Episode 225

Transcript happily provided upon request.

Sabia Wade

Sabia Wade (she/they), is a Black, queer, CEO, author, educator, full-spectrum doula, investor, and expander of Black luxury. Sabia is the founder of Birthing Advocacy Doula Trainings, an accessible and inclusive training program for community care workers, and For the Village, a non-profit providing doulas at no or low-cost to low-income and marginalized communities in San Diego.

As a coach, board member, investor, educator, and programming development consultant for organizations throughout the Birth and Reproductive Health Industry, every part of Sabia’s work centers on liberation of all people through Reproductive Justice. Her book, Birthing Liberation: How Reproductive Justice Can Set Us Free, is now available for purchase. Additionally, Sabia is a certified reiki practitioner, death doula, somatic practitioner, human design reader, wedding officiant, and is currently working toward becoming a Spiritual Director!


This episode is brought to you by the Size-Friendly Birth Course—an online training for birth and postpartum professionals ready to provide size-inclusive care for people in larger bodies.

You’ll get:

  • 🎥 Over 6 hours of video lessons
  • 📘 A 115-page editable PDF workbook with guided activities
  • 🕒 6 contact hours for professional development
  • 📜 A certificate of completion
  • 🌐 Bonus: Access to the Plus Size Birth Circle—our exclusive online platform and mobile app for on-the-go learning and community support

Use code PLUSMOMMY for 20% off at plussizebirth.com!

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