Photo by Aaron Salcido.
Allegra Hill is a licensed midwife and the co-founder and co-owner of Kindred Space LA. She has trained and mentored birth doulas since 2013 and has participated in the training of birth workers within the Birthing People Foundation. Before sitting on a panel for the Zócalo/California Wellness Foundation event, “Can California Lead a New Reproductive Rights Movement?”— put on in partnership with Esperanza Community Housing’s multidisciplinary arts festival South Central Innervisions: An AfroLatinxFuturism—Hill sat down in our roving green room to talk sisterhood, Trader Joe’s, and Prince.
Where can we find you on a typical Sunday?
Sunday is the one day where I try my best not to work. I have two kids and a husband, so Sunday we’re going to be lounging around. And then we like to go to the Mar Vista Farmers’ Market and eat rice balls. And then maybe lounge around some more. It’s our day to do nothing.
What is one aspect of sisterhood to you?
One aspect of sisterhood to me is partnership. It’s somebody that is in a similar place but with their own point of view. Not really a maternal relationship or parental relationship, but somebody who has a general similar understanding to you.
What was the last thing you watched or read that made you laugh out loud?
A post on Reddit. My husband works at Trader Joe’s, and it was somebody who also works at Trader Joe’s essentially complaining about people farting so much in the stores. The way they asked the question was “Is it really that bad? Because it feels like people are doing it on purpose!” Definitely the funniest thing I read that week.
What is some good advice you’ve received?
Not to take stuff so seriously. Take it easy.
What is some advice you give to those in your care?
You have to protect your own peace, claim it for yourself, don’t let anybody encroach on it.
Tell us about the name of your organization, Kindred Space LA? What does it mean to you?
Kindred Space LA means a home, a familiar place where you’re welcome and can feel kindred and familial. Right now, we’re in L.A. but we have big dreams to have other locations. In SoCal there’s not many businesses and providers like us, so there are definite dead zones; even somewhere like Lancaster or Palmdale, in the desert—there is going to be a need for midwives of color.
Is there a representation (film or television series, etc.) that depicts motherhood well?
I don’t think so. Sometimes it’s like too serious or not serious enough. Motherhood changes based on how old your kids are, what you have going on. It’s such vast experience that I don’t think any show could do it. Only life can do it.
Who is your dream dinner guest—dead or alive? And what would you serve them?
Probably Prince. I don’t think I would cook for Prince. I would let Prince choose. I have a super restrictive diet, and I would not let Prince know that. Whatever he wants, and I’ll try and eat something.