It’s Black Maternal Well being Week. Right here’s every little thing you must know to guard your self and people you’re keen on.
Motherhood is a present, and organizations in the US intention to assist protect and increase the parenting situations for expectant and hopeful moms. Non-profits devoted to enhancing Black maternal well being are simply as essential as Mamatoto Village, which is doing the essential on-the-ground work of supporting Black ladies all through their perinatal and postpartum journeys.
“At Mamatoto Village, we’re deeply dedicated to remodeling Black maternal well being by enhancing delivery outcomes by way of a holistic, community-centric mannequin of care. Our programming is concentrated not simply on the occasion of being pregnant however on the entire particular person — addressing the social determinants of well being that considerably affect being pregnant, delivery, and parenting experiences. What really units us aside is that our workforce displays the neighborhood we serve. This lived expertise permits us to ship providers in a culturally humble and affirming approach, centering the voices, wants, and lived realities of the people and households we assist,” says Aza Nedhari, co-founder of Mamatoto Village.
She continues, “We acknowledge that sustainable enhancements in delivery outcomes require collaboration, and we work hand-in-hand with medical suppliers and social assist groups to supply complete, wraparound care. In tandem with service supply, Mamatoto Village additionally advocates for daring, equity-driven insurance policies that dismantle limitations and drive systemic change. By combining culturally congruent care, neighborhood management, and coverage advocacy, we’re constructing a future the place Black households thrive earlier than, throughout, and lengthy after delivery.”
Black Mamas Matter Alliance (Nationwide)
The Black Mamas Matter Alliance (BMMA) is a nationwide community of Black-led organizations advancing Black maternal well being, rights, and justice. Via coverage advocacy, analysis, and cultural change, BMMA amplifies the voices of Black moms and works to attain maternal well being fairness throughout the U.S. BMMA based Black Maternal Well being Week (BMHW) in alignment with Nationwide Minority Well being Month and Worldwide Day for Maternal Well being and Rights. These efforts mirror their year-round dedication to organizing, advocating, and delivering justice for Black ladies and communities.
SisterSong (Nationwide)
SisterSong Ladies of Shade Reproductive Justice Collective is a strong voice within the reproductive justice motion. With a give attention to the South, SisterSong fights for the human rights of Indigenous ladies and girls of coloration by way of coverage, schooling, and grassroots organizing – centering Black maternal well-being in each marketing campaign.
Historic Track Doula Providers (New York Metropolis)
Primarily based in Brooklyn, Historic Track Doula Providers gives full-spectrum, culturally related doula care and midwifery providers to marginalized communities. Their work emphasizes delivery justice, reproductive schooling, and accessible assist for underserved Black and brown birthing folks throughout New York Metropolis and past.
Birthmark Doula Collective (New Orleans)
Birthmark Doula Collective supplies wraparound delivery and postpartum assist to households in New Orleans, centering on Black and LGBTQ+ communities. With packages starting from childbirth schooling to lactation consulting and doula care, Birthmark ensures households are supported at each stage of their journey.
Commonsense Childbirth (Florida)
Based by famend midwife Jennie Joseph, Commonsense Childbirth delivers equitable and respectful maternity care by way of The JJ Means®, a confirmed mannequin centered on eliminating disparities. Working out of Florida, the group trains suppliers and expands entry to midwifery providers for low-income and high-risk communities.
Mamatoto Village (Washington D.C.)
Mamatoto Village, that means “the connection between mama and child” in Swahili, is a D.C.-based nonprofit dedicated to enhancing Black maternal well being outcomes and supporting Black ladies all through their perinatal and postpartum journeys. With over a decade of impression and a 0% maternal mortality charge, Mamatoto gives a wide range of providers, together with perinatal house visiting, neighborhood doula care, childbirth schooling, lactation assist, perinatal psychological well being providers and workforce growth for future and present maternal well being professionals. Mamatoto Village additionally advocates for systemic change by amplifying the voices of Black ladies by way of advocacy and neighborhood engagement, all pushed by a mission to scale back well being disparities and foster a extra Justice-centered maternal well being care panorama. In November 2024, they launch D.C’s first Reproductive Well being Pantry, providing free, 24/7 entry to menstrual and secure intercourse merchandise.
BirthFUND: (Nationwide)BirthFUND is a community of households dedicated to increasing entry to secure and affirming delivery care. They’re tackling the maternal mortality disaster one household at a time, matching particular person funders with households in want of high quality delivery assist by way of midwifery choices. Since its inception, the BirthFund has supported 53 households in lower than one 12 months.
