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Birth Doula Donations for Black Moms

Black mothers are 3x more likely to have pregnancy-related deaths than white and Hispanic mothers. The reason for this is multi-faceted, but high on the list is the systemic racism that still tragically exists in our country. Black women are often dismissed for symptoms that would usually be addressed in white women.

Birth doulas help to decrease these statistics by advocating for mothers’ right to make informed choices, as well as listening to their experiences and encouraging them to pursue medical action when necessary.

Both of the organizations linked below ensure that people of color have quality and accessible doula care.  You can also learn more about the importance of doula care in the docuseries by Black Doula Project. 

Christy Renee Photography

Maternity Leave Donations

Sometimes mothers must return to work before six weeks because of financial needs. Any donations to this fund will go 100% to mothers in our community who are not paid by their employers and cannot afford to take six weeks of maternity leave.  

The first six weeks are crucial for mothers to be able to recover from birth, bond with their baby and establish their milk supply if they are breastfeeding. They are adjusting to life with a new family member, managing sleep deprivation and replenishing from the physically demanding journey of pregnancy and birth. 

At two or three weeks postpartum some mothers need to return to work, sometimes very physical work such as cleaning,  because they cannot afford to support their family with unpaid leave time.  Mothers who need support will be asked what their normal weekly paycheck is, and then provided a week's coverage or more if available.

If you  are a mother who needs this or know of one, please email me to see about available grant options.  

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Breastfeeding Support for Black Moms

Black mothers face more barriers to breastfeeding including more likelihood of being offered formula, lack of role models who have breastfed, and a traumatic history of being forced into wet nursing, as well as higher likelihood of having jobs that do not offer paid maternity leave.  

The ROSE organization seeks to address racial inequities in breastfeeding by providing community education and resources.