(Black PR Wire) DETROIT, MI, —The Black Mothers’ Breastfeeding Association (BMBFA) is excited to announce it has received a $50,000 grant from the Michigan Health Endowment Fund. The grant will support program capacity and the development of a virtual community-based doula summit in Michigan. Working collaboratively with statewide stakeholders, BMBFA seeks to create a plan to advance community-based doula care in Michigan.

Among other services provided in the care of Black mothers, BMBFA operates a Community-based Doula Program that seeks to improve maternal and infant health in Detroit’s underserved communities.  As research shows, Black and Indigenous women and infants in Detroit, and the broader Michigan region, suffer from increased rates of infant mortality, pregnancy-related maternal death, and maternal morbidity. There is a growing concern for the health of Black mothers, Indigenous mothers, and pregnant persons in Michigan.  BMBFA’s Community-based Doula Program, which provides direct support to expectant Detroit mothers prior to birth, while birthing and during the early postpartum period, is an effective tool in improving breastfeeding rates and combatting other maternal health issues that plague the Black and Indigenous communities. 

“Alongside statewide stakeholders, we are working to increase availability and access to doula care for Black and Indigenous Michigan communities that often struggle in silence,” said Kiddada Green, executive director of the BMBFA. “We want any pregnant person throughout the state to receive community-based doula support as they bring life into this world.”

“I am looking forward to virtually attending the 2021 Community-Based Doula Summit. ” states State Senator Erika Geiss. “The organizers of this event have worked hard to build a program on a wide range of topics and to bring in top experts so that doulas can grow and learn from each other across all the services they provide—everything from prenatal, birth, postpartum, and grief support. Community-based doulas have proven they can improve maternal and infant health outcomes and I hope those who attend this summit can grow in this profession so that doula services can be an accessible, affordable, and equitable option for all people giving birth.”

“Being a Community-based Doula during the COVID-19 pandemic was amazing. It did not stop us from showing up for our moms and families.” said Ashli Burney, of Black Mothers Breastfeeding Association. “We transitioned to virtual support in lieu of home visits. I feel like our roles were definitely important and impactful. The pandemic did not stop or put a halt on us helping out moms with labor and breastfeeding support.”

Joining BMBFA in the planning and execution of the Summit are: March of Dimes, State Senator Erica Geiss of the Sixth District, Day One Doula Collective, Focus: HOPE, Molina Healthcare of Michigan, Rootead Enrichment Center of Kalamazoo, Strong Beginnings-Healthy Start, Sacred Bundle Birthworker Collective, and WIN Network.

Also graciously sponsored by the March of Dimes, The Michigan Community-based Doula Summit is scheduled to occur virtually August 19th-21st, 2021 featuring four tracks; community voice, policy & advocacy, professional development and workforce development. Registration is free.  To register or learn more visit: blackmothersbreastfeeding.org/micommunitydoulasummit/.

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About Black Mothers Breastfeeding Association 

The BMBFA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit community-based organization and the leader of many national programs aligned with the organization’s mission to reduce racial inequities in breastfeeding support for Black families.

BMBFA’s signature success is the Black Mothers’ Breastfeeding Club (BMBFC). BMBFC has run without interruption for over ten years and has been replicated throughout the nation. BMBFA has also created a school for community-based doula training, nationally accredited by HealthConnect One and approved by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. 

Amongst other distinguished work, BMBFA served as a contributing expert for the Center for Disease Control and Prevention by providing recommendations for the U.S. Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Support Breastfeeding. Furthermore, BMBFA is the anchor organization for the Black Breastfeeding Caucus, co-creator of Black Breastfeeding Week and the Black Infant Remembrance Memorial.

Find out more at https://blackmothersbreastfeeding.org/.

About the Michigan Health Endowment Fund

Founded in 2013, the Michigan Health Endowment Fund supports organizations that seek to improve the health of Michigan residents while reducing the cost of health care. Since its inception, the Health Fund has allocated millions of dollars to deserving organizations. Detroit residents and organizations have benefited significantly from programs supported by the Health Fund.

Find out more at https://mihealthfund.org/about.