As we close Black Maternal Health Week (April 11-17), we amplify the critical voices of Black mothers who continue to dream, fight, and transform despite overwhelming challenges. Donate Now and help us break the silence, challenge systemic barriers, and support mothers fighting for their futures.

"It can be hard when in survival mode to dream and stay open to possibility, but it is so important to always expect more for yourself and your child—don't stop dreaming for both of you!"

This is what Imani, a single mother of 2-month old preemie Saffron, and who Mama2Mama is serving through wildfire relief efforts, said of her experience of Black motherhood — a daily act of resilience, hope, and unwavering love. Her vision extends beyond survival, as she shares her deepest aspiration: "I would love to feel empowered to take care of myself and my child through having stable work in a difficult economy... I'd like the opportunity and privilege to be able to see my daughter take all of her big growth milestones and prioritize them by having our needs met."

The statistics are stark and undeniable. In 2023, the U.S. maternal mortality rates expose a brutal reality:

Black mothers are 3.5x more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women. In LA County , the rate is closer to 4x. This is a systematic failure.

We know the solutions. Research consistently shows that support from doulas and midwives can dramatically improve birth outcomes, reducing cesarean deliveries and postpartum depression. Yet, most states have been painfully slow to recognize birthworker care as a critical medical service. Recent government actions threaten to make an already precarious situation even more dire.

Proposed Medicaid (Medi-Cal in California) cuts could decimate already fragile healthcare access, disproportionately devastating rural hospitals and maternity care services for Black women.

Medicaid covers 65% of births to Black mothers in the U.S.

Black mothers deserve more than survival. They deserve a transformative, dignified experience that sees them, hears them, and values them completely—through culturally competent care, robust support for midwives and doulas, and alternative birthing centers that truly center Black women's experiences and needs.

Honoring Our Allies

We stand in solidarity with incredible organizations fighting to transform Black maternal health. Here are a few we’ve connected with recently and encourage you to support:

Black Infants and Families Los Angeles United in one purpose: to address the unacceptably high rates of Black infant and maternal deaths in L.A. County
Frontline Doulas Providing compassionate, culturally responsive doula care
Black Women for Wellness Advancing health justice and empowerment for Black women and girls

Black maternal health cannot wait. Your support can make a real difference in the lives of mothers like Imani. Donate now and be part of the change.

With unwavering support,
The Mama2Mama team

Have a question or want to get in touch?

Drop us a line at hello@mama2mama.org!

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251 S. Lake Ave. Ste 800, Pasadena, CA 91101

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