Who is eligible to participate in the sessions?

• Black moms and birthing persons 

• Pregnant people or those up to 2 years postpartum 

Why is the group closed only to Black people?
As Black women and birthing people are the most impacted by medical racism, it is imperative to hold space and prioritize their health and well-being to combat high maternal mortality rates. By prioritizing the most marginalized when outcomes improve for Black women and birthing people, outcomes will inevitably improve for everyone.

To learn more about Black maternal health, click here.

Who is considered a mom?
A Black woman or person who has birthed, parents, nurtures, or cares for children

Who is considered a Black birthing person?
Someone who identifies as Black, African, Caribbean, Afro-Latina/e, and/or African American and is able to become pregnant or give birth*

*The term ‘birthing person’ includes cisgender women, transgender men, non-binary individuals, and gender-expansive persons

What is the perinatal period?
The period of time beginning in pregnancy and up to 12 months following childbirth.

What is the postpartum period?
The period of time post labor and delivery (includes, but not limited to, childbirth, miscarriage, abortion, etc.)

What is peer support?
Emotional, informational, instrumental, or other aid/help provided from one person to another, or to a group of people, with shared lived experience(s).

What is anti-oppressive care?
Practicing anti-oppression work in real terms is not only confronting individual examples of bigotry or confronting societal examples, but it is also confronting ourselves and our own roles of power and oppression in our communities and the bigger picture.

To learn more about anti-oppressive care, click here.

What is culturally responsive care?
Care that is sensitive and adaptive to the cultural contexts and lived experiences of Black birthing persons.

How does OWA and POEM Rise define wellness?
A holistic framework and practice prioritizing the overall health and well-being (mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual) of a person.

Why do participants receive stipends?
We understand that it is not easy to put yourself first when you have competing responsibilities. It is our hope that this stipend can aid participants and lighten the load, if only slightly.

How much are stipends for participation?
$25 (limited to one stipend per month per person)

How do you receive the stipend?
Cashapp or electronic gift card

Does everyone who attends get a stipend?
Stipends will be given to 15 people for in-person sessions and  25 people for virtual sessions that meet the following criteria: 

• Be one of the first to sign up for the session 

• Attend a majority of the 90-minute session (at least 65 minutes)

• Complete the post-session evaluation survey within 24 hours of attending the session

Stipends are limited to one stipend per month per person.

Website

Community-based doula program providing peer-to-peer support to families during labor, birth, and up to babies’ first year.

Located in Cleveland

Domains of service:

• Labor support

• Life goal planning

• Childbirth and parenting

• Support groups

Website

Working to reduce maternal and infant mortality and health disparities by providing culturally competent, holistic support to Black and minority families throughout pregnancy, birth, and beyond. 

Services Offered: 

• Prenatal Counseling 

• Mental Health Support 

• Doula Care

• Lactation Counseling 

• Prenatal Massage

• Respite Care 

Client Referral Form

Website

Offering peer-to-peer support to Black moms and birthing persons across Ohio 

• Refer Yourself

• Refer Someone

Website

Reproductive Justice organization supporting Black women and families

Services offered:

• Perinatal Support Specialists (Doulas) & Home Visiting 

• Comprehensive Reproductive Health Education

• Community-Based Research 

• Consulting

• Fatherhood Focus

• ROOTT Holistic Health and Wellness Clinic 

• Advocacy, Education & Resources 

• Policy & Advocacy 

• ROOTT Family Tree

Website

Network of Black women actively working to improve birth outcomes

Chapters located in:

• Akron

• Butler County 

• Cincinnati

• Canton

• Columbus

• Dayton 

• Kansas City, Kansas

• Mahoning Valley 

• Toledo

• Tulsa, Oklahoma

Website

Comprehensive healthcare center focusing on gynecology and obstetrics in Cleveland, Ohio

Services offered:

• Gynecology Service

• Obstetric Services

• Mental Health Care Services

• Primary Care Services

• Pediatrics