Mama Glow Foundation

We are thrilled to share some incredible news with you!?The?International Academy of Digital Arts & Sciences,?has selected us as winners for the 4th Annual Anthem Awards. Mama Glow and the Mama Glow Foundation have been recognized with?three prestigious Anthem Awards, for the Doula Expo by Mama Glow and the Mama Glow Foundation Mental Health Pocket Guide funded by with kate spade new york, celebrating our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, education, and health. This is an unparalleled honor, the The Anthem Awards received more than?2,300 entries submitted from over 30 countries. Here are the highlights: The Doula Expo by Mama Glow?was honored with?two awards: GOLD in Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion - Event SILVER in Education, Art, & Culture - Event https://www.doulaexpo.com/ The Mama Glow Foundation Mental Health Pocket Guide, funded by Kate Spade New York, received?a?SILVER?Anthem?Award?in the Research Projects or Publications: Health category https://lnkd.in/eSfxGtnt These awards recognize our groundbreaking work in maternal health and wellness, and we are beyond grateful for the acknowledgment from the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences. The Anthem Awards highlight mission-driven initiatives around the globe, and we’re proud that our efforts are making a meaningful impact. In particular, the?Doula Expo by Mama Glow—our signature annual festival—has been celebrated as a culture-shifting event that amplifies the voices of birth workers, advocates for reproductive justice, and provides critical space for education and community connection. With the recent festival held in October 2024, we were able to engage with over 50 speakers, 45 brand partners, and thousands of attendees, bringing vital conversations and solutions to the forefront of maternal health. Additionally, the?Mama Glow Foundation Mental Health Pocket Guide?continues to be an essential resource for individuals navigating their mental health journey. Our guide, made possible by the generosity of Kate Spade New York, offers accessible, holistic support and solutions for mental well-being, covering areas like sexual wellness, mindfulness, self-care, and mental and behavioral health. #mamaglow #mamaglowfoundation #anthemawards #maternalhealth #doulaexpo #doulas #doulaexpobymamaglow #winners #mentalhealth

The 2024 Doula Expo by Mama Glow Returns to Brooklyn, October 5-6th: Reimagining Maternal Health. Join us in Williamsburg, Brooklyn Saturday, October 5, 10am-6pm Sunday, October 6, 10-4pm The one and only Doula Expo by Mama Glow is an annual culture-shifting festival that centers a vision for the future of birth work. We are pleased to announce that the Doula Expo is certified for 7.25 CEUs. The one and only Doula Expo by Mama Glow is an annual culture-shifting festival that centers a vision for the future of birth work, curated by the global maternal health and education platform, Mama Glow. It caters to birth professionals and families, prioritizing education, connection, and community, serving as a space where brands and organizations in wellness, reproductive, and maternal health can interface with consumers, professionals, and community leaders. The interactive festival experience includes keynote conversations, expert panels, demos, and networking opportunities, open to all interested or involved in maternal and reproductive health, wellness, and beyond. https://www.doulaexpo.com/

??New Media Alert FORBES - Celebrating Black Breastfeeding Week FORBES - Why Are Black Women The Least Likely To Breastfeed? Examining Barriers to Black Breastfeeding?by Janice Gassam Asare, Ph.D. Salute to Janice Gassam Asare, Ph.D. for featuring Mama Glow & Mama Glow Foundation & the impactful work we have done to improve Black breastfeeding rates through professional training. “Compared to their white counterparts, Black mothers & birthing people are less likely to initiate breastfeeding—& once they start breastfeeding, they are less likely to continue the practice for long enough to confer the benefits onto their infants,” shared Latham Thomas. Thomas is a trailblazer in Black maternal health advocacy and is the founder of the Mama Glow Foundation, a Brooklyn-based organization that trains & supports doulas. “Black women are less likely to receive community support postpartum,” Thomas explained, “Are more likely to have to return to work shortly after birth, & less likely to have intergenerational examples of breastfeeding success.” According to a 2015 research study, contributors to the racial disparities in breastfeeding rates include the fact that Black women return to work sooner, on average, than women of other races & also that Black women work in roles with work hours that make breastfeeding more challenging. Barriers to exclusive breastfeeding among Black mothers include “lack of access to and knowledge of breastfeeding laws & policies, as well as negative cultural norms or stigma”. Research indicates that doula support can play a vital role in breastfeeding initiation. One way to address the racial disparities in breastfeeding could be providing Black mothers & birthing people with greater access to doula support. Latham Thomas created the Mama Glow Foundation & the First Foods Justice Breastfeeding Certificate Program for Doulas with this objective in mind. Thomas explained that the goals of the program are to “train and certify 100 community care workers & doulas as Community Lactation Educators, serve marginalized people with lactation support & to measure the outcomes & capture feeding success experiences within the program.” #mamaglowfoundation #mamaglow #blackbreastfeedingweek https://lnkd.in/gupCAwVs

Mama Glow Webinar: Celebrating Black Breastfeeding Week - Breaking Barriers & Reclaiming Our Stories AUGUST 28th, 6:30-8:00PM This webinar is presented by: Momcozy Join us for the 12th annual celebration of Black Breastfeeding Week 2024! Black Breastfeeding Week was founded by three Black women, Kimberly Seals Allers, Kiddada Green and Anayah Sangodele Ayoka. Black Breastfeeding Week (BBW) is celebrated annually from August 25–31, and the 2024 theme is "Listen Up! Reclaiming Our Narrative & Centering Our Stories for Breastfeeding Justice". This year’s theme embraces the soulful power of narrative shift and amplifies storytelling as a vital catalyst for equity and justice in lactation. Join us for an informative webinar during Black Breastfeeding Week as we commemorate and amplify the voices and journeys of Black birthing families and practitioners helping us to reclaim our breastfeeding stories. This interactive session will explore the unique challenges and triumphs faced by Black women and birthing individuals in their breastfeeding journeys. We'll discuss the systemic barriers that hinder breastfeeding equity, share empowering stories of resilience and resistance, and highlight strategies for advocacy and support. Whether you're a healthcare professional, lactation consultant, parent, or ally, this webinar invites you to learn, engage, and contribute to creating a more inclusive and supportive breastfeeding environment for all. Together, let's celebrate and uplift the radical power of Black breastfeeding as a movement! In this webinar will address: The challenges Black women and birthing individuals face in initiating and maintaining breastfeeding practices. The historical and cultural factors shaping Black breastfeeding rates Systemic barriers within healthcare, society, and workplaces that contribute to disparities. Hear empowering stories of resilience and resistance from Black breastfeeding advocates and families. Learn strategies and get resources for advocating for breastfeeding equity We will be joined in conversation with the following panelists: - Jillian Hervey, Lead vocalist of music duo LION BABE - Barbara Verneus, Lactation/Feeding Specialist, Midwife - Lalaina Rabary, Marketing Manager of Momcozy - Latham Thomas - Founder of Mama Glow and Mama Glow Foundation Momcozy will be gifting 10?Single S12 Pro Wearable Breast Pumps?to a few lucky webinar attendees! Don't miss your chance to win! REGISTER HERE:?https://lnkd.in/eGSWMPN8 #mamaglow #blackbreastfeedingweek #breastfeedingawareness #momcozy

Greetings Friends!? ? The one and only Doula Expo by Mama Glow is an annual culture-shifting festival that centers a vision for the future of birth work. Curated by the global maternal health and education platform, Mama Glow, the two-day festival caters to birth professionals and families by prioritizing education, entertainment, connection, and community. ? We are pleased to announce that we are accepting abstracts for consideration for a 15-minute presentation on the Doula Expo stage.?The future of maternal health research and policy will be characterized by innovation, equity, and resilience. The Doula Expo is interested in platforming presentations that address emerging challenges and solutions that leverage opportunities in: digital health, mental health, health equity, maternal health education, and policy innovation.? ? Abstracts must be submitted no later than 11:59 PM ET, August 12th, 2024 ? "This year's theme is?Reimagining Maternal Health,?and we are leaning into principles and thought leadership exploring imagination and designing a future that centers reproductive justice and birth equity, " says Latham Thomas, Maternal Health Expert, Visiting Professor of Gender and Sexuality Studies at Brown University,?and Founder of Mama Glow. ? By prioritizing evidence-based interventions and collaborative efforts, stakeholders can drive meaningful progress towards achieving maternal health goals to ensure every person receives the care they need for a safe and healthy pregnancy and childbirth. ? The Doula Expo is an opportunity to convene with peers and industry leaders, develop authentic connections, and build community with other birth professionals. The festival is designed to help participants amplify their work, connect with organizations, and grow their businesses. For expectants and families, the festival is a space where participants can access curated resources, meet practitioners, and experience products and services from brands and organizations in the women's health as well as the maternal and infant health spaces. LEARN MORE! https://www.doulaexpo.com/ #doulaexpo #maternalhealth #reimaginematernallealth #mamaglow #birthequity #blackmaternalhealth

FIRST FOODS JUSTICE BREASTFEEDING CERTIFICATION PROGRAM FOR DOULAS Nourishing Our Babies to Nurture Ourselves APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR SUMMER 2024 COHORT The Mama Glow Foundation is a 501c3 non profit committed to advancing reproductive justice and birth equity through education, advocacy, and the arts.? We are thrilled to announce the Mama Glow Foundation?FIRST FOODS JUSTICE: BREASTFEEDING CERTIFICATION PROGRAM FOR DOULAS?- Nourishing Our Babies to Nurture Ourselves ???? This application is for the inaugural cohort for our FIRST FOODS JUSTICE PROGRAM centered on reclaiming breastfeeding education and bringing lactation support to communities most impacted by low breastfeeding rates. The design of this course centers the safety and support of Black and Brown mothers, birthing people, and families as they navigate the unique challenges and joys of breastfeeding/chestfeeding. Applications Open June 3rd, 2024 Deadline - June 17th, 2024 The design of this course centers the safety and support of Black and Brown mothers, birthing people, and families as they navigate the unique challenges and joys of breastfeeding/ chestfeeding. This course approaches the topic of breastfeeding from the framework of?first food justice—the notion that all infants should have the right to access the best nutrition, and caregivers their right to provide it. We cannot discuss the joys that accompany the breastfeeding journey for BIPOC mothers without acknowledging the elephant in the room. While human milk is the gold standard for infant nutrition, Black birthing people and families face systematic barriers to breastfeeding—a reality that is tethered to the historical legacies of chattel slavery in the United States. Compared to their white counterparts, Black mothers and birthing people are less likely to initiate breastfeeding—and once they start breastfeeding, they are less likely to continue the practice for long enough to confer the benefits onto their infants. This course is a moment for restorative justice and healing. Infant formula companies have long-targeted members of minoritized populations in their efforts to heighten the accessibility of formula, and this is an opportunity to shift the narrative. Mama Glow Foundation FIRST FOODS JUSTICE: BREASTFEEDING CERTIFICATION PROGRAM FOR DOULAS will provide professional lactation education to birth workers belonging to communities facing health inequity, to equip them with skills that they can bring back to their community spaces to be of service. Course attendees will emerge from the course as First Foods Justice Advocates and upon completion of certification, will become Certified Community Lactation Educators. This program is grounded in a deep commitment to community and an investment in the Mama Glow workforce of community care workers. It is our hope that with this education comes great validation and healing. ?? APPLY HERE:?https://lnkd.in/gmsV6Tci

JOIN US SATURDAY FOR WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH in D.C D.C Mayor Muriel Bowser and?Latham Thomas founder of Mama Glow invite you to join them in the D.C HERSTORY 5K 2024 Join us for a lively morning walking in celebration of International Women's Day. SATURDAY, MARCH 9, 2024 FREEDOM PLAZA, Washington D.C REGISTRATION | 9AM KIDS DASH BEGINS | 9:30AM RACE BEGINS | 10AM Mama Glow will be in Washington D.C., for in celebration of International Women’s Day. The FITDC HerStory 5K, powered by AETNA, is a free run/walk that attracts thousands of DC residents and folks from around the country to commemorate Women’s History Month, live and in person from Freedom Plaza. This event is dog friendly and stroller friendly. This annual event pays homage to the 350,000 women and girls living in the nation’s capital, and the 165 million women and girls across the country. Get ready for a downtown DC party featuring a pre-race lineup of speakers headlined by Mayor Bowser and Latham Thomas, a scenic race route down Pennsylvania Ave, a plaza adorned with quotes for HERstory making women, pop-up exhibits about women’s history, and a post-race finish festival with music, giveaways, and vendors from local women-owned businesses. Click here to learn more and RSVP:?https://herstory5k.com/

Mama Glow Foundation? FIRST FOODS JUSTICE BREASTFEEDING CERTIFICATION PROGRAM FOR DOULAS Nourishing Our Babies to Nurture Ourselves APPLICATION FOR SPRING 2024 COHORT Applications Deadline - 3/2/24 The Mama Glow Foundation is a 501c3 non profit committed to advancing reproductive justice and birth equity through education, advocacy, and the arts. We are thrilled to announce the Mama Glow Foundation?FIRST FOODS JUSTICE: BREASTFEEDING CERTIFICATION PROGRAM FOR DOULAS?- Nourishing Our Babies to Nurture Ourselves ???? The design of this course centers the safety and support of Black and Brown mothers, birthing people, and families as they navigate the unique challenges and joys of breastfeeding/ chestfeeding. This course approaches the topic of breastfeeding from the framework of?first food justice—the notion that all infants should have the right to access the best nutrition, and caregivers their right to provide it. We cannot discuss the joys that accompany the breastfeeding journey for BIPOC mothers without acknowledging the elephant in the room. While human milk is the gold standard for infant nutrition, Black birthing people and families face systematic barriers to breastfeeding—a reality that is tethered to the historical legacies of chattel slavery in the United States. Compared to their white counterparts, Black mothers and birthing people are less likely to initiate breastfeeding—and once they start breastfeeding, they are less likely to continue the practice for long enough to confer the benefits onto their infants. This course is a moment for restorative justice and healing. Infant formula companies have long-targeted members of minoritized populations in their efforts to heighten the accessibility of formula, and this is an attempt at rectification. This course will provide professional lactation education to birth workers belonging to communities facing health inequity, to equip them with skills that they can bring back to their community spaces to be of service. This program is grounded in a deep commitment to community and an investment in the Mama Glow workforce of community care workers. It is our hope that with this education comes great validation and healing. ?? Are you ready to learn more and complete the application? Let's go!? https://lnkd.in/gmsV6Tci #breastfeeding?#advocacy?#training?#professionaldevelopment

Happy Holidays to each and every one of you! May this be a blissful and restful time for you and your family. We are thankful for all we were able to accomplish this year and look forward to reaching more milestones in 2024! xo Mama Glow Foundation

For?#GivingTuesday?we are thrilled to be participating in a partnership with Electric Picks. Giving Tuesday is a global generosity movement dedicated to unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world. It's a time for us to uplift organizations that are doing great work and to amplify support! ? Mama Glow x Electric Picks dropped The Luminous Necklace on Giving Tuesday! ? Inspired by a?deep?commitment to?#maternalhealth, the?Mama Glow x?Electric?Picks?collaboration?celebrates those navigating the perinatal journey.?We are working towards a world where birthing is safe,?dignified, joyful and empowering for all.?Wear?The Luminous Necklace?in support of this commitment and to?embrace each unique phase of life. ? This?#partnership?benefits the?Mama Glow Foundation, a 501c3 nonprofit organization that is committed to advancing reproductive justice through education, advocacy and the arts. ? 100% of the proceeds go to support the globally recognized Mama Glow Professional?#Doula?Training Program, helping to advance?#healthequity?and forge career paths for doulas and care workers. ? This is a limited time offer and there are limited quantities of the necklace which drops TODAY, November 28th and will be on sale through Nov 29th. Head over to Electric Picks now to get your necklace before they sell out! https://electricpicks.com/