Melanin and Maternal Wellness

?? Happy World Doula Week from all of us at Melanin and Maternal Wellness! From March 22-28, we celebrate you, the incredible doulas who dedicate your lives to supporting families during their birthing journeys. Thank you for your unwavering commitment and the vital role you play in fostering safe and nurturing environments! ?? A special shoutout to the Black doulas whose contributions are crucial in advancing Black maternal health. Your work not only empowers Black birthing families but also addresses the disparities in maternal care. You are making a lasting impact, and we honor your strength and dedication. Together, we are creating a healthier future for our communities! ???????? #WorldDoulaWeek #ThankADoula #BlackDoulas #BlackMaternalHealth #MelaninAndMaternalWellness

Calling ALL Birthworkers, Doulas, Midwives, Legislators, and Birth Justice Advocates! Join us for an essential Zoom event: Project 2025: Birthing While Black hosted by Melanin and Maternal Wellness. We’ll dive deep into the latest Executive Orders, their alignment with Project 2025, and the profound effects on our Black families experiencing the challenges of birth and reproductive justice. As we witness the execution of Project 2025, it’s crucial to address the attacks on our communities and discuss strategies to combat this crisis. Let’s unite to ensure that every voice is heard and every birth is honored. #Liberation #Elevation #Education ??? Date & Time: Februay 6, 2025 at 7:00pm ?? Register Now: https://bit.ly/3CI5MTc Together, we can make a difference! ???? #BirthingWhileBlack #BirthJustice #MelaninAndMaternalWellness

Melanin and Maternal Wellness remains committed to being of service to, and amplifying the needs of our families. Thank you Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson for keeping your “hand to the plow,” on behalf of our families as well!

#FBF Statement from Crystal D. Charley, Founder and Executive Director of Melanin and Maternal Wellness -1/16/2025 “As a birth and reproductive justice organization dedicated to centering Black families, Melanin and Maternal Wellness understands the profound impact of the ‘doula difference.’ While New Jersey has made some improvements in maternal health, the disparities faced by Black mothers remain unchanged. Thus, we are eager to collaborate with the sponsors of bill A4222 Assemblywoman Shanique Speight and Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson to strengthen its provisions, ensuring that the families who need it most benefit from the doula awareness campaign. It is essential that Black, community-led organizations are included in these discussions, as those closest to the problem are often closest to the solution. We must also emphasize that for this campaign to have a lasting impact, it must address pay equity for doulas, particularly those supporting families in need. Sustaining our doula workforce, particularly doulas who are community-aligned and community-based, is imperative for saving lives and improving birth outcomes for Black families in New Jersey. I would like to extend my gratitude to our Chief of Staff, Danielle Combs, for her relentless advocacy on behalf of Black maternal health and families. Together, we can create meaningful change.” #melaninandmaternalwellness #blackmaternalhealth #doulas #birthjustice #blackfamilies

???? Today, on Maternal Health Awareness Day, Melanin and Maternal Wellness stands firm in our commitment to to honor, respect, believe, and protect Black mothers in birthing spaces. Black mothers face unique challenges that often go unrecognized and unaddressed in healthcare systems. It's crucial to amplify their voices, advocate for their needs, and ensure they receive the respectful and equitable care they deserve. ?? Honor: Let’s recognize the strength and resilience of Black mothers. Their experiences are valid, their stories powerful, and their contributions to our communities immeasurable. ??? Respect: Every mother deserves to be treated with dignity. It's time to challenge the biases and stereotypes that undermine the care Black mothers receive. ?? Believe: We must listen to Black mothers and trust their knowledge of their own bodies. Their lived experiences provide invaluable insights into their health and wellbeing. ??? Protect: The disparity in maternal health outcomes is alarming. We must advocate for policies that safeguard the rights and health of Black mothers, ensuring they have access to compassionate, culturally competent care throughout their birthing journeys. Together, let’s create a world where every Black mother feels supported, empowered, and respected in every birthing space. Join us in spreading awareness and fostering change. ?? #MaternalHealthAwarenessDay #MelaninAndMaternalWellness #SupportBlackMothers #HonorRespectBelieveProtect

**??? Election Day Reminder: Vote for Black Birth and Reproductive Justice! ???** Today is the day! If you haven’t already cast your vote, remember that your voice matters. The stakes are high, and it’s time to vote like a Black life is depending on you. ??? The **Black Birth on the Ballot 2024** campaign is a vital initiative focused on addressing the alarming disparities in Black maternal health in New Jersey. Did you know that Black women face significantly higher rates of maternal mortality and morbidity compared to their white counterparts? These disparities are deeply rooted in systemic racism, implicit bias in healthcare, and social determinants of health. By mobilizing as a voting bloc, we can advocate for policies that prioritize the safety and equity of Black birthing. It’s crucial to be informed about candidates’ positions on maternal health issues and to make choices that will positively impact our communities. Your vote today can help advance policies that improve access to quality healthcare for Black birthing families. This includes advocating for increased funding for maternal health programs, expanding Medicaid coverage, and supporting community-based initiatives that provide culturally competent care. Let’s raise awareness about the challenges faced by Black mothers and ensure that we have a seat at the table. Empower yourself and your community—be an active participant in the political process. Together, we can create a future where every Black mother has the support, care, and respect they deserve. **Get out there and vote! Your voice is your power!** ??????? #BlackBirthJustice #Vote2024 #YourVoiceMatters #Empowerment #BLACKBIRTHONTHEBALLOT #BBOTB #MelaninandMaternalWellness

We are ecstatic to partner with Toshira Maldonado, M.Ed., CPE, CD and Most Beautiful W.O.M.B.! Being in, and building WITH community is a core value for Melanin and Maternal Wellness. Black Birth IS on the Ballot, in every election, every time, until safe and equitable birthing is afforded to everyone. This is village work!

?? Today, we unite to honor National Black Voter Registration Day! This is a powerful reminder of the strength of our voices and the impact of our votes. When we register, engage, and mobilize as one, we can shape our nation's future. ???? Black voters, especially Black women, are a formidable force driving change and demanding accountability. Let's continue to empower each other and ensure that every eligible voter is registered and ready to make their voice heard. As we rally today, let’s focus on the urgent issues facing our communities, particularly the health of Black mothers and infants. This is a matter of life and death, and voting is one way to advocate for meaningful change. Here’s how you can make a difference this National Black Voter Registration Day: 1. **Register to Vote**: Haven't registered yet? Now's the time! Visit https://lnkd.in/eM-2iCKj to make your voice count. 2. **Educate and Mobilize**: Share this message and discuss the importance of voting, especially on maternal and infant health. 3. **Attend Community Events**: Participate in local voter registration events to spread awareness. 4. **Advocate for Change**: Support organizations that prioritize the health of Black families. Let’s harness our collective power to create a future where our voices are heard and our needs are met! ?????? #BlackBirthOnTheBallot #NationalBlackVoterRegistrationDay

"Every drop is a promise, every cuddle a blessing. Through the sacred act of breastfeeding, a mother’s love nurtures, protects, and empowers her little one for life’s beautiful journey. ???????? #MothersPrayer #Breastfeeding #BestStart" #BlackBreastfeedingWeek #SupportBlackMothers #BreastfeedingForAll #MelaninandMaternalWellness #BBW24

???? ???? We’ve never seen anything that matches the wonders of a mother’s love! “Love at first latch!” This Black Breastfeeding Week, let’s uplift and celebrate the strength, resilience, and beauty of Black mothers and their breastfeeding journeys. Together, we can break barriers, share stories, and empower one another. Join us in honoring the rich heritage and the vital importance of breastfeeding in our community! #BlackBreastfeedingWeek #SupportBlackMothers #BreastfeedingForAll #MelaninandMaternalWellness #BBW24