BIPOC for a Better Birth is a new organization that is sponsored by the Independent Media Center and an Urbana Arts and Culture Grant. They “address the unique needs of Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) who continue to face disproportionately poor pregnancy and birth outcomes while creating pathways to better reproductive experiences by raising awareness, building community, and supporting the efforts of birthworkers like doulas, midwives, lactation specialists, and herbalists who recognize the intersection of racism and medicalized childbirth.”
This Sunday, May 1st, they are hosting a maternal mental health event, Paint and Plant, at Phillips Recreation Center in Urbana. The event is meant for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color who are postpartum to be able to gather and share stories, reflecting on their mental health, while painting flower pots and planting seeds. Registration is required by April 29th, and spots are limited.
They hope this will be the first of many themed events to raise awareness about pregnancy, birth, lactation, and maternal health for BIPOC people. They are also planning to offer community doula trainings.
Read more about maternal health, particularly for BIPOC people, in our interview with Isis Rose, doula and co-founder of the organization.
Top photo from pexels.com.