BMIP ISSUE CAMPAIGNS
Empowering Black Mothers and families
Black Mothers In Power is committed to addressing systemic issues affecting Black maternal health through targeted campaigns and collaborative efforts. Our campaigns are designed to create lasting change, empower birthing people, and ensure equitable healthcare for Black mothers and families in Delaware.
Hospital Engagement Committee
The Hospital Engagement Committee is dedicated to transforming the way hospitals interact with and support Black birthing people. This campaign focuses on creating safe, inclusive, and respectful spaces for families during the birthing process.
Key Objectives:
Collaborate with local hospitals to establish Doula-Friendly Policies that recognize and support the vital role of Doulas.
Advocate for practices that reduce disparities in maternal healthcare outcomes, especially for Black birthing people.
Ensure hospital environments are culturally sensitive and equipped to address the unique needs of Black mothers and families.
Build stronger relationships between hospitals and community-based organizations like Black Mothers In Power.
One current initiative is working with the hospitals on creating Doula-Friendly Hospital Policies:
A hospital that is Doula-friendly has policies and practices that support the role of Doulas in the care of patients and their families.
Here are some examples of Doula-Friendly Policies:
Respect: Doulas should be treated with respect and included as part of the care team.
Support: Doulas should be allowed to be present in the labor and delivery room, even if the number of support people is limited. They should also be able to provide support during procedures like epidurals and cesareans.
Non-medical comfort techniques: Doulas should be able to support non-medical comfort techniques like breathing techniques, aromatherapy, and hydrotherapy.
Post-partum support: Doulas should be able to support the patient with breastfeeding and other comfort measures after birth.
Staff training: Staff should be trained on how to interact with Doulas and understand their role.
Co-training: Doulas and hospital staff should have opportunities to learn together through co-training.
Collaborative relationships: Staff and Doulas should have opportunities to build collaborative relationships through meet and greets and co-training.
