Would a grant help you?
Black expectant parents in the US can apply for a direct one-time grant to fund doula services.
Black women are three times more likely to die from pregnancy or childbirth-related complications than white women – and 60% of those deaths are preventable.[a] Now a new fund from Baby Dove is committed to accelerating efforts to close the alarming gap in care and health outcomes for Black mothers and their babies.
The Black Birth Equity Fund provides Black expectant mothers in the US with immediate financial support so they can access doula services. One-time grants of up to $1,300 (€1,100) will help cover the cost of a doula – someone trained to provide physical and emotional support who will advocate for better care throughout pregnancy, at the birth and into the fourth trimester.
Research shows that with support from a doula, women are two times less likely to experience birth complications, four times less likely to have a low birth-weight baby, and more likely to experience overall positive health outcomes during pregnancy, birth and early weeks.[b]
Baby Dove has pledged $250,000 (€212,000) for grants, and long-term 100% of profits from a special gift set, available now in the US, will help support the Black Birth Equity Fund.
Setting out for systemic change
The brand is also partnering with leading advocacy groups including the Black Mamas Matter Alliance (BMMA) to help champion improved care for Black expectant mothers and support widespread structural change.
“At Baby Dove, we believe Black moms have the right to superior care at every step of their journey. But for too long, Black moms have not received the care they deserve, and the consequences are significant – we are committed to helping change that,” explains Sally Brown, Global Brand Director of Baby Dove.
“Expanding access to doulas through the Black Birth Equity Fund is just the beginning and in partnership with organisations like BMMA, we will work towards systemic change that will improve the birthing journey for Black moms and their babies.”
“We are proud to see the Black Birth Equity Fund become available to Black expectant moms and birthing individuals across the country,” adds Angela D. Aina, Co-Founding Executive Director at BMMA and Baby Dove Strategic Advisor.
“For Black and other traditionally marginalised communities, doulas have been proven to help reduce health disparities, as well as bridge language and cultural gaps between families and health providers. With notable support from global brands like Baby Dove, we will be able to raise greater awareness of Black maternal health, promote advocacy, and shift culture to support reproductive justice.”