SOMN
Our Mission
Our mission is to ensure every Black mother and mother of an infant of color in the U.S. has a high-quality, culturally relevant childbirth experience.
Black mothers and mothers of babies of color in the United States are still facing significant problems during childbirth due to a lack of resources and support. We’ve established the Shades of Motherhood Network to fill in this gap by providing innovative resources like peer support groups, empowering community workshops, and comprehensive doula care.
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Featured Services
Click the image to get more info and access these services
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girl Get a Doula
Doulas offer vital support throughout pregnancy, labor, and postpartum, providing emotional reassurance, comfort, and information. Their advocacy and personalized care foster a nurturing environment, promoting confidence and empowerment for expecting parents, ultimately enhancing outcomes for both mother and baby.
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join a peer support group
Our peer support groups provide a safe space for parents to share experiences and foster community. They enhance emotional well-being by reducing feelings of isolation and stress while offering advice and a sense of community. Connecting with others may be just what you need to strengthen your confidence.
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Sign up for food boxes
Good nutrition is essential for a healthier and more comfortable pregnancy. It supports the growth and development of the baby while also helping the mother maintain her strength and well-being. A balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and essential nutrients can make all the difference during this important time.
Check out our amazing Resource Book!
Are you excited to dive into the world of Maternal Health? Our Resource Book is your ultimate guide, packed with invaluable insights on:
- Advocating for yourself with confidence
- Finding local care tailored to your needs
- Understanding and addressing women's mental health issues
- Exploring various types of maternal healthcare and support
And that's just the beginning! Concerned about not finding the information you need? Don’t worry! We’re continuously updating this book to bring you the latest resources and knowledge. Click the button below to Read our Resource book!
Our Plan
3 ways to make childbirth safer for black mothers
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No. 1
Doula Care
Doulas help families navigate the complex, systemically racist medical industry. They can improve the coordination of medical care and ultimately reduce birth complications (BlueCross BlueShield, 2022).
Our Solution
We aim to offer no-cost doula care to 30 mothers while building the doula workforce through recruitment and development.
No. 2
Community Support
We are simply better together. When families have the strength, wisdom, advocacy, and emotional support of a community, they are better prepared for the birth experience.
Our Solution
We host inclusive peer groups where mothers and fathers of color can find a safe space to support each other.
While our mission is national, we're launching in Spokane, WA. Join our Spokane-based peer groups today, tailored to the needs of our local community.
No. 3
Activated Knowledge
Why are so many mothers and infants of color dying or experiencing serious complications during childbirth in the US? The first step in prevention is to understand the reasons.
Our Solution
We utilize art activism, community workshops, data collection, and social media to equip Black mothers with practical knowledge and actionable steps to improve their health and well-being.
Our Founder
This is personal
Stephaine Courtney founded the Shades of Motherhood Network after suffering from infertility and loss for seven years.
Stephaine’s harrowing experience in motherhood compelled her to research Black maternal health, infant mortality, and culturally-based traditional care. She learned that doula care was the solution to many of the health issues that Black mothers face.
After becoming a certified doula, Stephaine founded Shades of Motherhood Network to bring the empowering knowledge of doula care to other mothers and birthing families.
What We’re Doing
The movement is growing in Spokane
A few of our Sponsors
Contact Us
Email: somnspokane@gmail.com
Phone: 509-818-0216
Address: 631 S Richard Allen Court
Spokane, WA 99202
