SOMN
We are Shades Of Motherhood Network
Supporting Moms Through Pregnancy
Dedicated to nurturing moms-to-be on their journey to motherhood. Providing holistic care and support.
"The socioeconomic advantages that typically benefit women—like higher income, greater education, and residing in wealthier neighborhoods—usually lead to better healthcare. However, for Black women in maternal health, these factors don't make a difference. Despite these advantages, their health outcomes remain significantly worse compared to other women."
Our Values
Our vision is to create a world where Black mothers and families thrive, with equitable access to compassionate care, comprehensive support, and resources that empower healthy pregnancies, births, and postpartum experiences.
Through our holistic programs—ranging from food assistance to doula services and peer support—we aim to uplift and transform Black maternal health outcomes for future generations.
Our Principles
Here are Maternal Health Principles inspired by the Seven Principles of Kwanzaa (Nguzo Saba). These principles can serve as a foundation for addressing Black maternal health disparities and promoting holistic care for mothers, families, and communities:
1. Umoja (Unity) Principle: Foster a unified support network for mothers, families, and communities.Application: Build community-centered maternal care systems where doulas, midwives, and healthcare providers work collaboratively. Create safe spaces for mothers to share experiences and support one another.
2. Kujichagulia (Self-Determination) Principle: Empower mothers to make informed decisions about their health and birthing journeys.Application: Provide culturally relevant education, advocate for maternal autonomy, and amplify Black women's voices in healthcare settings.
3. Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility) Principle: Recognize the shared responsibility of addressing maternal health disparities.Application: Engage community organizations, families, and policymakers to improve maternal health outcomes. Train doulas and healthcare professionals to provide culturally competent care.
4. Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics) Principle: Support sustainable businesses and resources that improve maternal health.Application: Invest in Black-owned maternal care businesses, such as doula services and lactation consultants. Create community funds to support mothers in need.
5. Nia (Purpose) Principle: Commit to the collective purpose of ensuring safe and healthy births for all mothers.Application: Develop programs and initiatives that focus on reducing maternal mortality and promoting mental, emotional, and physical health during and after pregnancy.
6. Kuumba (Creativity) Principle: Use creativity to reimagine maternal health care systems and healing practices.Application: Incorporate art, storytelling, and traditional African practices into maternal health education and support. Create culturally rich programs that celebrate motherhood.
7. Imani (Faith) Principle: Trust in the resilience of Black mothers and the community's ability to overcome systemic barriers.Application: Promote spiritual and emotional well-being through faith-based initiatives, affirmations, and collective healing practices. Encourage mothers to believe in their strength and worth.
By integrating these principles, maternal health initiatives can address the unique needs of Black mothers, honor cultural heritage, and build a more equitable
*Programs for 2025*
These are the programs that align with our mission to improve maternal health, empower communities, and foster cultural representation:
Maternal Health Workforce Development
*Focus*: Expanding the doula and maternal health workforce.
*Key Activities*: - Training 50 new Black and Brown doulas. - Launching mentorship and business coaching for doulas. - Providing free culturally competent materials to support postpartum and birthing education. - Doula certification courses focused on addressing disparities.
Black Maternal Health Advocacy Program
*Focus*: Advocating for policy changes to reduce maternal health disparities.
*Key Activities*: - Partnering with policymakers to address systemic racism in healthcare. - Hosting annual advocacy days and policy workshops. - Expanding awareness campaigns during Black Maternal Health Week.
Creative Healing Initiatives
Focus*: Using art and cultural practices to heal and celebrate motherhood.
*Key Activities*: - Expanding the Black Maternal Art Exhibit to more communities. - Hosting "Night of Sisterhood" events for Black women to network and heal. - Incorporating storytelling and traditional African postpartum practices into workshops.
Black Maternal Health Initiative
*Focus*: Addressing mental health challenges during pregnancy and postpartum.
*Key Activities*: - Peer-support groups led by trained doulas and mental health professionals. - Workshops on chronic stress, trauma, and healing. - A maternal mental health hotline specifically for Black mothers.
Community Referral Program
*Focus*: Building a network of culturally competent service providers.
*Key Activities*: - Establishing partnerships with beauticians, barbershops, and other trusted community spaces. - Creating a referral directory for maternal care, mental health, and wellness services. - Training service providers in cultural competence to better support Black and Brown families.
Data-Driven Health Programs (HUB Initiative)
*Focus*: Enhancing community resource distribution using data insights.
*Key Activities*: - Expanding partnerships with barbershops and beauty salons to distribute resources. - Collecting and analyzing data to track maternal health outcomes. - Reporting findings to inform future programs and advocacy efforts.
Birth and Postpartum Education Hub
*Focus*: Offering comprehensive educational resources for mothers and families.
*Key Activities*: - Hosting monthly workshops on topics like preeclampsia, breastfeeding, and infant care. - Developing an online course on the physiology of labor and birth. - Creating a culturally tailored curriculum for birth education.
Family and Youth Engagement Programs
*Focus*: Strengthening family connections and preparing youth for leadership roles.
*Key Activities*: - Organizing conferences for Black and Brown youth focused on health, leadership, and empowerment. - Creating parenting workshops to strengthen familial bonds. - Offering scholarships for maternal health-related studies.
Emergency Family Support Fund
*Focus*: Providing financial and material assistance to families in crisis.
*Key Activities*: - Distributing emergency food boxes and postpartum supplies. - Offering stipends for families facing housing or medical challenges. - Partnering with local organizations to create sustainable assistance programs. ---These programs reflect your organization's values and mission, addressing immediate maternal health needs while empowering families and communities for lasting change.
