The Black Maternal and infant health equity collaborative

The Black Maternal and Infant Health Equity Collaborative (BMIHEC) is a partnership between the Metro Mommy Agency, Southern Birth Justice Network, Magnolia Birth House, and YWCA. Funded by the Health Foundation of South Florida, the goal of the Black Maternal and Infant Health Equity Collaborative is to reduce Black maternal mortality and morbidity through doula care and the transformation of hospital systems.

The United States is facing a maternal health crisis, particularly impacting pregnant people of color. Black women, as well as American Indian and Alaska Native women, are up to three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related issues compared to White women and are also at a greater risk for severeuring pregnancy and childbirth. In Miami-Dade County, the overall maternal mortality rate stands at 28.6 per 100,000 live births, but Black birthing individuals are nearly fively than their white counterparts to die due to pregnancy-related complications. Additionally, there are 6.2 deaths of Black infants for every 1,000 live births, in contrast to 2.5 for White infants. Black infants are also more likely to be born preterm—at a rate of 13.8% versus 9.1% for White newborns–and underweight, with 13.7% of Black infants classified as such compared to 7% of White infants. complications d times more like

A doula is a non-medical professional who provides emotional, physical, and informational support during the prenatal, birth, and postpartum periods, advocating for the needs and wishes of the mother or birthing parent before, during, and after pregnancy. Doulas have been shown to enhance positive outcomes in pregnancy, birth, and postpartum stages while reducing the use of interventions and complications. 

By incorporating birth workers (doulas and midwives) into the prenatal, birthing, and postpartum care process, The Black Maternal and Infant Health Equity Collaborative aims to break existing silos to address the ecosystem that impacts social determinants of health for Black mothers, birthing people and infants served within Miami-Dade County. Community-based doulas provide culturally sensitive pregnancy and childbirth education, early linkage to health care, and other services like labor coaching, lactation support, and parenting education.

Over the next three years, through the BMIHEC Pilot Doula Program, we plan to increase the number of doulas trained in the Birth Justice Framework, followed by a fellowship program that includes doula mentorship, business planning via an entrepreneurship program, and, ultimately, obtaining credentials as a Medicaid Doula Provider, which will enhance the doula workforce. 

There is potential for job placement as an independent contractor following the training and required mentorship phase, providing an opportunity to be matched with clients as they complete their certification process. Fellowship program participants must be available to serve pregnant individuals on an on-call basis.