Advocating For Black Birth

National Association to Advance Black Birth

A VOICE FOR THE LOUDEST SILENCE

Who We Are

The National Association to Advance Black Birth (NAABB) works to improve the care and treatment of Black birthing people and infants to combat the effects of structural racism on Black maternal-infant health through: advocacy, research, educational programming, activism and policy change; equipping birth workers (doulas, midwives, lactation consultants, nurses, and doctors) and maternity health institutions with the practical tools and education they need to improve outcomes for Black birthing people.

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Black Birthing
Bill of Rights

The Black Birthing Bill of Rights is a resource for every Black person that engages in maternity care. We want each Black woman and birthing person to know their rights and to have the tools to confidently exercise these rights. The Bill of Rights also serves as guidance for government programs, hospitals, maternity providers and others as they transform their policies, procedures, and practices to meet the needs of Black birthing people.

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NAABB DISTRIBUTES
$100,000
in Scholarships to DC Midwifery Students

NAABB Receives $100,000 Grant from Developing Families Center

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Stay Connected. Stay Empowered.

Subscribe to our newsletter for updates on events, resources, and the movement to advance Black birth.

Our Programs

Birth Justice Incubator
& Fellowship

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Midwifery
Scholarship

LEARN MORE

Donate

We're calling all Birth Workers, Supporters, and Allies to join us and become advocates for Black Maternal Health. Your donation means the world to us!

CLICK HERE

Our Funders

On behalf of the entire team at the National Association to Advance Black Birth, we want to tell you just how much your donation means to us. Your donations have helped us get one step closer to changing the lives of Black pregnant women. You are a part of this essential community, and we couldn’t make this positive impact on our community without you.

NAABB x California Health Care Foundation.png

Love this! More deets in the caption. ⬇️

#Repost @dombroadusss
・・・
Pregnant girlies, please stop walking from the back of the parking lot when you don’t have to! 🥹

Here is what I did:

• Googled “temporary handicap placard [insert state]”
• Downloaded the form (in NJ, it’s right on the DMV’s website)
• Took it with me to my appointment
• Had my OB sign off on it
• Went to the post office to get a $4 money order to pay for the placard
• Took it to my local police station (per the state of NJ— your state may have a different process in place here)
• Waited 10 min for them to process it
• Left with my placard 🙃

SN: Some OB’s may not want to sign off on it because pregnancy isn’t technically a disability…. But in the state of NJ, not being able to walk 200 feet without taking a break is a qualifier (it’s literally listed directly on the form) — so make sure you are using what you got, to get what you want! *Ronnie Voice* 🤭

#pregnancy #lgbt #hack #women

Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs), Certified Midwives (CMs), and Certified Professional Midwives (CPMs) each bring unique education, training, and practice settings to maternal healthcare.

Whether you’re deciding which type of Midwife best aligns with your needs or exploring a future in Midwifery yourself, understanding these pathways is the first step. Keep in mind that licensing and scope of practice vary by state.

Help us grow the next generation of Black birth workers by supporting NAABB’s Black Midwifery Scholarship. Every gift helps expand access to culturally congruent care and strengthens the future of Black maternal health. 🖤

Not one A…

#Repost @nbcwashington
・・・
The U.S.’ maternal health report card is out, and the results aren’t too great. Here’s what the score means for mothers across the country. ⁠
⁠
#MaternalHealth #Health #ReproductiveHealth

As the evidence grows, so should our urgency to act.

New research co-authored by NAABB Executive Director Dr. Kanika Harris, alongside Dr. Arline T. Geronimus, who pioneered the weathering hypothesis, examines two decades of U.S. pregnancy-related mortality data and provides further evidence supporting this framework.

Read the full article through the link in our bio.

We applaud Dr. Kanika Harris, Dr. Arline T. Geronimus, Dr. John Bound, and Landon D. Hughes for advancing evidence that informs policy, strengthens advocacy, and moves us closer to safer births for Black families.

Study finds cash for pregnant women leads to healthier babies. WATCH 🎥

#Repost @npr
・・・
A first-of-its-kind cash-aid program for pregnant women in Michigan has led to healthier babies at birth, with a new study finding a significant drop in admissions to the neonatal intensive care unit.⁠
⁠
Two years ago, Flint, Mich., started providing all women $1,500 during pregnancy, and $500 a month for a baby’s first year. The aim was to tackle a peak time for poverty, when many women cut back on work even as they face higher costs. The program has since expanded to 42 communities in the state.⁠
⁠
Now, a new study in “The Lancet Public Health” finds far fewer babies born prematurely or with low birthweight in Flint. That means saving millions in healthcare spending. Other research has found those mothers faced fewer evictions, less hunger and had better mental health. The pediatrician behind the program says there will also be long term benefits, since the first year of a child’s life is crucial for brain development.⁠
⁠
Check out NPR News Now wherever you listen to podcasts for more of today’s news.

Take us back. ✨

Hosted by Georgetown University School of Nursing @gtownnursing and NAABB, in partnership with a coalition of organizations, Centering Liberation brought together midwives, doulas, birth justice leaders, policymakers, and advocates from the U.S., the Caribbean, and across Africa.

We envisioned a future for reproductive and birth justice rooted in our collective wisdom, lived experience, and shared commitment to our communities.

We prayed. We laughed. We told the truth. We challenged the status quo. And we began shaping new pathways forward.

What happened in that room was powerful.

We can’t wait to share what’s next.

And today, flowers for the fathers too. 🌻💙

Your advocacy matters. Your steady presence during those long days and nights after birth matters. The role you play in supporting healthy Black families matters.

We see you. We appreciate you. Happy Father’s Day from NAABB with love. 🤲🏾

A delivery room in Denmark is going viral, and the conversation goes far beyond the design.

While delivery rooms vary across the country, Denmark provides universal, tax-funded healthcare to all registered residents, giving families access to maternity care without the financial barriers many face elsewhere.

Environment, access, and support all play a role in the birth experience. Imagine what greater investment in birthing spaces and maternal care could mean for birth outcomes in the U.S.

What are your thoughts? ⬇️

#Repost @yuliana.zabolotna

A statement. A commitment. A call to protect Black mothers, Black babies, and Black families.

Every purchase supports National Association to Advance Black Birth (NAABB) in helping fund our vital work to improve Black maternal health, expand access to Black midwives, and advocate for safe, equitable birthing experiences.

Wear your values. Start conversations. Link in bio. 💜

We're grateful to our Joy in Motion sponsors, @safeshoresdc, @AgroCultureusa, and @loisjefferscoaching, whose partnership helped bring this vision to life and continues to advance the movement for birth justice.

The word “Black” has been almost completely removed from a package of bills that have long been viewed as Congress’ main legislative vehicle to address the Black maternal health crisis, frustrating some advocates who feel Black women are being erased from the policy.

#Repost @iamlegallyhype
・・・
Can a Black maternal health bill that does not specifically mention Black women still address Black maternal health? Head to @capitalbnews for more on this story.

You deserve to know your rights, before, during, and after birth. 💜

Our celebrated Black Birthing Bill of Rights is now available as a tool that can be carried, shared, and used in real time. The Black Birthing Bill of Rights Card Deck was created to put power back into the hands of birthing people and those who support them. This 29-card, 4x6 deck comes in a custom box and serves as a beautiful, practical, and empowering tool for real-world care.

Order now - link in bio.

Listen to Me premiers June 15 on @pbs and @blackpublicmedia’s AfroPoP platforms.

Every year, Black women in the U.S. face disproportionately high rates of maternal health complications and mortality. Our stories are not niche, they’re essential. They reveal the state of our healthcare system, our policies, and our humanity.

Listen to Me by Stephanie Etienne and Dr. Kanika Harris, featuring Dr. @leoroyalty, centers the voices, grief, resilience, and joy of Black women navigating pregnancy, birth and care in America.

#ListenToMeOnAfroPoP #AfroPoP18 #BlackMaternalHealth

Family, fun, and fellowship should be at the center of every movement.

So much gratitude to the NAABB dream team and @BirthCareDMV for bringing Joy in Motion to life.

With the support of our sponsors and your generosity, we are fueling more investments in birth centers, Black Midwives, and the health, safety, and future of Black mothers and babies. 💜

A few things to know and share as we close out Preeclampsia Awareness Month. SWIPE 👉🏾

Education is vital. Advocacy is QUEEN.

Learn why monitoring blood pressure is critical and how families, providers, and communities can better support Black mothers during and after pregnancy via the link in our bio.

Looking for tools to advocate for yourself or a loved one? Download our Black Birthing Bill of Rights at NAABB.org

Preparing for pregnancy? Get your pen and pad for this one. ✍🏾 Check out these tips from our girl @fayzology, a Public Health leader, Doula, and mom of 2. 💜

#Repost

📣 Today at 5 PM! Join us virtually.

NAABB’s Cassidy Spence, Director of Operations, will speak on racial equity in midwifery and the importance of applying Birth Justice principles through our Black Birthing Bill of Rights to protect, support, and advocate for Black mothers and families across every stage of care.

Enter the chat with Midwives, advocates, educators, and leaders working to restore care and reimagine the future of perinatal health via link in bio.

We’re honored to add to the conversation at the “Centering Midwives, Restoring Care 2026” Virtual Conference hosted by @nacpmidwives. 💜

The truth isn’t always comfortable, but it deserves to be said.

Black women have sustained America for centuries.

Thinking of the extraordinary Maya Angelou today and the courage, beauty, and truth she poured into every line of her work.

Thank you to everyone who rolled with us and helped make our Joy in Motion Family Skate Party a meaningful day for our community.

From families on the rink to conversations around Black maternal health, this event was a reminder that joy and advocacy can exist in the same space.

In collaboration with @birthcaredmv, we raised awareness, supported the future of Black midwifery, and invested in better birth outcomes for Black mothers and babies.

Every ticket, every donation, and every person in the room helped move this work forward.

Thank you for showing up with purpose. We’ll see you at the next one. 💜

Today, we honor mamas, matriarchs, caregivers, and every person carrying the weight and beauty of nurturing others.

We also hold space for those grieving a mother, grieving a child, longing to become a mother, or moving through this day tenderly.

These affirmations are for all of it. Take what you need today. 💜

That number reflects a gap that directly impacts care, trust, and outcomes.

Black families deserve culturally congruent care. Care that understands them, listens to them, and meets them with dignity at every stage.

Midwives are essential to improving maternal health. Increasing the number of Black midwives is one step toward changing what care looks and feels like.

To date, NAABB has awarded over $100,000 in midwifery scholarships. Help us grow that impact. Donate to our Black Midwifery Scholarship through the link in our bio.

Can we talk about it?! Know that you have the right to ask questions and to be heard, intentionally.

Download our Black Birthing Bill of Rights via link in our bio.

#Repost @callmedarii 💜

TOMORROW 🥳 we roll at 11am!

If you’re in the DMV area, join us and @birthcaredmv for Joy In Motion, a family skate party for Black Maternal Health at @skatezonemd.

We’re raising awareness and funds to advance Black maternal health, with support going toward birth centers, midwives, and ongoing efforts.

Ways to show up:
• Donate-a-Ticket
• Sponsor a family or experience
• Give to the Birth Justice Fund

There’s still time to secure your ticket 🎟️ hit the link in our bio and swipe to learn more!

New promo alert! 🔔 You can now pay what you can to secure your ticket for Joy in Motion on Saturday, 5/2 at @skatezonemd.

This is a family affair with a mission to support Black Maternal Health. Swipe for more details and hit the link in our bio to purchase tickets! 🎟️

See you there!

We are heartbroken. Kiara’s story makes the point as plainly as statistics ever could.

She was young, healthy, supported, and preparing to welcome her first child. She had what we’re told is supposed to be enough.

Her son Jonah is here and fighting in the NICU. Her husband Joel is now navigating life and parenthood without her.

This is not an isolated tragedy. Black women in the U.S. are still three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes, regardless of income, education, or access to care.

Kiara should be here.

If you’re able, support her family. Donate to the GoFundMe linked in our bio.

#kiarabrokenbrough #blackmaternalhealth #birthjustice #naabb

Drop this one in the group chat, friend! We got the vibes, you bring the fam, and let’s roll together for #BlackMaternalHealth. 🛼

Join NAABB and @BirthCareDMV for Joy in Motion, a family skate party supporting Black maternal health across the DMV.

Every ticket helps raise awareness, fund midwifery scholarships, and advance better outcomes for Black mothers and babies.

Bring the whole family and be part of something that moves us forward.

Adult Admission: $22�Kids Admission: $12�Family Pack: $60 (2 adults + 2 kids)
Children under 4 are FREE!

Secure your spot and join us on the floor. Link in bio!
�#JoyInMotion #BlackMaternalHealth #NAABB

Our Board is outside for #BMHW26!

Catch Teneele Bruce as she’ll be presenting the @baltimorehealthystartinc’s keynote speaker @tatyanaali and @drnoelenejeffers at “Protecting Mothers and Babies” at @morganstateu!

Happening TODAY! swipe for details. 👉🏾💜

Black Maternal Health Week is here. A time to center both justice and joy for Black mothers, families, and those who stand with them. 💜

We’re grateful to our sisters at @BlackMamasMatter for sparking this movement and pushing the work forward year after year.

We’re keeping that same energy beyond April. Roll with us!

Join NAABB and @birthcaredmv for “Joy In Motion”, a family skate party powered by care and action. 🛼✨

We’re raising awareness and funds to advance Black maternal health, with support going toward birth centers, midwives, and ongoing efforts.

Ways to show up:
• Donate-a-Ticket
• Sponsor a family or experience
• Give to the Birth Justice Fund

Roll through. Bring your people. Link in bio!

The energy of the 2026 @nationalblackmidwivesalliance conference in 2 words: Black Joy! 🙌🏾

NAABB was honored to attend as a proud sponsor.

✨ Dr. Ebony presented
 ✨ Dr. Kanika Harris presented alongside Dr. Lauren Arrington
 ✨ The Listen to Me documentary’s screening was followed by a panel with Dr. Kanika Harris, Midwife Jamarah Amani, Omari Maynard, and Dr Ebony Marcelle

✨We honored the legacy of Mama Marsha, Dr Kanika Harris’ Midwife and Founder of BirthCare, and the path she helped pave.

✨We came together to uplift the life and impact of Dr. Janell Green-Smith, surrounding her husband with love and community.

Black joy, community, and care at the center. Always. Until next time. 💜

Georgia consitently earns an F for maternal and infant health, yet Midwives like Sarah Stokely, Jamarah Amani, and Tamara Taitt are being blocked from providing care.

With over one-third of counties lacking maternity services, the question is: why limit the very providers who can help?

Swipe and read more at the link in bio.

Pick one, or speak on them all. The mic is hot! 💜

At NAABB, we celebrate doulas 365. As we step into #WorldDoulaWeek, let’s hear them out.

Doula care is linked to a 22% reduction in preterm birth and better birth outcomes for Black families.

Thank you to every doula showing up, speaking up, and standing in the gap. 🫶🏾

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@the_naabb

Advocating For Black Birth

National Association to Advance Black Birth

Who We Are

Black Birthing Bill of Rights

NAABB DISTRIBUTES $100,000 in Scholarships to DC Midwifery Students

Stay Connected. Stay Empowered.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Our Programs

Birth Justice Incubator & Fellowship

Midwifery Scholarship

Donate

Our Funders

​

Follow us on Instagram

Black Birthing
Bill of Rights

NAABB DISTRIBUTES
$100,000
in Scholarships to DC Midwifery Students

Birth Justice Incubator
& Fellowship

Midwifery
Scholarship