Paving the way for safe and equitable maternal and child health outcomes.
Maternal health is not just an individual responsibility; it is also a concern for the community. It is commonly understood that the health of an unborn baby is tied to the health of the mother as is a newborn’s health impacted by the mother’s health. As a community, we expect pregnant persons to take care of their health, and we are quick to blame or shame them for failing to meet our expectations. However, a case can be made that some people are at a disadvantage in meeting community expectations, not from a lack of desire to have a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby, but from an environment that does not provide all individuals with access to the necessary information and resources that support healthy outcomes. Some of the very poorest maternal and child health outcomes and highest disparities in the state are in zip codes in Northern Indiana. Collectively, how we choose to support or not support pregnant persons and new parents impacts the health of mothers and babies in our community.
We are currently working to establish Perinatal Safe Spots in LaPorte, St. Joseph, and Elkhart Counties, so expecting parents have improved access to a welcoming, judgement-free space where they can get practical information and be connected to resources to support a healthy pregnancy. Our plan includes training new community doulas and providing the mentoring, professional development, and peer support needed to help them sustain and advance their careers in perinatal support services. We are also here to facilitate the integration of community doulas into the maternal health system to take full advantage of the added benefits of doula support for expecting and new parents. Finally, we want to help community members gain a better understanding of maternal health issues, why they matter, and how to address them.
We invite you to join us on our mission. Together, as a community, we can pave the way for improved maternal and child health outcomes in Northern Indiana!
Be a Financial Partner
Your contribution will provide:
- Support for a Perinatal Safe Spot
- Scholarships to expand the doula workforce
- Mentoring for newly trained community doulas
- Doula support for pregnant and postpartum parents
- Childbirth and parent education classes
- Community presentations on maternal health and reproductive justice
Community Perinatal Pathways, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Join the Black Birth Professionals of Michiana
Complete the form below and we will contact you within 3 business days.