Executive Summary

Birthing Beautiful Communities (BBC) is Northeast Ohio’s only community-based doula program dedicated to improving the quality of life for Black mothers, babies and families. Since 2014,BBC has worked to address and improve systemic and community structures that contribute to poor birth outcomes through culture, education, advocacy, support and engagement. We provide free services to over 500 new and expectant mothers and families each year that include perinatal support doula services; childbirth and parenting workshops; life goal planning; transportation and healthy eating; lactation consultation; postpartum support; and classes and support groups to address self-care and anxiety. BBC is unique in that 99% of BBC doulas and staff identify as Black which allows our team to possess a unique understanding and lived experiences which creates culturally appropriate and supportive networks in the face of systemic racism that affects unborn Black babies. Doulas help address social determinants of health that underlie differences in infant and maternal health outcomes. BBC's services have been proven to save lives, improve equity, empower mothers, and ensure ongoing family success through improved prenatal care; increased breastfeeding rates; fewer medical interventions; more positive birth experiences; and improved parenting skills. Birthing Beautiful Communities demonstrates the operationalization of a Black perspective, lifts up the power of communities to lead in their own care, and offers a blueprint for action to improve inequities and maternal-infant health in Black communities.

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