Happy Mama Healthy Baby Alliance

We are excited to share this article written by Shout Out LA featuring our Founder and Executive Director, Cordelia Hanna, MPH, CHES, ICCE, CLE, CBA. Cordelia shares the mission of Happy Mama Healthy Baby Alliance and her personal commitment to addressing perinatal health inequities and disparities through Doula and Midwifery care. We thank Mama Cordelia for her vision and leadership and for the opportunity she has provided for so many birth workers of color and families over these 35 years. Read more here:

https://shoutoutla.com/meet-cordelia-hanna-founder-and-executive-director-of-happy-mama-healthy-baby-alliance/

Are you ready for an exciting new career as a Certified Birth Doula or need a "brush up" on your doula skills? Jump into our June Community Doula Training and Certification Program. We will help you become a Medi-Cal doula and you can start earning money as soon as you're certified. Join us this summer for a hybrid course taught over zoom and in-person in Burbank, CA. Scholarships for BIPOC available. Group discounts and student rates are available. Contact [email protected] or call (626) 388-2191 ext. 3 for more information.

🔔 We’ll be at the NPA 2024 Interdisciplinary Conference May 15-17🔔⁣
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Join us as we head to Anaheim, CA, for the three-day conference and to support one of our very own staff members, Alex Villalba (they/them), who will have a presentation segment on Community Care—Expansive & Holistic Approaches to Perinatal Mental Health. ⁣
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Tickets are still available, and we will be present at the conference to provide resources and answer questions about perinatal mental health! ⁣
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Looking forward to seeing you all there. Check out the link to purchase your tickets:

https://www.npaconference.org/event-details/towards-trauma-responsive-perinatal-care

Hey all you Mamas and Mamas-to-Be,

***Happy Mother's Day!***

Today, we honor Mothers and our Mother Earth, for growing, birthing and nurturing the future. Because of your unconditional love and care, peace on earth 🌎 is possible.

We honor all Mamas everywhere and all our Aunties, Grandmothers, (and Fathers who have had to be Mother and Fathers both), today, and everyday. Thank you for your love, faith, patience, wisdom, discipline and guidance. 💓 🙏 💘

For more information on our Doula services please go to: https://motherbabysupport.net or email [email protected] or call (626) 388-2191 ext. 2.

WE ACCEPT MEDI-CAL

Donate to Happy Mama Healthy Baby Alliance Student Midwife Scholarship Please join me in giving expecting mothers and babies the best start possible by donating to the Happy Mama Healthy Baby Alliance. I just donated and you can too! Give here: https://give.helunahealth.org/Happy-Mama-Healthy-Baby-Alliance

Please consider donating to our Student Midwife of Color Scholarship Fund which supports BIPOC Certified Professional Midwife (CPM) students pursuing licensure in the state of California, who intend to set up practices in Los Angeles County.

By donating, you will help expand access to out-of-hospital midwifery care for families of color in Los Angeles County, helping to close the gap in health disparities occuring among black and other people of color, such as maternal mortality, infant mortality, prematurity, low birth weight, breastfeeding, and cesarean section which are significantly higher than for white Americans.

For more information contact [email protected].





Give Now:

Donate to Happy Mama Healthy Baby Alliance Student Midwife Scholarship Please join me in giving expecting mothers and babies the best start possible by donating to the Happy Mama Healthy Baby Alliance. I just donated and you can too! Give here: https://give.helunahealth.org/Happy-Mama-Healthy-Baby-Alliance

We are excited to announce on this International Day of the Midwife our CPM Student Midwife of Color Scholarship Fund. This fund will help Certified Professional Midwife students pay for tuition, books or licensing fees.

Eligibility requirements are that the candidate must identify as BIPOC, be low-income and plan to become a California Licensed Midwife and intends to practice in Los Angeles County. Three awards will be given for $500, $1000 and $1500.

If you would like to apply for this fund, please go to: https://motherbabysupport.net/professional-education/student-midwife-scholarship-fund.

The deadline to apply is May 30.

If you or someone you know would like to contribute to this fund, we are taking donations which are tax deductible. Please donate at https://give.helunahealth.org/give/402606/ #!/donation/checkout.

For more information contact us at [email protected] or call (626) 388-2191 ext. 1. Our website is: https://motherbabysupport.net.

CALLING ALL STUDENT MIDWIVES OF COLOR

We are excited to announce the launch of our long-awaited STUDENT MIDWIFE SCHOLARSHIP FUND!

DEADLINES FOR APPLICATION

The application will be available May 15-30, 2024. (Deadline to apply: May 30, 2024) or November 19-23, 2024 (Deadline to apply: November 23,2024). Awards given in June 2024 and December 2024.

SCHOLARSHIP AMOUNT
$500-1500

1-3 scholarships are available per cycle.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

The applicants must be:

*Black/African-American, Indigenous, Latinx or Asian, or Asian Pacific Islander, Native Hawaiian.

*Low-income with annual net incomes 100% or less of FPL, proven by submission of tax returns or pay stubs.

*Residents of California, with preference given to students currently living or working in Los Angeles County who plan to start their practices in Los Angeles County, California.

*Have a commitment to furthering the mission of HMHBA in their midwifery practice.

APPLICATION PROCESS

The application process is the following:

*Must submit written application (to be released May 2024 and November 2024) describing their goals and ambitions and reasons for wanting to become a LM/CPM and how their personal professional mission aligns with HMHBA’s mission.

*Submit a 5-7 minute video application describing their background, goals, and ambitions in midwifery and how the funds will be used.

*Submit two references from Midwife Preceptor and Midwifery Client for whom you were a Student Midwife Under Supervision.

Our board members will review the applications and make the decisions as to who will be awarded.

HOW FUNDS MAY BE USED

Funds may be used for:

*Midwifery school tuition or books
*Licensing Fees
*Licensing Examination Fees

The money will be sent directly by HMHBA to the school or licensing board on behalf of the student.

DONATE TO THIS FUND

We are asking for donations from companies or individuals who would like to make a donation towards this fund. By doing so, you are investing in increasing access to out-of-hospital midwifery care at Freestanding Birth Centers and Homes for Los Angeles County’s childbearing families of color. Suggested donation: $200.00 but any amount is accepted. You can make a one-time donation or make it a regular reoccuring monthly donation. When making your donation, please specify “Student Midwife Fund”.

Donate Now at: https://give.helunahealth.org/give/402606/ #!/donation/checkout

WE ARE HIRING!

Join our Community Doula Team. We have an immediate opportunity for a Bilingual Spanish- English-speaking Certified Birth Doula. This is a 1099 contract position, with a monthly income for a Spanish-speaking birth doula providing birth support services to Medi-Cal clientele receiving care at a Federally Qualified Health Center located in Los Angeles County.

Send cover letter and birth-related resume to: [email protected] or call (626) 388-2191 ext. 2.

Deadline to apply is Friday, May 4, 2024.

Visit our website at: motherbabysupport.net

In Memoriam: Penny Simkin, PT

With profound sadness and a heavy heart, DONA International announces the passing of our esteemed co-founder, Penny Simkin, PT, after a brief battle with cancer. Her departure on April 11, 2024 marks a tremendous loss not only to our organization but to the global doula community, childbirth educators, perinatal researchers, families she supported, and the countless lives she touched through her pioneering work in childbirth and maternity care.

Penny's unwavering dedication to supporting families during one of the most significant moments of their lives has left an indelible mark on the field of labor support and childbirth education. Since 1968, Penny, a skilled physical therapist, embarked on a mission to transform the childbirth experience, making it more empowering, informed, and supported. Her tireless commitment to this cause led her to prepare over 15,000 individuals, couples, and siblings for childbirth, directly assist hundreds of families through labor as a doula, and author several influential books that have become staples in the field that have been translated into several languages.

Penny was a visionary and a luminary in every sense. Her work has paved the way for a new generation of doulas and childbirth educators, instilling in them the values of compassion, evidence-based practice, and relentless advocacy for birthing people and their families. Through her profound contributions and co-founding of DONA International, Penny has revolutionized doula care and childbirth education across the globe, leaving a legacy that will undoubtedly endure for generations to come.
Her book, The Birth Partner, remains a beloved resource for anyone involved in the childbirth process, illustrating her commitment to not only the physical but also the emotional well-being of doulas and families during childbirth.

Though she recently stepped back from her professional endeavors to focus on her family, Penny's legacy continues to thrive through the work of the many doulas she trained, the families she supported, and the impactful works she left behind. Her life was a testament to her passion for making childbirth a positive and supported experience for all.

Penny's life was rich not only in professional achievements but also in love and joy. She and her husband, Peter, were blessed with four grown children, eight grandchildren, four many grandchildren-in-law, four great-grandchildren, and a beloved dog, Casey. Her family was her pride and joy, and she cherished the time spent with her loved ones.

As we mourn the loss of Penny Simkin, we also celebrate her extraordinary life and the countless ways she has enriched ours. Her legacy will continue to inspire and guide us as we carry forward her mission to improve childbirth and support families around the world. Penny's spirit lives on in the work of DONA International, in the lives of the families she has touched, and in the hearts of the many who loved her.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to DONA International in Penny Simkin's memory, to continue her life's work of supporting and educating doulas and families. For more information on how to make a contribution, please visit https://www.dona.org/impactprogram/

We invite all who knew Penny, were touched by her work, or wish to share their thoughts and memories to do so by sending them to [email protected]. Your stories and memories will be a great comfort and a cherished collection for her family during this difficult time.

We extend our deepest sympathies to Penny's family, friends, and the many individuals whose lives she has touched. May her soul rest in peace, and may her legacy of love, support, and education continue to flourish in the years to come.

Celebrating Black Maternal Health Week 2024. Our Bodies STILL belong to us! Reproductive Justice NOW!

Community Doulas and Midwives are the solution to the persistent crisis in maternal and infant health, lowering rates of cesarean section and maternal deaths, which are highest among Black women in America. This is unacceptable and we are dedicated to changing this sad reality.

We accept Medi-Cal for Doula services and work on a sliding scale. We are currently accepting applications from experienced and new grad doulas who would like to join our team. We offer a Doula Apprenticeship Program.

Our Nourishing Roots Postpartum Doula Program funded by LA Care's Generating Support for African- American Infants and Nurturers (GAAINS) program, offers African-American families in Los Angeles County who have Medi-Cal up to 24 hours of in-home postpartum doula care by Certified Postpartum Doulas.

Our Fatherhood Support Program offers Black dads mentorship, a listening ear and resources such as GED completion, job readiness, parenting tips, and a community of fathers who are dedicated to being there for their children. Services are free of charge.

Contact us at (626) 388-2191 ext. 3 or email [email protected].

Hey all you pregnant mamas and expecting papas, don't underestimate the value of taking childbirth preparation classes. You can learn breathing techniques and other ways to cope with labor and make informed choices while cultivating trust in birth. Our next Empowered Birth Choices Childbirth Preparation Class begins June 2. It's free for Medi-Cal! This is a 4-week series offered on Zoom. Call us at (626) 388-2191 ext. 2. Or email [email protected] for more information.

Heartbreaking news! Another tragic loss highlights the urgent need for change in maternal healthcare. Krystal Lakeshia Anderson, a passionate advocate for women's health and a talented software engineer, tragically passed away shortly after giving birth. Our hearts ache for her and her stillborn daughter, Charlotte Willow.

Krystal's contributions to improving healthcare, including her groundbreaking work in developing software to assess the risk of postpartum hemorrhage, are immeasurable. Her advocacy for Black women in STEM and women's health leaves a lasting impact on our community.

Maternal sepsis, the second leading cause of pregnancy-related deaths, underscores the critical need for better healthcare access and support for expectant mothers. We mourn Krystal's loss and demand justice, accountability, and systemic change to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

Welcome 2024! This is the year for you to jump start your new career or refresh by your skills as a Certified Postpartum Doula. Apprenticeship opportunity and employment after certification. Get paid by Medi-Cal to work with moms and babies. Group discounts, payment plans and scholarships for BIPOC are available

Call us (626) 388-2191 ext 3.
Email: [email protected]

Register at: https://postpartum doulacertification.eventbrite.com

Don't give birth without one of our special women by your side. Your doula is your partner in making your birth vision a reality. Let us mother you during your journey into motherhood (again). Call us at (626) 388-2191 ext. 2. Email us: [email protected] to connect with your Doula today. We accept Medi-Cal and our fees are sliding scale.

Volunteer doulas needed. Please email: [email protected] for more information.

Join our team of 2024 board of directors and help make an impact on maternal and infant health in Los Angeles County. Lend your talents and expertise in health promotion, grant writing, program planning, fiscal management, media advocacy, videography and editing and fundraising or event planning. Commitment is pro bono for one year. Board meets quarterly, virtually on Zoom. Send your resume and cover letter to: [email protected]. Call (626) 388-2191 ext. 1 for more information.

We are recruiting two board members to join the board of our non-profit community- based organization. We are seeking two persons who believe in our mission of engendering birthing justice for all. We are a multicultural team of professionals with a special emphasis on families of color experiencing perinatal health inequities and disparities and uplifting the voices of marginalized communities experiences in maternity care. The commitment is for one year and is pro bono. Our board meets quarterly over Zoom. For more information contact us at: (626) 388-2191 ext. 1. Email us at: [email protected]. Learn more at: https://motherbabysupport.net/board-directors-advisory-committee/

Greetings Pregnant Mamas and Expectant Papas:

Are you expecting a new baby in 2024? Jump into our next childbirth preparation class series EMPOWERED BIRTH CHOICES starting on January 14th. A 4-Week series meets 2:00-5:00 pm on Sundays, live on Zoom.

In this class you will learn:

*How your body works in labor and when to go to the hospital or birth center or call the midwife

*How to cope with labor

*Pain medication options

* The role of the Doula

*Getting Breastfeeding Right from the Start

*Baby care basics

* Becoming a Dad
...and much, much more!

Who Should Attend?

Pregnant women and their birth partners, expectant fathers, grandparents...the whole family is welcome!

Cost:

Free for Medi-Cal or Medi-Caid. Pregnant mother + family or friends

$350 per couple for 4-week series, or $100 per session.

Taught by Jordan Fullow,
CCE, CD, CLE, a Happy Mama Healthy Baby Community Doula & Childbirth Educator.

For more information or to register:

Call (626) 388-2191 ext. 2 or email [email protected]
Register at: https://birthprep.eventbrite.com





Check out our website for more services:
https://motherbabysupport.net

Are you pregnant? Due in February or March? This is the perfect time for you to jump into our Empowered Birth Choices childbirth preparation class series. Live on Zoom. Taught by Jordan Follow, CCE, CD, CLE, Happy Mama Healthy Baby Community Doula.

Class One: January 14th
Class Two: January 21st
Class Three: January 28th
Class Four: February 4th

Classes are 2:00-5:00 pm (PST) and are live on Zoom. Link sent at registration.
Class is free for Medi-Cal and $350 per couple per 4 week series or $100 per session.

Register at:
https://birthprep.eventbrite.com
Or call (626)388-2191 ext. 2.