Baby Dove’s New Initiative Aims to Close the Black Maternal Care Gap

The modern day disparities in Black Maternal Health Care before, during and after childbirth are widespread. Black women are dying at three to five times the rate of white women and over half of those pregnancy-related deaths are preventable. To help combat this care gap, Baby Dove is creating a new Black Birth Equity Fund in partnership with Black Mamas Matter Alliance (BMMA), a national network that works to ensure all Black women have the rights, respect, and resources to have a safe and comfortable pregnancy.

The new fund is part of Baby Dove’s long-term commitment to advance Black maternal health care, in partnership with leading advocacy groups like BMMA. Starting August 24, the fund will provide Black pregnant women with immediate financial access to doula services. Doulas are trained birth coaches who offer physical and emotional support to moms during labor and in the fourth trimester. According to Baby Dove, research has shown that with the support of a doula moms are more likely to experience an overall positive health outcome during labor and delivery.

"At Baby Dove, we believe Black moms have the right to superior care at every step of their journey. But for too long, Black moms have not received the care they deserve, and the consequences are significant—we are committed to helping change that,” Sally Brown, global brand director at Baby Dove, said in a press release. “Expanding access to doulas through the Black Birth Equity Fund is just the beginning and in partnership with organizations like Black Mamas Matter Alliance, we will work towards systemic change that will improve the birthing journey for Black moms and their babies.”

Black expectant moms can visit BabyDove.com/BlackMaternalHealth to apply for the direct, one-time grant (for up to $1,300) through the Black Birth Equity Fund.

“We are proud to see the Black Birth Equity Fund become available today to Black expectant moms and birthing individuals across the country,” Angela D. Aina, co-founding executive director at BMMA and Baby Dove strategic advisor, added. “For Black and other traditionally marginalized communities, Doulas have been proven to help reduce health disparities, as well as bridge language and cultural gaps between families and health providers. With notable support from global brands like Baby Dove, we will be able to raise greater awareness of Black maternal health, promote advocacy, and shift culture to support reproductive justice.”

Image: Dove

Along with the creation of the fund, Baby Dove is also taking steps to ensure inclusion in its product offerings. In speaking with parents, the company realized there was a need in the market for products that delivered the moisture and nourishment needed for melanin-rich baby skin and curly hair. In collaboration with Walmart, Baby Dove is also introducing its new Baby Dove Melanin-Rich Skin and Curl Nourishment Collection, a full range of skin and hair products specifically developed for babies with melanin-rich skin and coils, curls and waves. The new collection will be available nationwide exclusively at Walmart and on Walmart.com.

To apply for a grant or learn more visit BabyDove.com/BlackMaternalHealth.

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.