Maternal Wellness Village is a village of birth workers that include Therapists, Doulas, Lactation Consultants, Holistic Healers, Infertility warriors, and Nurses. Combined, we have multiple levels of education and life experiences, over 50 years of parenting skills, 35 years of lactation support, 25 years of providing labor support, and 10 years of mental health support.
The mission of the Maternal Wellness Village is to function as an action-oriented task force by providing support services to empower communities throughout the African Diaspora. Through our efforts, we aim to increase modern adaptations of ancestral birth practices, reclaim the Black birth experience and reduce black maternal mortality.
FOUNDING MEMBERS
Saleemah McNeil
Jabina G. Coleman
Porsche Holland
Diona Murray
Shukriyyah Mitchell-hinton
Tekara Gainey
Sabrina Keeton
Selena Washington
Iris Elena Coates
mwv projects & programs
The Change of HEART (Here for Equity, Advocacy, Reflection and Transformation) Program is a collaboration among community providers and thought leaders from Philadelphia’s Maternal Wellness Village, clinicians and staff from Temple Health, including Temple Obstetricians Dr. Gail Herrine and Dr. Wadia Mulla as study co-investigators, and researchers from Temple University’s Program for Maternal Health Equity. The full study investigative team also includes academics and researchers from other institutions in Philadelphia (Drexel and Jefferson) and beyond (Duke and Columbia) as well as the Change of HEART Community Advisory Board (CAB) with its 9 members representing Black parents, doulas, nurses, midwives, lactation consultants and physicians who offer additional input and wisdom from their lived and professional experiences.
As the Maternal Wellness Village, we are Lead organizers for uplifting Black Maternal Health Week, April 11th-17th (annually) in Philadelphia. We have been thankful for the support of all of our sponsors, community-based organizations, corporations, and community members that make every year special. This week is dedicated to raising awareness regarding Black maternal morbidity and mortality through celebrating the journey of birthing Black bodies, community-directed events, and professional and advocacy efforts during that time.
Stay tuned for next year! 2024 loading…….
