Mission: BIPOC for Better Birth is a grassroots organization based in East Central Illinois that addresses the unique needs of Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) who continue to face disproportionately poor pregnancy and birth outcomes while creating pathways to better reproductive experiences by raising awareness, building community, and supporting the efforts of BIPOC birthworkers like doulas, midwives, lactation specialists, and herbalists who recognize the intersection of racism and medicalized childbirth. BIPOC for Better Birth is a fiscally sponsored project of the Urbana Champaign Independent Media Center.

Purpose: One of the primary goals of BIPOC for Better Birth is to serve as a birthworker incubator that provides training and mentorship opportunities to youth and adults who strive to become doulas, midwives, childbirth educators, breastfeeding peer counselors or pursue other work related to pregnancy, birthing, and parenting. In so doing, we hope to expand the available resources available to BIPOC birthing people in our community. We also acknowledge that BIPOC pregnant and birthing people experience interpersonal and institutional racism during their interactions with their doctors and other medical staff. Having support from a trained doula helps new parents navigate a murky medical system that disempowers pregnant and birthing people by limiting their capacity to make informed decisions about their own care. When families are empowered and have positive birthing experiences, it creates space for a healthier postpartum, improved mental health, and a greater capacity for bonding with their babies. Together, we can recover from the traumas of substandard care and usher in a future of confident birthing and community wellness.

Thank you for connecting with us and taking the next step toward birth justice in our community!

Please visit our website at https://www.ucimc.org/bipocforbetterbirth and consider making a donation at https://www.ucimc.org/bipocforbetterbirth_donate