Black Infant Maternal Health Initiative

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Black Infant Maternal Health Initiative

Striving for birth equity through unity and empowerment.

02/03/2026

This month we celebrate Black history and honor the courage that inspires change. BIMHI is on a mission to make maternal health care equitable for Black mothers because every birth story deserves dignity and respect. Let’s keep hope alive and make it happen. 💜

01/31/2026

💛 You deserve care that feels personal and supportive. Black women face higher risks during pregnancy and birth, and in Kern County those risks are even greater. Having someone by your side can make a real difference.
A doula is there for you every step:
✨ Before birth with gentle guidance, education, and encouragement
✨ During labor with comfort techniques, breathing support, and advocacy for your wishes
✨ After birth with postpartum care, newborn tips, and emotional check ins
When mothers feel informed and supported, it often creates a calmer and more confident journey into parenthood, something every family deserves. You are not alone. We are here for you.
Learn more: kernbimhi.com

01/29/2026

💡 Feeling prepared can make all the difference. Even parents who feel well-prepared can find a hospital setting overwhelming. Making decisions under pressure is challenging, and that is why it is so important to remember that you have the right to understand your options, make your own choices, and say ‘No’ whenever you need to. That’s why practicing your B.R.A.N.D. questions matters. These questions help you explore benefits, risks, alternatives, and what happens if you do nothing. Role-play with your partner or doula so you feel confident speaking up.
✅ Practice phrases like:
“Please give us time to decide.”
“What other options are there?”
“No, thank you.”
Save this post so you have these tools ready when you need them. Your voice matters. Your choices matter.
Learn more about our mission at kernbimhi.com

01/09/2026

BIMHI Kern County mourns the devastating death of Dr. Janell Green Smith, CNM—the “Loc’d Midwife,” who devoted her life to respectful, evidence‑based, equitable care. In her memory, we recommit to dismantling racial inequities in maternal health, strengthening accountability in care systems, and working alongside Black midwives, clinicians, and communities to prevent future tragedies.

If you wish to support her family, you can donate to their GoFundMe at https://www.gofundme.com/f/dr-janell-green-smiths-family

We extend our deepest condolences to Dr. Smith’s loved ones and the midwifery community.

12/13/2025

Dear Mama, you deserve warmth comfort and care this season. The chill in the air can make everything feel a little heavier. That is why this winter we are reminding you to slow down and pour into yourself.
Your body is doing something powerful and your spirit deserves just as much love.
Take a moment to breathe, to rest, to nourish. You are not alone in this journey.

Scroll for gentle winter wellness tips made with you in mind
If this feels good to you, like it, save it, or share it with a mama or sista who needs this reminder

11/27/2025

Wishing you a day wrapped in warmth, sprinkled with joy, and filled with delicious moments shared with those who matter most. Let’s create memories that linger long after today.

11/26/2025

💜 November is Prematurity Awareness Month, a time to uplift Black families and empower parents of preterm babies with the knowledge and support they deserve.

🍼 Preterm babies often face serious health challenges from the moment they are born. Their lungs, immune systems, and temperature regulation may be underdeveloped, and they need special care to survive and thrive.

Here are ways parents can support their little fighters:
✨ Practice kangaroo care by holding your baby skin to skin to keep them warm and build a strong bond
✨ Breastfeed when possible to boost your baby’s immunity and growth
✨ Stay close and involved in your baby’s care through family-centered approaches
✨ Keep your baby’s environment clean and safe to prevent infections
✨ Seek emotional and financial support to help navigate long hospital stays and medical costs

Behind every preterm baby is a family filled with love, hope, and strength. Let’s invest in care, equity, and support so every baby has the chance to grow and every parent has the tools to help them get there.

11/21/2025

About 1 in 10 pregnant people in California get gestational diabetes. Detecting and managing it early can help ensure a healthy pregnancy and baby.

If you're pregnant or think you might be, talk with your health care provider about gestational diabetes. Testing for gestational diabetes usually happens between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy, or earlier if needed.

Visit go.cdph.ca.gov/diabetes-and-pregnancy to learn more about gestational diabetes.

11/17/2025

💜 Today is World Prematurity Day, a time to spotlight the urgent need to address Black health disparities in preterm births.

🍼 One in ten babies around the world are born too soon. Prematurity remains the leading cause of preventable child deaths, with the greatest impact seen in Black communities and in low and middle-income countries.

We have a responsibility to act. When preterm babies do not receive the care they need, we lose lives and futures filled with love, learning, and opportunity.

Now is the time to invest in quality care for small and sick newborns. Let’s raise awareness, support families, and advocate for the care every baby deserves. Together, we can give every child a strong and hopeful future beyond their birthday.

10/27/2025

To every Black mother who has experienced the unimaginable—your grief is valid, your love is eternal, and your story matters.
You are not alone. We see you. We honor your babies. We hold space for your healing. 🕊️💐

10/20/2025

RSV is the #1 reason babies end up in the hospital.

It hits hard—especially for newborns, preemies, and little ones with health challenges.

👶 Watch for signs like less eating, low energy, or pauses in breathing.
💉 Protect your baby with either:

A vaccine during pregnancy
Or an RSV shot for your infant
Most babies only need one. Talk to your doc. 💙

SOURCE: https://www.cdc.gov/rsv/infants-young-children/index.html

10/15/2025

🕯️ Today is National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day. Across the country, and right here in Kern County, families are remembering the babies they never got to hold or only held for a moment.
But for Black families, this grief is compounded by disparity.

📊 Did you know?
🟪Black infants are 2x more likely to die before their first birthday.
🟪Black women are more likely to experience miscarriage and stillbirth.
🟪Black families are less likely to receive grief support or follow-up care.

This isn’t just about loss—it’s about injustice.
🕯️ At 7 PM tonight, join the by lighting a candle in honor of the babies we’ve lost—and the mothers who carry their memory every day.

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Kern County, CA
Kern County, CA

Website

http://kernbimhi.com/

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