Black Infant Maternal Health Initiative

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Black Infant Maternal Health Initiative

Striving for birth equity through unity and empowerment.

09/01/2026

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.

13/12/2025

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

27/11/2025

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.

26/11/2025

💜 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.

21/11/2025

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.

17/11/2025

💜 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.

27/10/2025

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. 🕊️💐

20/10/2025

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

15/10/2025

🕯️ 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.

14/10/2025

Black women are 40% more likely to die from breast cancer. Not because we get it more—but because we’re diagnosed later, treated less, and face more aggressive cancers.

💗 Early detection saves lives.
🗣️ We deserve to survive.

SOURCE: https://www.bcrf.org/about-breast-cancer/black-women-breast-cancer-disparities/

07/10/2025

💤 Sis, did you know? Black babies are at a higher risk for SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome)—but there are ways we can protect them.

✅ Always place baby on their back to sleep
✅ Use a firm, flat sleep surface
✅ Keep baby’s sleep area smoke-free

📌 Save this. 🔁 Share with a new mom.

SOURCE: https://www.cdc.gov/sudden-infant-death/sleep-safely/index.html

19/09/2025

Sickle cell disease is often a lifelong condition. It is usually diagnosed at birth, and it can cause chronic severe pain, fatigue and more. Every year, approximately 2,000 babies are born with sickle cell in the United States. Visit the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, Inc., to learn more about sickle cell: sicklecelldisease.org

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Kern County, CA

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http://kernbimhi.com/

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