Black Midwifery Collective
@blackmidwifery.bsky.social
Our mission is to improve health outcomes for Black birthing individuals, by actively addressing disparities in maternal and infant health that have disproportionately affected our community. Chicago, IL.
Chicago: Looking for food, a hot meal, or support? Mutual aid keeps us strong. Click this link to find pantries, kitchens, and groups helping neighbors daily. Community is everything!
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November 11, 2025 at 11:19 PM
Chicago: Looking for food, a hot meal, or support? Mutual aid keeps us strong. Click this link to find pantries, kitchens, and groups helping neighbors daily. Community is everything!
static1.squarespace.com/static/5ed85...
static1.squarespace.com/static/5ed85...
The time is NOW for #BirthJustice in IL!
After years of advocacy, certified professional midwives are finally recognized by the state. Midwives can step out of the shadows to provide safe, trusted, community-based care.
This is a win for freedom, safety, and dignity in birth. Let’s keep going!
After years of advocacy, certified professional midwives are finally recognized by the state. Midwives can step out of the shadows to provide safe, trusted, community-based care.
This is a win for freedom, safety, and dignity in birth. Let’s keep going!
November 8, 2025 at 11:18 PM
The time is NOW for #BirthJustice in IL!
After years of advocacy, certified professional midwives are finally recognized by the state. Midwives can step out of the shadows to provide safe, trusted, community-based care.
This is a win for freedom, safety, and dignity in birth. Let’s keep going!
After years of advocacy, certified professional midwives are finally recognized by the state. Midwives can step out of the shadows to provide safe, trusted, community-based care.
This is a win for freedom, safety, and dignity in birth. Let’s keep going!
Only 6–8% of pregnancies are high-risk, but the birth-industrial complex treats nearly everyone like they are.
Community midwifery is safe, evidence-based care that should be the standard for the 90% of people who don’t need high-risk intervention. #Midwifery #BirthJustice
Community midwifery is safe, evidence-based care that should be the standard for the 90% of people who don’t need high-risk intervention. #Midwifery #BirthJustice
November 7, 2025 at 6:19 PM
Only 6–8% of pregnancies are high-risk, but the birth-industrial complex treats nearly everyone like they are.
Community midwifery is safe, evidence-based care that should be the standard for the 90% of people who don’t need high-risk intervention. #Midwifery #BirthJustice
Community midwifery is safe, evidence-based care that should be the standard for the 90% of people who don’t need high-risk intervention. #Midwifery #BirthJustice
💀 On #DiaDeLosMuertos, we honor our ancestors, whose lives and legacies shape us even after they are gone.
This season is about holding space for grief and joy, for cherished memories and community traditions. At BMC, we uplift the stories, strength, and love passed down through generations.
This season is about holding space for grief and joy, for cherished memories and community traditions. At BMC, we uplift the stories, strength, and love passed down through generations.
November 1, 2025 at 10:48 PM
💀 On #DiaDeLosMuertos, we honor our ancestors, whose lives and legacies shape us even after they are gone.
This season is about holding space for grief and joy, for cherished memories and community traditions. At BMC, we uplift the stories, strength, and love passed down through generations.
This season is about holding space for grief and joy, for cherished memories and community traditions. At BMC, we uplift the stories, strength, and love passed down through generations.
It’s spooky season! Remember that for centuries, midwives & women healers were accused of witchcraft for practicing body- & earth-based knowledge rooted in community care. We honor the midwives who resisted persecution to protect life, knowledge, & community.
Were midwives the OG witches? How the history of mystic medicine and reproductive health intertwine
Were midwives driven out of gynecology because of superstition or patriarchy? The answer will not surprise you
www.salon.com
October 31, 2025 at 5:06 PM
It’s spooky season! Remember that for centuries, midwives & women healers were accused of witchcraft for practicing body- & earth-based knowledge rooted in community care. We honor the midwives who resisted persecution to protect life, knowledge, & community.
October is National #HoodooHeritageMonth, and we honor the ancestral healers, midwives and conjurers who protected Black life through spirit, herbs and care. Their legacy lives on in our birthwork today.
October 29, 2025 at 7:13 PM
October is National #HoodooHeritageMonth, and we honor the ancestral healers, midwives and conjurers who protected Black life through spirit, herbs and care. Their legacy lives on in our birthwork today.
🧵: ✨Illinois Community-Based Birth Justice Summit Recap ✨
What an incredible gathering we had!
What an incredible gathering we had!
October 27, 2025 at 11:19 PM
🧵: ✨Illinois Community-Based Birth Justice Summit Recap ✨
What an incredible gathering we had!
What an incredible gathering we had!
Today is National Mammography Day, a reminder of the importance of early detection of breast cancer. 💗
Black women are more likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer at a younger age, & at later stages. Access to healthcare is a matter of justice.
Schedule your mammogram today!
Black women are more likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer at a younger age, & at later stages. Access to healthcare is a matter of justice.
Schedule your mammogram today!
October 18, 2025 at 10:09 PM
Today is National Mammography Day, a reminder of the importance of early detection of breast cancer. 💗
Black women are more likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer at a younger age, & at later stages. Access to healthcare is a matter of justice.
Schedule your mammogram today!
Black women are more likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer at a younger age, & at later stages. Access to healthcare is a matter of justice.
Schedule your mammogram today!
Today is #PregnancyAndInfantLossRemembranceDay.
Black parents face higher risks for pregnancy and infant loss due to systemic racism, medical bias, and barriers to respectful, culturally-rooted care.
We stand with every parent who mourns, and every birthworker fighting for safer births!
Black parents face higher risks for pregnancy and infant loss due to systemic racism, medical bias, and barriers to respectful, culturally-rooted care.
We stand with every parent who mourns, and every birthworker fighting for safer births!
![Pregnancy & Infant Loss Remembrance Day October 15, 2025 If you have lost a pregnancy or a baby, know that you are not alone. We hold your grief with you. Black Midwifery Collective [also has graphics of fading baby footprints, & drawn hearts]](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:asg46qdpzxvaab4x23shaiaq/bafkreia3bvxxyn4k66n3eixl2za5j4fnntkw7iq4fpyh5dz6q53bvtwtfu@jpeg)
October 15, 2025 at 9:10 PM
Today is #PregnancyAndInfantLossRemembranceDay.
Black parents face higher risks for pregnancy and infant loss due to systemic racism, medical bias, and barriers to respectful, culturally-rooted care.
We stand with every parent who mourns, and every birthworker fighting for safer births!
Black parents face higher risks for pregnancy and infant loss due to systemic racism, medical bias, and barriers to respectful, culturally-rooted care.
We stand with every parent who mourns, and every birthworker fighting for safer births!
Too many infants and birthing people are dying. It's a tragedy caused by:
➡️ Too few midwives of color providing culturally-congruent care
➡️ Barriers to becoming a midwife
➡️ The belief that doulas in medicalized births are enough
That’s why we’re working to get a #midwife in every neighborhood!
➡️ Too few midwives of color providing culturally-congruent care
➡️ Barriers to becoming a midwife
➡️ The belief that doulas in medicalized births are enough
That’s why we’re working to get a #midwife in every neighborhood!
September 30, 2025 at 9:25 PM
Too many infants and birthing people are dying. It's a tragedy caused by:
➡️ Too few midwives of color providing culturally-congruent care
➡️ Barriers to becoming a midwife
➡️ The belief that doulas in medicalized births are enough
That’s why we’re working to get a #midwife in every neighborhood!
➡️ Too few midwives of color providing culturally-congruent care
➡️ Barriers to becoming a midwife
➡️ The belief that doulas in medicalized births are enough
That’s why we’re working to get a #midwife in every neighborhood!
The world will face a shortage of 310,000 midwives by 2030, hitting marginalized communities the hardest. Midwives—especially Black and brown midwives—are essential for safe, equitable births. Join the fight for a midwife in every neighborhood now! #BirthJustice
Nursing
Facts and figures on nursing
www.who.int
September 28, 2025 at 11:17 PM
The world will face a shortage of 310,000 midwives by 2030, hitting marginalized communities the hardest. Midwives—especially Black and brown midwives—are essential for safe, equitable births. Join the fight for a midwife in every neighborhood now! #BirthJustice
It's finally here—Thursday is the Illinois Birth Justice State Strategic Plan Summit! The first of its kind, it's led by and for community-based perinatal care workers. We're coming together to build a statewide vision for birth and reproductive justice in Illinois! #BirthJustice
September 25, 2025 at 12:20 AM
It's finally here—Thursday is the Illinois Birth Justice State Strategic Plan Summit! The first of its kind, it's led by and for community-based perinatal care workers. We're coming together to build a statewide vision for birth and reproductive justice in Illinois! #BirthJustice
As we get ready for Monday's event with actress/activist Tatyana Ali, please check out our ED Star August Ali's post on Tatyana’s Baby Yams blog from earlier this year. Protecting Black maternal health means investing in a powerful Black midwifery workforce for the future! 🖤✨
Investing in the Black Midwifery Workforce for Long-Term Sustainability and Impact
Discover why investing in Black midwifery is key to birth equity, better outcomes, and sustainable community care led by and for people of color.
baby-yams.com
September 21, 2025 at 11:10 PM
As we get ready for Monday's event with actress/activist Tatyana Ali, please check out our ED Star August Ali's post on Tatyana’s Baby Yams blog from earlier this year. Protecting Black maternal health means investing in a powerful Black midwifery workforce for the future! 🖤✨
Honored to announce that the Black Birthing Futures Project, led by Dr. Kaytura Felix at Johns Hopkins, won the 2025 Nexus Award for “Beloved Birth 50 by 50”—advancing midwifery, birth centers, and policy for safe, community-led care by 2050. #BelovedBirth50x50 #BirthJustice
September 16, 2025 at 2:55 PM
Honored to announce that the Black Birthing Futures Project, led by Dr. Kaytura Felix at Johns Hopkins, won the 2025 Nexus Award for “Beloved Birth 50 by 50”—advancing midwifery, birth centers, and policy for safe, community-led care by 2050. #BelovedBirth50x50 #BirthJustice
🕯️Today is #WorldSuicidePreventionDay. Suicide is a leading cause of death during the postpartum period, and Black women are 2x more likely to report suicidal ideation at this time than white women. Let’s work together to break the silence, share resources, and uplift our community!
September 10, 2025 at 9:43 PM
🕯️Today is #WorldSuicidePreventionDay. Suicide is a leading cause of death during the postpartum period, and Black women are 2x more likely to report suicidal ideation at this time than white women. Let’s work together to break the silence, share resources, and uplift our community!
👶🏾 Today is Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Awareness Day. FASD can cause lifelong physical, behavioral, & learning challenges. But it's 100% preventable by avoiding alcohol during pregnancy. Every child deserves a healthy start! 👶🏿 #FASDAwarenessDay
September 9, 2025 at 5:52 PM
👶🏾 Today is Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Awareness Day. FASD can cause lifelong physical, behavioral, & learning challenges. But it's 100% preventable by avoiding alcohol during pregnancy. Every child deserves a healthy start! 👶🏿 #FASDAwarenessDay
Happy Grandparents’ Day! 🤎 Today, we honor the wisdom, resilience, and love of grandparents whose stories inspire and guide Black birth traditions. Thank you for uplifting generations and shaping a powerful legacy. #GrandparentsDay #BirthJustice
September 7, 2025 at 2:40 PM
Happy Grandparents’ Day! 🤎 Today, we honor the wisdom, resilience, and love of grandparents whose stories inspire and guide Black birth traditions. Thank you for uplifting generations and shaping a powerful legacy. #GrandparentsDay #BirthJustice
We’re honored to be recognized in the latest JAMA Health Forum article on Black maternal health for our partnership with a Chicago community college to expand midwifery education and access. Black-led, community-based midwifery is saving lives, & the world is taking note! #BirthJustice
Community Innovations to Improve Black Maternal Health
This JAMA Forum discusses efforts to improve Black maternal health in the US and provides examples of community-based birthing centers and initiatives.
jamanetwork.com
September 5, 2025 at 9:33 PM
We’re honored to be recognized in the latest JAMA Health Forum article on Black maternal health for our partnership with a Chicago community college to expand midwifery education and access. Black-led, community-based midwifery is saving lives, & the world is taking note! #BirthJustice
Volunteers are needed for the Illinois Birth Justice State Strategic Plan Summit with @hmprg.bsky.social!
🗓️ September 25–26, 2025
📍 Chicago's South Side
Be part of a powerful gathering shaping the future of birth justice in Illinois! Register here: docs.google.com/forms/d/1XWH...
#BirthJustice
🗓️ September 25–26, 2025
📍 Chicago's South Side
Be part of a powerful gathering shaping the future of birth justice in Illinois! Register here: docs.google.com/forms/d/1XWH...
#BirthJustice
September 3, 2025 at 6:32 PM
Volunteers are needed for the Illinois Birth Justice State Strategic Plan Summit with @hmprg.bsky.social!
🗓️ September 25–26, 2025
📍 Chicago's South Side
Be part of a powerful gathering shaping the future of birth justice in Illinois! Register here: docs.google.com/forms/d/1XWH...
#BirthJustice
🗓️ September 25–26, 2025
📍 Chicago's South Side
Be part of a powerful gathering shaping the future of birth justice in Illinois! Register here: docs.google.com/forms/d/1XWH...
#BirthJustice
Every kind of labor shapes our world, especially birthing new life. Today, #LaborDay, we uplift our ancestors. They built, created, & delivered us, not just through toil, but through the miracle of birth. We honor Black midwives, birthing people, & all who labor for culturally-congruent care!
September 1, 2025 at 5:57 PM
Every kind of labor shapes our world, especially birthing new life. Today, #LaborDay, we uplift our ancestors. They built, created, & delivered us, not just through toil, but through the miracle of birth. We honor Black midwives, birthing people, & all who labor for culturally-congruent care!
🤱🏾 Breast milk = liquid gold! Packed with nutrients, antibodies and love, it fuels growth, boosts immunity and strengthens the bond between mama + baby. Every feed is nature’s perfect recipe. #BlackBreastfeedingWeek
August 30, 2025 at 6:40 PM
🤱🏾 Breast milk = liquid gold! Packed with nutrients, antibodies and love, it fuels growth, boosts immunity and strengthens the bond between mama + baby. Every feed is nature’s perfect recipe. #BlackBreastfeedingWeek
Calling all midwives, doulas, & other birth workers & advocates! Join us & @hmprg.bsky.social Sept 25–26 in Chicago for the IL Birth Justice Summit. Free for students & birth workers, childcare included! Register here, help shape the future: bit.ly/ILSSPsummit
August 9, 2025 at 3:50 PM
Calling all midwives, doulas, & other birth workers & advocates! Join us & @hmprg.bsky.social Sept 25–26 in Chicago for the IL Birth Justice Summit. Free for students & birth workers, childcare included! Register here, help shape the future: bit.ly/ILSSPsummit
Reviving midwifery is key to ending the maternal health crisis. With safer births, lower costs, and deep cultural roots, midwife-led care empowers families and saves lives. Let’s fight for equity and honor birthing traditions! #BirthJustice #MidwivesMatter
Could midwives be the solution to the America's maternal health crisis?
Midwives are making a big comeback, and solving a crisis in maternal health care.
www.nationalgeographic.com
August 8, 2025 at 12:19 AM
Reviving midwifery is key to ending the maternal health crisis. With safer births, lower costs, and deep cultural roots, midwife-led care empowers families and saves lives. Let’s fight for equity and honor birthing traditions! #BirthJustice #MidwivesMatter
Calling all small business owners, birth workers, artists, & wellness pros! Apply to be a vendor at the 2025 Milk & Melanin Festival Sat., Aug. 23 in Chicago. Share your gifts, support families, & celebrate Black breastfeeding! Vendor spots filling fast; sign up now! docs.google.com/forms/d/1oni...
August 5, 2025 at 8:47 PM
Calling all small business owners, birth workers, artists, & wellness pros! Apply to be a vendor at the 2025 Milk & Melanin Festival Sat., Aug. 23 in Chicago. Share your gifts, support families, & celebrate Black breastfeeding! Vendor spots filling fast; sign up now! docs.google.com/forms/d/1oni...
📣 Volunteers needed for the 2025 Milk & Melanin Fest! 🧡 Help us celebrate Black breastfeeding on Saturday, August 23 in Chicago. Be part of the joy! Click here to sign up! docs.google.com/forms/d/1M-R...
#MilkAndMelaninFest #BirthJustice
#MilkAndMelaninFest #BirthJustice
August 5, 2025 at 12:46 AM
📣 Volunteers needed for the 2025 Milk & Melanin Fest! 🧡 Help us celebrate Black breastfeeding on Saturday, August 23 in Chicago. Be part of the joy! Click here to sign up! docs.google.com/forms/d/1M-R...
#MilkAndMelaninFest #BirthJustice
#MilkAndMelaninFest #BirthJustice