BIPOC Aspiring Midwives Pilot

(BAY AREA)

In the United States the midwifery workforce is greater than 90 percent white. Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) experiences the highest maternal and infant morbidity & mortality rates in the US, with Black people accounting for the greatest disparities. Several research findings demonstrate that racism, discrimination, racial & cultural disconcordance in care, systemic inequities, and social determinants of health can negatively impact birthing families. Actions are needed to racially diversify the midwifery profession.

BIPOC Aspiring Midwives Program is one form of action.

MISSION

To support BIPOC aspiring midwives on their individual journey to an education in midwifery through shadowing, mentorship, & community spaces

VISION

The vision of BIPOC Aspiring Midwives is to culturally & racially diversity the midwifery profession to combat the maternal health crisis in the United States

**5/2019 SFGH L->R: Maya Combs (Aspiring Midwife) , Asmara Gebre (Attending midwife), Biftu Mengesha (Attending OBGYN), Zoe Julian (4th year OBGYN Resident) , Diamond (2nd year OBGYN Resident)**

SHADOWING

First hand exposure to the midwifery profession by shadowing a BIPOC midwife in action

**2/2020 Bay Area Black Nurses Association Conference L-> R: Marshawna Sparks (Aspiring Midwife), Asmara Gebre (midwife), Maritza Franqui (Aspiring Midwife)**

MENTORSHIP

Mentorship support while aspiring midwives are on their individual journey to midwifery education

COMMUNITY

Connect with aspiring midwives & the greater BIPOC Midwifery community

“This experience was multileveled for me in solidifying my desire and calling to be a midwife: I learned that as people of color we are ready and capable of providing the best care for our people when trained to do so.”