Pregnancy should be a time filled with anticipation and joy, but for many women, it can also be a time of intense stress, uncertainty, and hardship. African American women especially face significant risks during their pregnancy journey, so a village of support is even more crucial to ensure a safe and healthy birthing process. For Breanna Gomez, the Abundant Birth Project (ABP) became a lifeline during one of the most challenging chapters of her life.

Before joining the program, she was facing financial instability, emotional exhaustion, and the heavy burden of navigating pregnancy while recovering from domestic violence. Like many women, Breanna was left without paid leave from her job and overwhelmed by how she would afford even the basics while preparing for her baby. She described being mentally drained and in urgent need of a safe path forward. The immense stress she was under "affected [her] mental health and made it hard to really enjoy the experience of becoming a mother."

That's where the Abundant Birth Project stepped in.

Through the program, Breanna gained access to critical resources—from therapy and emotional support to nutrition guidance and parenting prep. By joining support groups and being affirmed that she wasn't alone in her journey, ABP helped Breanna "feel more connected to [her] community. The financial assistance allowed her to rest when needed, attend vital prenatal appointments without worrying about missing work, and focus on her own well-being. But more importantly, it gave her something deeper: peace of mind, dignity, and the powerful feeling of being seen and supported.

"It wasn't just about the money," she shared. "It was about the message that my well-being, my baby, and my future matter."

ABP doesn't ask mothers to prove their struggles. It meets them where they are with unconditional support, trust, and a commitment to their full humanity. That's what makes this initiative so unique—and so necessary.

The goal of ABP is to provide cash assistance with no strings attached as a strategy to prevent stress during pregnancy. Research shows this is likely to prevent babies from being born too early or too small and can also protect the mother's (or birthing parent) health. Breanna's experience reflects how alleviating some financial burdens can lower stress levels and impact one's mental and emotional stability. She expressed how ABP "gave me the breathing room to take care of myself, which positively affected my overall well-being."

To any expecting mother wondering whether this program could help, Breanna says, "Do it. The support you receive goes beyond financial help. You deserve to feel supported and secure during your pregnancy—and the Abundant Birth Project truly honors that."

To learn more or support this groundbreaking effort to provide direct aid to Black/African American mothers, visit [abundantbirthproject.org]