Every year from August 25–31, Black Breastfeeding Week  (BBW) brings the Black community together to celebrate, uplift, and advocate for Black families and their breast/chest feeding journeys.

Black Breastfeeding Week  was originally designated in 2013 by nationally recognized breastfeeding advocates and Black maternal health trailblazers Kimberly Seals Allers, Kiddada Green, and Anayah Sangodele-Ayoka. Since its inception, the campaign has raised awareness about the racial disparities in breastfeeding rates while empowering breast/chestfeeding persons within the Black community. 

The 2026 theme “We All We Got - 14 Years of Community, Care, and Collective Power” is a powerful reflection of that history.  It reminds us that change doesn't happen alone, it happens when community workers, healthcare professionals, advocates, businesses, and partners come together to provide lactating mothers and birthing persons with the support and resources  they need to begin and stay the course throughout their breast/chestfeeding journey.

Building Safe Spaces Across Los Angeles County

That spirit of collective power is at the heart of the African American Infant and Maternal Mortality (AAIMM) Prevention Initiative’s work. Rooted in the belief that we are stronger when we work together, the AAIMM Community Action Teams bring their unique experiences, expertise, resources, and relationships to the table to address the systemic and community-based factors that affect the health of Black moms and babies.

Through collaboration, partnership, and action, CATs help turn community concerns into tangible solutions that support Black families and create healthier, more equitable communities. 

On August 15, the AAIMM Village was at the Women’s Health Expo launching our Black Breast/Chest Feeding Week campaign and introducing attendees to our initiatives. AAIMM’s welcoming space featured a friendly cafe for mingling and conversation, as well as a massage zone to provide a pampering touch.

Pregnancy and parenting topics were highlighted in our panel discussion area, and guests were welcomed by volunteers and staff who provided helpful information, as well as referrals to various AAIMM programs and events. It was rewarding to connect with our community and do what we do: meeting Black birthing people and their families where they are. From offering families a safe and comfortable tent area to breast/chest feed and change their little ones, to doula information and community care - we brought it all.

We engaged with hundreds of people as they learned more about AAIMM and its programs while visiting the AAIMM Cafe, which featured coffee, tea and delicious strawberry lemonade. We provided more than 20 chair massages and people enthusiastically sought more information and updates from AAIMM, while volunteers passed out flyers and provided details about our Doula and fatherhood programs and other events.

Annual Black Breastfeeding Week Milk Crawl

📅 August 26 @ 10:00 AM - 1:00PM

📍 Kenneth Hahn Upper Park (Bowl Loop Trail)

🔗 https://givebutter.com/milkcrawl2026

SGV AAIMM CAT Presents - The Lactation Lounge 

Join us for an afternoon of connection, activities, conversation, reflection and community as we celebrate Black Breastfeeding Week.

• Niki Johnson, Doula, CLE, who will discuss building confidence throughout your feeding journey.
• Toyin Oyefeso, MACGM, who will unpack the connection between hormones, hair, and feeding.

📅 August 26th @ 11:00 AM - 2:00PM

📍 Octavia’s Bookshelf 1353 N Hill Ave. Pasadena, CA 91104

🔗https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf0qQxcunePXiieyJXbdQGpMKRz7D76jBGa0ckzF9fMHrU5Og/viewform

“We All We Got": Black Breastfeeding Week 2026 Event

Join us for a joyful day of community, culture, education, and wellness as we honor the strength, resilience, and legacy of Black breast/chest feeding.

📅 August 29th @ 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

📍 Children’s Institute, 10200 Success Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90002

🔗 https://tinyurl.com/WAWG2026

SLASB AAIMM CAT - Bi-Monthly Regional Meeting

📅 August 27th @ 10:00 AM - 12:00PM

📍 Children’s Institute, 10200 Success Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90002 - Community Room #1

🔗 https://tinyurl.com/SLASBInPerson27 

Calling All Doulas, Expecting Families, New Families & Community Members!

We're looking for diverse participants for an upcoming photoshoot for future LA County Medi-Cal Doula Hub campaigns.

"Fatherhood to me means purpose. For me it feels like that’s what I was meant to do."

-- Greg Dill, Father of 3

I’ve found purpose in creating the conditions where doulas can thrive because when they’re supported, they’re better able to show up for families in deeply impactful ways. That ripple effect is what makes this work so meaningful to me.

– Nakeisha Robinson, AAIMM Doula Programs Manager

Los Angeles County’s African American Infant and Maternal Mortality Prevention Initiative Leads Black Maternal Health Week Events Across the County to Advance Safe and Joyous Black Births

Los Angeles, CA – The Los Angeles County African American Infant and Maternal Mortality Prevention Initiative joins communities across the country in recognizing Black Maternal Health Week (BMHW), observed April 10 through April 16, 2026. This year’s theme, “Rooted in Justice & Joy,” underscores the urgent need to address the ongoing Black maternal health crisis while honoring the leadership, strength, and resilience of Black mothers, birthing people, and families.

Black/African American babies in LA County are two to three times more likely to die before their first birthday than babies of other races. Black/African American women in LA County are four times more likely to die as a result of pregnancy and delivery/postpartum complications than women of other races.    

Founded and led nationally by the Black Mamas Matter Alliance (BMMA), BMHW is an annual campaign to raise awareness, mobilize community action, and advance policies and practices that improve maternal health outcomes for Black families. In Los Angeles County, this work is led through the African American Infant and Maternal Mortality Prevention Initiative (AAIMM), a Black-led, Black-centered coalition committed to advancing birth equity and ensuring safe, respectful, and joyous births. 

Black Maternal Health Week 2026: Rooted in Justice and Joy

Join us in observing Black Maternal Health Week (BMHW) from April 11-17, a time dedicated to raising awareness, promoting advocacy, and amplifying the voices of Black birthing persons and families. This year’s theme, “Rooted in Justice and Joy,” centers justice and joy as inseparable forces to honor the labor, leadership, and resilience of Black-led organizations while advancing systemic change through community-driven care, policy advocacy, and cultural healing.

Black Maternal Health Week was founded and is led by the Black Mamas Matter Alliance (BMMA), an organization at the forefront of advocating for Black maternal health. Through their leadership, Black Maternal Health Week provides a powerful platform to raise awareness, spark conversations, and advocate for the elimination of maternal health disparities affecting Black birthing persons.

Black birthing persons in the United States continue to experience disproportionately high rates of maternal mortality and morbidity. Black Maternal Health Week  is a critical opportunity to reflect on the legacies of these inequities, challenge the systems that perpetuate them, and build a collective vision of change. Through advocacy, solidarity, and education, we can work together to create a future where Black families not only survive but thrive.

At the African American Infant and Maternal Mortality Prevention Initiative (AAIMM), we are committed to advocating for policies that ensure equitable access to high-quality healthcare for Black birthing persons. We elevate the voices and lived experiences of the Black community, and partner with Black-led organizations—like BMMA—that are leading the charge for change.

• Black Maternal Health Week is not just a time to raise awareness—it is an opportunity to come together and make meaningful change. You’re invited to participate in this critical week in numerous ways:  events hosted by AAIMM and our network of partners. These events will center the voices of Black birthing persons, highlight key policy demands, and provide platforms for education and empowerment.

• Advocate for Change: BMHW is the perfect opportunity to advocate for policy changes that ensure access to maternal healthcare for all. Learn how you can support policies that address the inequities in Black maternal health and advocate for reforms at local, state, and national levels.
• Spread Awareness: Amplify the voices and stories of Black birthing persons on your social media platforms. Share key messages, tag @blackinfantsandfamiliesla on Instagram, and use the hashtags #BMHW26 and #BlackMaternalHealthWeek to help raise awareness.

Check back for event updates, resources, and more during Black Maternal Health Week. Share this page with your community and help spread the word. Let’s work together to dismantle the barriers to Black maternal health and ensure a future where everyone thrives.. Follow us on Instagram @blackinfantsandfamiliesla for updates.

2026 BLACK MATERNAL HEALTH WEEK AAIMM CALENDAR OF EVENTS

SEE BELOW FOR EVENT DETAILS:

🗓️ APRIL 10 

*National Public Health Week, April 6th – 12th

The Suckle Center - Pilates and Prosecco
TIME ⏰: 11am - 12:30pm
LOCATION 📍: The Loft Long Beach - 3290 Cherry Ave,
Long Beach, CA
Hosted By: The Suckle Center
RSVP HERE

Empowering, Engaging, & Acknowledging Fathers!
TIME ⏰: 6pm - 8pm
LOCATION 📍:
Valley Presbyterian Hospital
Jean and David Health Education Building (Auditorium)
15107 Vanowen St., Van Nuys, CA 91405
IN PARTNERSHIP 🫱🏾‍🫲🏽: AAIMM Fatherhood Initiative, DHS Mamas

🗓️ APRIL 11

SLASB AAIMM CAT - 5th Annual Community Baby Shower
TIME ⏰: 10am – 1pm
LOCATION 📍: MLK Behavioral Health Center  (12021 S. Wilmington Ave. Bldg #18  LA, CA 90059)
IN PARTNERSHIP 🫱🏾‍🫲🏽: South LA South Bay AAIMM CAT, BIH, DPH, Black Women for Wellness, Cinnamoms, CA Abundant Birth Project, Planned Parenthood and more!
RSVP HERE

AV AAIMM CAT - BMHW CELEBRATION
TIME ⏰: 10am - 1pm
LOCATION 📍: Ohana Center (38700 5th Street West Suite D Palmdale, CA 93551)
Hosted by: AV AAIMM CAT
RSVP HERE

Beauty for Ashes Maternal Wellness - 4th Annual 5K Walk
TIME ⏰: 8AM - 12PM
LOCATION 📍: The Doula Hub  (5835 Overhill Dr. L.A. 90043)
REGISTER HERE

Family Play Day At The Park
TIME ⏰: 12:30pm - 4:30pm
LOCATION 📍: Rosecrans Recreation
840 W 149th St Gardena, CA 90247
Hosted by: CABWHP, PRC 
REGISTER HERE

🗓️ APRIL 12

San Gabriel Valley AAIMM CAT - Community Baby Shower
TIME ⏰: 3pm - 7pm
LOCATION 📍: Second Baptist Church of Monrovia (925 S Shamrock Ave. Monrovia, CA 91016)
REGISTER HERE

🗓️ APRIL 13

Dear Mamas, A letter Writing Workshop Honoring Black Motherhood
TIME ⏰: 6pm - 8pm
LOCATION 📍: All for Kids (1910 Magnolia Ave, Los Angeles 90007)
Hosted by: BW4W, F5LA, ALL FOR KIDS, FIERCE AUNTIES, FLORA FAMILY FOUNDATION, PACKARD FOUNDATION
REGISTER HERE

🗓️ APRIL 14

Black Parenthood Unfiltered: A Virtual Game Night Rooting in Justice & Joy
TIME ⏰: 5:30PM
LOCATION 📍: ZOOM
Hosted by the Black Girls Mental Health Foundation via Zoom
REGISTER HERE

M.O.R.E. Mothers Workshop Series
TIME ⏰: 2:15PM - 3:45PM
LOCATION 📍: 5599 Atlantic Ave.

🗓️ APRIL 15

Black Women for Wellness – 3rd Annual Black Mamas Birthing Tour
TIME ⏰: 8am – 5pm
For more information visit BWWLA.org
IN PARTNERSHIP 🫱🏾‍🫲🏽: Black Women for Wellness, Packard Foundation, Kaiser Permanente, Cedars Sinai
REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED

🗓️ APRIL 16

Santa Clarita San Fernando Valley AAIMM CAT - BMHW Community Walk
TIME ⏰: 10am - 12pm
LOCATION 📍: 6300 Balboa Blvd, Lake Balboa 91406
Hosted by: SCSFV AAIMM
REGISTER HERE

Rooted in the Womb - hosted by Black Women for Wellness
TIME ⏰: 4 - 6pm
LOCATION 📍: Plant Chica (4311 Degnan Blvd. Leimert Park, 90008)
For more information visit BWWLA.org

🗓️ APRIL 17

Rooted in Justice: 2026 California Birth Equity Policy Updates and Community Forum 
TIME ⏰: 12-2pm PT
LOCATION 📍: virtual Zoom
Hosted by: California Black Birth Equity Summit + UCSF Center for Birth Justice 
REGISTER HERE

🗓️ APRIL 18

SCSFV AAIMM CAT - Honoring Your Body
TIME ⏰: 11AM - 2 PM
LOCATION 📍: St. Paul's United Methodist Church (5619 Lindley Ave, Tarzana, CA 91356)
RSVP HERE

Mama’s Magic Block Party - Honoring Black Motherhood
TIME ⏰: 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
LOCATION 📍: Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science
IN PARTNERSHIP 🫱🏾‍🫲🏽: LA General and Harbor - UCLA OB/GYN Departments 

EmpowerMOM Presented By Black Girls Mental Health Foundation
TIME ⏰: 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
LOCATION 📍The Gathering Spot Atlanta, Georgia (384 Northyards Boulevard NW Atlanta, GA 30313)
Sponsored by the Black Girls Mental Health Foundation
REGISTER HERE

A Black History Month Message from the Director

As we celebrate the history and achievements of Black people during this month of commemoration, we are mindful of those who wish to erase our history and minimize our achievements. Recent headlines of maternal and infant losses, of attacks on immigrant communities and those who stand with them in solidarity, strengthen our resolve to achieve our mission to build, collectively, a future in which Black families thrive.  

The urgency of our mission is shaping how AAIMM is activating in 2026. We launched our Compassion Response Fund, which provides financial support to Black families impacted by pregnancy-related loss (read more below). We are resurfacing critical tips and education families can use to make plans for their care (also below). Across the AAIMM network, there are increasing supports and resources for birthworkers, including the Medi-Cal Doula Hub, which provides training, technical assistance and advocacy for new and experienced doulas to become Medi-Cal providers and serve the diversity of LA County’s families. 

I celebrate you, the people at the heart of our AAIMM Village for your historic contributions to Black maternal health. By centering our stories, our people, our leadership, we have built a movement for joyous, healthy Black births in Los Angeles County and beyond. At this critical moment, I ask you to reflect and share with us: What should the year ahead look like for AAIMM? What are your agencies focusing on in 2026? Where do our efforts align, and where can AAIMM provide additional support?

We will continue to honor Black life by protecting it, uplifting our families and our collective right to safe, joyous beginnings. Thank you to each of the community leaders and partners, birthing parents, doulas, lactation specialists, fatherhood program participants, birth workers, who stay the course and recognize the strength in our numbers. 

With deep love and gratitude,

Adjoa Jones

AAIMM Director

Birth Equity Unit Chief

Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health Division

Health Promotion Bureau • Los Angeles County Department of Public Health

Happy Holidays 

During this holiday season, I am reminded that this time of year can hold both joy and uncertainty. Many in our community are facing real challenges, from delayed SNAP benefits to the rising cost of health insurance and essential care. And as always, we hold the ongoing concern about what these shifts mean for Black maternal and infant health, especially in light of the numerous stories we have seen where Black women/birthing people have been dismissed during their laboring and delivery. 

Yet, even in the midst of these challenges, I remain deeply hopeful.

My holiday wish for you and your family is simple: that you feel supported, seen, and held by your Village, and that you have space to rest and that joy finds its way to you.

As we move into the season of celebration, reflection, and Kwanzaa, I’m filled with pride for everything we accomplished together in 2025. Our collective work, driven by love and unwavering commitment, continues to strengthen our community and create pathways for Black birthing people to experience safe, healthy, and joy-filled births.

This year, we engaged with thousands of families, offering support, connection and care at some of the most vulnerable and life-changing moments.

As we look toward the future, AAIMM is doubling down on our commitment to care, compassion and community-rooted solutions. In 2026, we will continue to provide culturally centered mental health support for Black birthing people, offer community-based doula care, and deepen the partnerships that help us meet families where they are, with dignity, love and practical support.

Thank you for being part of this movement, this Village and this vision. Together, we are building a Los Angeles County where every Black parent and baby is welcomed into the world with joy, safety, and community by their side. Read the 2025 Highlights below featuring a few of our key programs.

With deep love and gratitude,

Adjoa Jones

AAIMM Director

Birth Equity Unit Chief

Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health Division

Health Promotion Bureau • Los Angeles County Department of Public Health

During Black Breast/Chestfeeding Week, AAIMM Celebrates Lactation Educators and Consultants

Greetings from the African American Infant and Maternal Mortality Prevention Initiative (AAIMM) where we center healthy, joyous Black births and celebrate Black breast- and chest-feeding every day. This month, we give attention to the healthy start that breast/chestfeeding provides babies, and this week we celebrate Black Breast/Chestfeeding Week with activities throughout Los Angeles County. See our event listing below!

Black Breastfeeding Week (August 25-31) was launched 13 years ago by activists Kimberly Seals Allers, Kiddada Green and Anayah Sangodele-Ayoka. Black Breastfeeding Week grew out of the need to build awareness about and highlight the special challenges and triumphs of being Black and breastfeeding. At this critical point in time, we are grateful for these leaders who created this week and curate annual events that support bodily autonomy and encourage mothers to be equipped with knowledge and tools to nourish their infants.

The 2025 Black Breastfeeding Week theme is “Boots on the Ground! Rooted in Breastfeeding Success, Grounded in Community Support." At AAIMM, we celebrate the importance of community support to create breast/chestfeeding success in the Black community. Here at AAIMM, we are honoring all International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLC) and Certified Lactation Education Specialists (CLES), with a special shoutout to our Black lactation educators who help new parents navigate infant feeding through engaging and innovative education, support groups, and resources. Our amazing specialists are being featured on our IG Live throughout Black Breastfeeding Week.

AAIMM provides Black families with a directory of Safe Spaces for Breast/Chestfeeding, which is continuously updated with new information. 

If you are anywhere in Los Angeles County and you would like your location to be designated as a Safe Space for Black breast/chestfeeding, sign up here: https://www.blackinfantsandfamilies.org/become_a_safe_space 

If you need breast/chestfeeding support, you can learn more at https://www.blackinfantsandfamilies.org/breastfeeding.

Finally, I’d also like to share an article with you. Please take a moment to read:From Slavery To Liberation: The Diasporic Legacy of Black Breastfeeding

In solidarity,

Adjoa Jones, MBA, CLES, Doula
Director, African American Infant/Maternal Mortality Prevention Initiative (AAIMM)

Birth Equity Unit Chief 

Maternal, Child, Adolescent, and Health Division 

Los Angeles County Department of Public Health

Editorial Statement: 

We would like to extend our love, prayers and support to our communities – colleagues, families and those experiencing trepidation, mental exhaustion and anguish in fear of ICE showing up to homes and common spaces. We encourage you to become aware of your (and your neighbors’) immigration rights (LA Care as one example, DPH example attached). Please be safe as you attend events and travel, and take time to update your emergency plans with your loved ones.

Letter from AAIMM's
Fatherhood Coordinator

Dads need a village, too! 

As June comes to a close—a month dedicated to celebrating Fathers, Fatherhood, and Father’s Day, I’m sharing this important message that grounds my work as the coordinator of fatherhood programs for the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health’s African American Infant and Maternal Mortality Prevention Initiative (AAIMM). As a father myself, I know the importance of activating my village of support. To me, being a Father means providing all that my child needs to be healthy and happy while being vulnerable enough to know when I need help providing those things so she is always loved and cared for the way she deserves. I also know that advancing Father-involvement improves pathways to economic mobility, promotes healthy and empowering lives and leads to increased positive childhood outcomes for our children. 

One of the many wonderful things about AAIMM is that we help Black fathers by sharing resources and information. Through our six-week virtual Expecting Fathers Groups, we help men get ready for fatherhood. They learn what to expect at each stage of pregnancy and how their involvement can lead to a more healthy and joyous birth for their birthing partners and their babies. New sessions begin every month. For info, text DAD to 323-745-2771.

We also offer weekly Black Daddy Dialogue meetings on Zoom. These serve as an open forum for dads and father figures to receive peer support, resources and assistance. Our goal with Black Daddy Dialogue is to change the narrative around African American and Black fathers and families by feeding the mind and spirit of fathers. Sessions are held Wednesday evenings at 6:30PM Pacific. For info, text DAD to 323-745-2771.

AAIMM’s website also offers critical resources and information for fathers, father figures and expecting dads. Visit blackinfantsandfamilies.org/fatherhood to explore stories from other black Fathers and learn about AAIMM’s upcoming events and other resources for Black families.

Fatherhood changed my life for the better. Having my daughter challenged me to grow daily and learn to adapt to the ever-changing world she is growing up in. No day is the same, no lesson too small to learn, no problem is too big to handle, and I learned that from her. Throughout the month of June, I invite all dads to join me on this journey of parenting by activating your village of support. Feel free to email us if you’d like to know more at: [email protected]. 

Kindest regards,

Davion Mauldin

AAIMM Fatherhood Coordinator 

LA County Department of Public Health, Division of Maternal, Child & Adolescent Health

"As a doula, I am privileged to provide support, advocacy, and create safe spaces for birthing families in my community."

– Renett Clough, AAIMM Doula

 “Being a doula means serving my community by uplifting those who bring forth life, love and hope in our everyday lives.” 

– Luz Ticas, AAIMM CARE Doula

Are You Expecting?
Things to Know from AAIMM Experts:

What is preeclampsia/postpartum eclampsia? 

Preeclampsia/postpartum preeclampsia is a serious disease related to high blood pressure.  Preeclampsia can happen to anyone during the second half of pregnancy (2nd trimester 13-27 weeks), or up to six weeks after delivery. 

Signs and symptoms of preeclampsia: 

• Headache that doesn’t go away
• Changes in vision (blurriness, flashing lights, seeing spots)
• Trouble breathing 
• Severe nausea or vomiting 
• Rapid weight gain 
• Swelling in legs, hands, or face

Source: LA County CPSP Team Handout on Preeclampsia, March of Dimes, and Preeclampsia Foundation

The AAIMM Compassion Response Fund is a one-time resource designed to provide timely, compassionate support to families experiencing perinatal or infant loss, per eligible family to help address immediate needs during a period of grief and transition.