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.

Becoming a parent for the first time can be both a joyful and overwhelming experience. For Latanza Price-McGee’s family, The Abundant Birth Project (ABP) has been more than just a program—it has been a lifeline of support, guidance, and empowerment during one of life’s biggest transitions.

Through monthly check-ins, community-building activities, educational resources, and emotional guidance, ABP has offered Latanza and her husband a strong foundation as they welcomed their baby girl. The sense of belonging and support they found through their dedicated Abundance Coach helped them define their approach to parenting while also giving them space to grow into their roles with grace and confidence.

“The Abundant Birth Project has provided a fantastic platform for us to gain knowledge while I was pregnant, preparing us to happily embrace both the joys and the challenges of being new parents,” shared Latanza.

A cornerstone of this support has been the monthly stipend, which has made a tangible difference in managing household expenses and newborn necessities. This financial relief has reduced stress and allowed the family to focus on nurturing their daughter with greater peace of mind.

Q&A with Davion Mauldin, Coordinator of AAIMM Fatherhood Programs and father of DeAsia, age 16.

AAIMM: Tell us about your experience as a father and your journey with Black maternal health.

DAVION:  My journey was one of tremendous family support. We were 19 years old and were fortunate enough to have guidance from the women in our families. My personal journey was very nerve-wracking and anxiety-filled, not knowing how to help, how to support, or how to prepare. I was still in school and feeling overwhelmed and excited at the same time. I never doubted myself as a person, but the thought of caring for another person was scary without any male input or help.

AAIMM: How should fathers support Black maternal health?

DAVION: The role of fathers is very impactful for the entire family. I also see the need for guidance, help, and education. I hear the desire from fathers wanting to support their partners, and I hear the fear of possibly failing. I hear the request for help and for services. It all comes down to new fathers wanting to be great in their role, and it takes a community to help prepare fathers and/or empower them to realize they are more prepared than they think.

AAIMM: As a Black father, what challenges did you face when navigating the healthcare system during your partner's pregnancy and childbirth experience?

DAVION: My challenges came from not understanding the impact I had during pregnancy. I did not know I could speak up to support her. I did not know I should be a part of the process in the healthcare system. I did not know how to advocate. My lack of understanding caused me to be more withdrawn in these settings when I should have been assertive. When I was not directly acknowledged, it did not feel wrong or uncomfortable, it felt like that’s how it was supposed to be.

AAIMM:  Did you witness or experience any instances of racism or bias while supporting your partner? How did it impact your experience as a father?

DAVION: I experienced bias after my daughter was born and I would take her to medical appointments by myself – microaggressions about why I was with her and not her mom, and comments about if I knew how to care for a little girl.

A Doula from AAIMM Can Provide Helpful Prenatal Care, Support at Delivery, and Breastfeeding Education

From prenatal visits and support during labor to help with newborn feeding, doulas play a vital role in Black maternal health. Doula support may reduce medical interventions (including C-sections), improve mood and satisfaction with the birth experience, and increase breastfeeding success. 

LOS ANGELES COUNTY, CA – In honor of National Public Health Week (April 7–13), the African American Infant and Maternal Mortality Prevention Initiative (AAIMM) hosted two impactful town halls spotlighting the critical role of midwifery in improving perinatal health outcomes for Black families in Los Angeles County. 

Held on April 8 and April 11, 2025, in partnership with Kindred Space LA, Charles Drew University’s Black Maternal Health Center of Excellence, Black Women for Wellness, and the California Black Women’s Health Project, these events brought together public health leaders, midwifery professionals, birth equity advocates, and community members for dynamic discussions on the state of midwifery care.

“Midwifery care is preventative care. The pregnant person is healthier because they have access to information and support,” said panelist Allegra Hill, LM, CPM, IBCLC, Co-Founder of Kindred Space LA. “Support and education have a positive outcome on the birth and postpartum experience and the health of the family moving forward.”

Doulas Increase Breastfeeding Success and Help Reduce Medical Interventions, including C-Sections

To celebrate World Doula Week, March 22-28, we honor the dedicated professional Doulas in our community.

The African American Infant and Maternal Mortality (AAIMM) Prevention Initiative is excited to announce the release of a request for proposals for a newly identified AAIMM Coalition Strengthening Partner (CSP). The AAIMM Management Team and Steering Committee have recognized the need for the initiative to evolve into a more sustainable and equitable collaboration that reflects stakeholder diversity. To embody its guiding principles, the structure of the Management Team will be enhanced. 

This RFP invites proposals from organizations interested in becoming the AAIMM CSP, which will join the Department of Public Health and First 5 LA on the Management Team. The CSP will act as a strategic convenor and administrator to improve operational effectiveness and enhance the initiative’s collective impact.

This is a grant-funded opportunity with two phases of work, subject to available funding. The selected CSP will receive $350,000 over 12 months for Phase 1. Phase 1 may be extended based on external factors impacting its scope. Continuation to Phase 2 will depend on performance and funding availability. 

Interested applicants should carefully review the RFP LINKED HERE - Proposals are due Wednesday, May 21st, at 3 p.m. PT

Open Competitive Job Opportunity - We welcome applications from anyone.

FIRST DATE OF FILING:

Applications will be accepted on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. (PT) to 4:59 p.m. (PT).

Applications received after 4:59 p.m. (PT) will not be considered.

No Out-of-Class Experience will be accepted.

DEFINITION:

Supervises a team of analysts providing technical and consultative service to management in major health service areas.

CLASSIFICATION STANDARDS:

Positions allocable to this class are restricted to Department of Health Services administration and are distinguished by

their responsibility for supervising professional employees in the research, analysis, and preparation of recommendationsregarding the use and deployment of resources and the implementation and improvement of operations and programs

having department-wide impact.

Essential Job Functions:

- Plans, organizes, assigns, and coordinates the work of a staff of analysts serving as technical experts and consultants to management in major health service areas.

- Has immediate responsibility for the orientation, training, development, and evaluation of employees supervised.

- Reviews work for thoroughness, soundness of recommendations, and compliance with applicable standards, policies, procedures and regulations.

- Confers with administrators and with representatives of other jurisdictions and agencies to discuss new and ongoing programs and to exchange information.

- Supervises and participates in studies of complex and difficult problem areas.

- Supervises and participates in the implementation of recommended procedures and programs.

Senior Staff Analyst, Health 

The South Los Angeles/South Bay African American Infant and Maternal Mortality Community Action Team (SLA/SB AAIMM CAT) was founded in 2018 with the purpose of bringing community and local government together for collaboration in reducing Black/African American infant and maternal mortality rates in Los Angeles County by addressing underlying determinants such as racism, lack of equitable and quality treatment, and supportive and informed resources and education. Additionally, the SLASB AAIMM CAT's mission is to create, establish, and implement a partnership that brings together mothers, fathers, grandparents, community-based, faith-based, and grassroots groups, community members, and designated individuals from County health departments, such as the Department of Health Services, Department of Public Health, and Department of Mental Health, to devise and implement solutions that aid in the improvement of pregnancy and birthing outcomes for Black mothers/birthing persons and their infants.

SLASB AAIMM CAT is comprised of:

• A Planning Team: comprised of those with lived experience, Workgroup co-chairs, SLASB AAIMM CAT Leadership Team members, community-based organization partners, community members and some County agencies (DPH, DMH and DHS partners) etc. who advise and participate in CAT specific activities that include but are not limited to bi-weekly planning team meetings, bi-monthly AAIMM CAT meetings, workgroup meetings, event planning, strategic planning, and programmatic related task.

• A Leadership Team: comprised of Service Planning Area(s) 6 and 8 DPH Co-leads, MCAH AAIMM Outreach & Engagement Director, Community Co-lead and Perinatal Equity Initiative (PEI) Program Manager who advise on CAT specific activities and funding matters.

• Four Workgroups:

o Community Outreach & Engagement

o Family Centered Models of Care

o Integrative Community Solutions

o Funder’s Circle

Backbone Support: provides administrative, operational, and logistical support working with the SLASB AAIMM CAT Leadership, Planning Team and all CAT members to collectively advance goals and objectives.

Please see additional details of purpose and work needs/requirements throughout this document.

View the Request for Proposals for Backbone Support for the South LA/South Bay AAIMM Community Action Team - Deadline March 3, 2025

Dear AAIMM Network:

The LA County Department of Public Health has introduced a NEW website, highlighting grant opportunities that may be a good fit for your organization.

Click the button below to visit the 
LA County Department of Public Health’s website.

*The webpage will be continuously updated, so please bookmark it and check back often.