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
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
Fatherhood Resources from AAIMM
LA County offers resources just for dads! AAIMM’s award-winning programs support healthy and joyous pregnancies and births for Black families across LA County. If you are a Black dad, dad of a Black child, or partner to a Black mom-to-be, visit blackinfantsandfamilies.org/fatherhood for more information, or sign up for AAIMM Fatherhood activities by emailing [email protected].
Download Updated Fatherhood Tip Guide
Written for Black dads by Black dads, AAIMM’s Expectant Father Tip Guide has been updated. Download the full guide or the pocket version at: https://www.blackinfantsandfamilies.org/fatherhood. These guides include tips for pregnancy support, including how to advocate for your birthing partner, how to provide emotional support and how to create a birth plan. You’ll also find tips for labor and delivery and postpartum support, as well as information about paid family leave and paternity leave laws. Knowledge is power, and this guide provides important tips to inform and guide your parenting journey.
Watch (or Re-Watch) our Fatherhood Instagram Live
On June 2, AAIMM hosted the third in a series of IG Live AAIMM Conversations. This one, entitled “The Expectant Father’s Playbook: Real Talk for Dad” featured Black dads from L.A. County, who discussed the critical role they play in ensuring safe and healthy births. In conversation with Davion Mauldin, AAIMM Fatherhood Coordinator, dads shared their personal stories and experiences of supporting their birthing partners. Topics included the role of fathers in maternal health, how to support your partner during pregnancy, navigating the birth process as a father, breaking stereotypes around Black fatherhood, and resources available to Black dads and father figures. If you missed the IG Live, or if you want to rewatch and learn more, click here.
AAIMM Uplifts Black Families at
KJLH Women’s Health Expo
As a sponsor of the recent KJLH Women’s Health Expo on May 31st, AAIMM and the L.A. County Abundant Birth Project had a vibrant booth featuring a welcoming breast/chest feeding space and diaper changing station, Community Action Team leaders, swag, as well as plentiful resources designed to support, uplift and inform our community.
At the booth, representatives from AAIMM helped Expo visitors find their village of support. Guests learned about doulas, community groups, pregnancy tips and other no-cost resources for Black families. Throughout the Expo, AAIMM’s booth also hosted Purple Couch Panel Discussions on important Black maternal and infant health topics, including motherhood care; doulas and midwives; healthy and joyous births, and maternal mental health support.
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At the Expo, AAIMM partners participated in a panel sponsored by Black Infant Health Long Beach entitled “Black Dads for Black Mamas: The Role of Black Men in Pregnancy & Birthing. The talk featured Jonathan M. Wicks, LCSW; Leo Moore, MD, MSHPM, DPH Medical Director, Clinic Services, SPAs 4&5; Akil Bell, Black Women for Wellness, and Alex Dorsey, LPCC, Kaiser Clinical Program Manager in conversation with Adjoa Jones, AAIMM’s Director, and Davion Mauldin, AAIMM’s Fatherhood Coordinator. The panelists shared how dads can support their birthing partners.
Thanks to everyone who visited us during the Expo to learn more about our movement toward birth justice and thriving Black families, while growing the Village.
Communications Work Group Recap
Thank you to all the participants from the AAIMM network, Community Action Teams, Policy and Advocacy and Mother Board who attended our recent Communications Work Group planning session on May 22. The Group reviewed major AAIMM communications activities and held an interactive session to plan long-range strategic communications efforts. This group plays a vital role in co-creating and providing input on communications that position AAIMM as the primary resource for information on assets, programs, and methods for achieving Black birthing justice and equity in Los Angeles County. If you are interested in participating in future Communications Work Group meetings or activities, email [email protected] to reach Gwendolyn Young, CEO, Young Communications Group, Inc., and lead AAIMM communications consultant. The next meeting is scheduled for June 26 via Zoom
Testimonials from
Abundant Birth Project Participants
After reaching full enrollment in Los Angeles County, participants in the Abundant Birth Project are sharing testimonials about the benefits of the program, which provides birthing people with direct, unconditional cash aid during pregnancy in order to make the best decisions for their health, their families and their babies, as well as coaching on on topics like financial literacy, education, housing and fitness. Read more at the links below:
Doulas Play Integral Role in Black Maternal Health:
Read About This and More on our Blog
Be sure to visit our website regularly to read our latest blog posts on a variety of topics related to Black families. Recently, one of our AAIMM doulas wrote about the integral role doulas play in Black maternal health. You can read it here: https://www.blackinfantsandfamilies.org/doulas_play_integral_role_in_black_maternal_health
This month, we also featured a heartfelt Q&A with Davion Mauldin, AAIMM’s Fatherhood Coordinator in which he shares his personal stories and experiences and advice for expecting and new dads. Don’t miss this blog post and feel free to share it far and wide. You can read it here: https://www.blackinfantsandfamilies.org/encouraging_black_fathers_to_share_role_in_maternal_health
Join Our Community Action Teams
Make a difference in your community by joining our local efforts to end Black infant and maternal deaths in Los Angeles County. Stay tuned for information on dates for upcoming CAT meetings:
Antelope Valley AAIMM CAT
Join our team: for more information, email [email protected] or [email protected]
Stay tuned for the next meeting date!
South LA & South Bay AAIMM CAT
Join our team: for more information, email [email protected] or [email protected]
Next Meeting/Event: SLASB Bi-monthly Regional Meeting
Date: July 24th!
San Gabriel Valley CAT
Join our team: for more information, email [email protected] or [email protected]
Stay tuned for the next meeting date!
Santa Clarita & San Fernando Valleys AAIMM CAT
Join our team: for more information, email [email protected] or [email protected]
Stay tuned for the next meeting date!
Send us Your Upcoming Events
If you would like to see your event added to our next newsletter, please use the AAIMM Village News Updates form to let us know about any news, stories, events, or important information that you'd like to share with the AAIMM community. The next edition of the AAIMM Village News will be sent out in mid-December.
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