This is the combined Nov/Dec 2020 edition of the Infant & Maternal Mortality Prevention Policy Work Group (IMMPP) of Raise Colorado.
As we end the year we wanted to share words by Shafia Monroe:
“Even amid all the noise of elections, the pandemic, and social movements, this is the time to stop, breathe, and recuperate. Nature slows down in winter and so should we, when and where we can. The dormancy of the plants and animals is not a time of vulnerability, but of wisdom – they conserve energy for renewal. This season, go within, reflect on your success, and find a way to celebrate all that you have accomplished – everything counts, the micro and macro.
The serious issues for our communities have not been resolved. Your voice and work will remain essential in the new year to improve birth outcomes and maternity care services and to diversify the midwifery and doula professions.
Please take this month to reflect on your successes and rest.”
– Shafia Monroe
Birth In COVID19:
- Updated Perinatal and Breastfeeding Guidance from the Department of Public Health & Environment re COVID
- Perinatal Emergency Recommendations, Considering Disparities & Outcomes: COVID and beyond, Multiple Birth Equity Partners
What We Are Reading or Writing:
- Health Connect One annual 2020 report
- The Patient-Reported Experience of Obstetric Racism (PREM-OB) scale, University of CA, San Francisco
- 5 ways the Healthcare System can Stop Amplifying Racism, The Atlantic
- Colorado Perinatal Quality Care Collaborative Report 2020
- Research from the Black Maternal Health Caucus
Engagement Opportunities:
- Nominate a Black Doula for the Black Doula Award with Front Line Doulas
- Join the Black Mamas Birthing Justice Forum!
- SAVE THE DATE: Learn about the Justina Ford Act and Direct Entry Midwifery Sunset, Legislative Preview with Elephant Circle, January 28th at 11:30 am. To connect & learn about the Justina Ford Act please reach out to Heather (beyondbirth.co@gmail.com ), or Kayla (kfrawley@claytonearlylearning.org) and for the Direct Entry Midwifery Sunset component reach out to Zoe (nettlesandrose@gmail.com )
- COLOR is collaborating with CU Anschutz on a research study exploring young people’s experience with pregnancy decision-making and abortion. It will be used to inform future policy and is the pilot project for two other states (CA and TX). Criteria for participating is 15-23 years old and either considered or obtained an abortion in the last two years while living in CO. Participants receive a $50 gift card and the interview is phone or video. Please contact Katherine, katherine@colorlatina.org
- Your participation on the Infant & Maternal Mortality Prevention Policy Work Group is critical to our success. We have created a survey to gather your thoughts, perspectives, and wisdom regarding participation and goals to better understand how we can improve our efforts to achieve our mission and to nurture an inclusive environment such that we have robust collaboration with communities and individuals most impacted by maternal and infant mortality. Survey Link
Scholarships:
- Birth Workers of Color Scholarship, APPLY HERE, by Best Doula
- Birth Workers of Colorado Scholarship, APPLY HERE, by NJ Doula training
- Donate to the Birth Workers of Color Fund by Elephant Circle
Who are we highlighting:
YOU.
You have completed the year 2020, and we couldn’t be more thankful that you are here. In the words of Adrienne Marie Brown:
“you are enough
your work is enough
you are needed
your work is sacred
you are here
and I am grateful”.
Thank you for all the ways YOU show up for your community. We deeply appreciate your leadership in infant and maternal health.
If you have work that you’d like highlighted – or other’s work and or have community events/opportunities that you want to share in our monthly newsletter please reach out to Kayla with your content kfrawley@claytonearlylearning.org.
The IMMPP team with Raise Colorado