The BIRTH Network

Culturally Competent Care & Support for Black Birthing Individuals

The Black Girls Mental Health Foundation (BGMHF) created the BIRTH Network to bridge the gap in maternal mental health care for Black birthing individuals. Through training, support programs, and community-based initiatives, we are transforming how Black families experience pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.

NEXT TRAINING CYCLE: June 2, 2024

COST: $400 per person

FORMAT: Virtual (In-Person Available for Large Groups)

FOR IN-PERSON GROUP TRAINING, contact: Erika Navarro (erika@blackgirlsmhc.org)

Key Programs AND Initiatives

The BIRTH Network

Connecting Black birthing individuals with culturally competent providers and community-based support.

Mental health specialists trained in perinatal care
Culturally affirming birth workers (Doulas, Midwives, Lactation Consultants)
Support networks for parents navigating pregnancy and postpartum
Referrals to therapists, OB/GYNs, and birth professionals who understand Black maternal health needs

Clinical Birth Worker Internship Program

Training the next generation of Black perinatal mental health providers.

We are currently training three USC social work interns to serve as both mental health clinicians and doulas.

Training Includes:

Postpartum Support International’s (PSI) Three-Day Perinatal Mental Health Training
Doula Training (Starting Summer 2024)
Hands-on Clinical & Birth Support Training

By combining mental health and birth work, our interns are expanding the availability of Black perinatal providers who understand the unique experiences of Black birthing individuals.

Click Here to Apply

Perinatal Mental Health Training

Equipping Birth Workers, Medical Students, & Clinicians to Provide Trauma-Informed, Culturally Competent Care.

Our quarterly perinatal mental health training is designed for professionals who work with Black birthing individuals.

What You’ll Learn:

✔ Recognizing Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorders (PMADs) in Black birthing individuals
✔ Addressing racial disparities in maternal mental health
✔ Trauma-informed therapy & birth support strategies
✔ Referral pathways for mental health, lactation, and birth services

Next Training Cycle: June 2, 2024
Cost: $400 per person
For Group Training, Contact: Erika Navarro (erika@blackgirlsmhc.org)

Register Here!

Support Groups & Workshops

Safe Spaces for Black Birthing Individuals to Connect, Heal, and Build Community.

We offer free virtual and in-person support groups designed to meet the unique emotional and mental health needs of Black birthing individuals.

Bringing Home Baby: A relationship-strengthening group for partnered parents navigating new parenthood.

CommunEmpower: A supportive space for unpartnered parents, helping them build strong networks and manage stress.

Want to Join a Group? Sign Up Today!

Perinatal Support Specialists

Providing 12 Weeks of Free Support for Black Birthing Individuals

Our Perinatal Support Specialists help birthing individuals navigate mental health challenges, access resources, and receive essential postpartum care.

Support Includes:
✔ Mental health navigation – Connecting individuals to culturally competent therapists
✔ Resource assistance – Helping parents find lactation, birth, and postpartum support
✔ Essential supplies – Providing diapers, wipes, and postpartum necessities

Need Support? Contact Us!

Apply Now