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 and Brown birthing individuals. Through training, support programs, and community-based initiatives, we are transforming how Black and Brown families experience pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.

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Every initiative within the BIRTH Network was designed with one goal: to make sure Black and Brown birthing individuals never have to navigate this alone.

Programs Built for You

Perinatal Mental Health Training
Quarterly training for clinicians, birth workers, and medical students ready to show up for Black birthing families.
- Recognizing PMADs in Black birthing individuals
- Addressing racial disparities in maternal mental health
- Trauma-informed therapy and birth support strategies
- Referral pathways for mental health, lactation, and birth services
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Clinical Birth Worker Internship
Training the next generation of providers who are both mental health clinicians and certified doulas.
- Clinical and Macro tracks for graduate students in social work, counseling, public health, and related fields
- Sponsored PMH training through BGMHF and Postpartum Support International
- Fully funded doula and lactation training for BIPOC providers
- Clear pathway to licensure or maternal health leadership
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Accessible Therapy Program
We believe every Black and Brown birthing individual deserves access to quality mental health care, regardless of financial barriers.
- Free therapy vouchers for qualifying individuals
- Matched with culturally competent, perinatal-trained therapists
- Confidential, virtual sessions available
- Ongoing support throughout the perinatal period
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Support Groups & Parenting Workshops

Support Groups

Our community needs assessment found that 62% of Black birthing people wanted ongoing peer connection during the perinatal period. In response, the Black Girls Mental Health Collective offers free, therapist-led support circles focused on postpartum adjustment, identity shifts, and emotional well-being. These groups foster community care, reduce isolation, and help participants build networks of support that extend beyond formal treatment.

Expecting Together — A drop-in space for expecting mamas to connect, reflect, and prepare for birth and early parenthood together.
Rooted After Birth — A postpartum healing circle for Black mamas in their first year after birth, covering mood, identity, and emotional complexity.
Soulful Rest — A gentle self-care circle focused on slowing down, restoring energy, and reclaiming quiet moments just for you.

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A smiling woman holding a sleeping newborn on her chest, sitting on a couch next to a man, with another woman sitting across from them in a cozy living room setting.

Parenting Workshops

Beyond support groups, the Collective offers structured parenting workshops designed to help Black families build strong foundations before and after the baby arrives. Each workshop blends evidence-based tools with culturally responsive facilitation, giving parents practical skills they can actually use at home.

Bringing Baby Home — A relationship-strengthening workshop for partnered parents. Build communication skills, deepen your bond, and find your footing as a family.
CommunEmpower — A supportive workshop for unpartnered parents to build strong networks, manage stress, and step into their power.

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