The EMA Project

04/23/2025

and was proud to endorse the Moms Matter Act, a new state grant program investing in community-based programs supporting perinatal mental health – like local support groups, perinatal SUD care, peer support for those facing pregnancy and infant loss, and more – particularly in Black and Brown communities most impacted by maternal and mental health disparities.

The Moms Matter Act was established in law last year as part of the state’s omnibus maternal health bill, but it still needs funding to operate and make a difference. Can you help? CLICK the link to write to your State Rep. today to urge them to fund the Moms Matter Act in this year’s budget.

https://actionnetwork.org/letters/fund-the-moms-matter-act-support-house-amendment-1049

💙Thank you for helping me honor my somshine, Eddie Manuel, with this work.💙

Will you support this work?

10/08/2024

October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, a time to honor the many families who have experienced the unimaginable heartbreak of loss of pregnancy, transition of a child, and for some forced abortions.

As the mother of my Angel Eddie Manuel, 3 other angels who did not make it earthside and founder of The EMA Project, I know this pain intimately. This journey is filled with profound love and grief.

Through The EMA Project, we hold space for those navigating this path, ensuring no one feels alone. Grieving is a deeply personal and ongoing process, but together, we can support one another with compassion.

I also want to shed more light on forced abortion, a form of reproductive coercion in which a womb holder is compelled to terminate a pregnancy against their will or without clear consent. This coercion can come from various sources, such as societal pressures or the influence of intimate partners, guardians, medical professionals, or others who force, threaten, or manipulate them into having an abortion. If this has happened to you, know that you, too, deserve a space to grieve.

Let us stand together in this sacred space of healing, supporting one another through shared loss and lifting up each precious life. Eddie Manuel, like all of the beautiful souls gone too soon, is forever in my heart and the heart of The EMA Project. I created this with big dreams and lots of love to support others in their journey.

10/05/2024

In honor of Pregnancy & Infant Loss Awareness month, we will be part of:

NATAL WALKS | A BIPOC Perinatal Walking Practice + Movement Wellness Community | community offering by +

A Bucket For The Well, LLC  + Birthlooms are hosting NATAL WALKS: A BIPOC Perinatal Walking Practice + Movement Wellness Community this Saturday October 5th 2024 + Sunday October 6th 2024 from 9AM - 11AM at Ramler Park, 130 Peterborough Street, Boston MA 02115 (in the Fenway area).

This free perinatal walking + wellness series is open to the public + centering the perinatal wellness needs of BIPOC perinatal families. Kindly ensure your dress in comfortable + weather appropriate attire as we move, reflect + celebrate in community.

TW - Please note that this October, we dedicate our walks to families who have experienced pregnancy and infant loss and 5hose who support them. On Saturday (10/5), we will be joined by our perinatal bereavement community partners Stephanie Crawford from Propa City Community Outreach and on Sunday (10/6) we will be joined by Jessica Paulino from The EMA Project + Golden Flor Wellness. 

About This Event…
8:45 AM GATHERING AT RAMLER PARK
130 PETERBOROUGH STREET
BOSTON, MA 02115
(IN THE FENWAY AREA)

OCTOBER 10/6 | SUNDAY | 9AM - 11AM
1.5 MILE WELLNESS WALK w/ STEFANIE BELNAVIS
PERINATAL BEREAVEMENT WELLNESS FACILITATION + SOUND BATH SESSION w/ JESSICA PAULINO
THE EMA PROJECT, INC. + GOLDEN FLOR WELLNESS

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED
🔗 in bio

Swipe to learn about our Founder + meet this month’s Perinatal Wellness Facilitators

See you this weekend!



https://www.instagram.com/p/DAjUuKCvmPw/?igsh=NmFhNjJseXE5Zzg3

09/06/2024

There is still time to register for Sunday!

https://forms.gle/9krLAFo8ZUhhNSMe7

09/02/2024

We did it!!!

08/30/2024

Love you to infinity 💚

08/23/2024

We did it!!!♥️

08/08/2024

♥️Registration is Now Open!♥️ Join us for a day dedicated to rest, healing, and community. Sign up through the link in our bio.

💫Registration closes August 31, 2024.💫

This event is designed for birthing individuals who have experienced pregnancy, infant, or child loss. This year, we're welcoming those who have lost a child due to illness or violence. We're here together.

Navigating the loss of a child can be difficult and isolating. We invite you to come, build connections, and share your child with us.

A special thanks to and for the grant opportunity. This event is organized by Sahirah of and of and , two Mamas who came together in memory of our children.

Please share this with anyone who might benefit from this community. Tag us if you share on your story.

Thank you for supporting our work in memory of all the children no longer with us.

08/05/2024

07/31/2024

Thank you to everyone who helped by sending letters, sharing, and supporting this important work! I am incredibly grateful that this passed and that birthing persons in MA will have the support they so desperately need. This is for you Eddie Manuel.

Thank you Julian Cyr State Senator Liz Miranda Senator Joan B. Lovely State Senator Cindy Friedman Senate President Karen E. Spilka and many others for your tremendous leadership in moving forward a truly groundbreaking maternal health bill up for debate tomorrow!

Better and more equitable maternal health care MUST include mental health support. We applaud Senate leaders for joining the House with comprehensive screening provisions AND adding the Moms Matter Act for more community support! LET’S DO THIS, Massachusetts!!

07/15/2024

Help pass the maternal health bill AND the Moms Matter Act!

The EMA Project is proud to be an endorser of the Moms Matter Act, legislation that would expand and diversify the perinatal (during pregnancy and up to a year after birth) mental health workforce, and invest in community-based programs supporting new parents – such as support groups, resources for parents facing pregnancy and infant loss, and home visiting programs.

As you may know, the Massachusetts House recently passed a groundbreaking maternal health bill, allowing for Certified Professional Midwife (CPM) licensure and coverage and more, but unfortunately, the Moms Matter Act was not included. The House bill has excellent new requirements for Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorder (PMAD) screening, but we feel those provisions MUST be matched with more services for parents who need them, particularly in historically marginalized communities – which could be accomplished by adding the Moms Matter Act.

Can you help push both the maternal health bill and the Moms Matter Act with a quick letter to your State Senator? Follow the link HERE! Thank you for making your voice heard in support of new parents!

Thank you, Mass. PPD Fund and all supporting orgs for your work and dedication to passing this bill.

This June, the Massachusetts House passed an omnibus maternal health bill that would truly change the landscape in the Commonwealth -- allowing for Certified Professional Midwife licensure and coverage, removing regulatory barriers for operating birth centers, requiring Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Di...