Perinatal Health Equity Initiative

04/14/2026

You have the right to ask questions. You have the right to understand your chart. You have the right to say "explain that again."Rooted in Justice is a webinar built for Black mamas who are navigating hospital and child welfare settings and want to do it with knowledge, language, and confidence. We will cover common medical and child welfare terminology, real stories of system navigation, medical advocacy language, and how certain lab results can lead to CPS involvement. This is the session every Black mama deserves access to.Featuring Imani Powell MBC, Juleen Johnson MSN RN IBCLC (PHEI Clinical Operations Director), and Jacklyn S. Asamoah MPH MLS (ASCP)CM.

April 14, 2026 | 12–1:30PM | Free Zoom Webinar
Register now. Link in bio.Knowledge is your protection. Come get equipped.

04/04/2026

What happens when four powerhouse Black led organization in NJ unit? You get the truth! PHEI is proud to announce the inaugural State of the Union Address, Black Maternal Health edition. Tune in to learn what’s working in NJ, what’s not, and what Black birthing people need. PHEI does not exist to uphold a deficit. We exist to change the system. Comment “UNION” to get the link sent to your DMs. Recording will be available for all registered attendees.

04/02/2026

03/23/2026

We’re so excited to celebrate YOU💜 Join us for a free, intimate Community Baby Shower designed for expectant and newly postpartum mamas. Come connect, learn, and feel supported in a space created just for you.

Enjoy a catered meal, meaningful giveaways, raffle prizes, expert insights, and a beautiful photo moment to capture this special season ✨

📍 280 S. Harrison St, Suite 401, East Orange, NJ 07018
📅 April 9, 2026 | 5:00–6:30 PM

Reserve your spot here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe852m8PTgJQG0ZUOJNQZkA18GSZw2ux_JbbsSWsRK_3fOg7g/viewform

Spots are limited — we can’t wait to celebrate with you!

03/16/2026

Test

03/16/2026

New blood pressure guidelines during pregnancy are critical because high blood pressure remains the number one preventable risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Hypertension increases the risk of stroke, coronary artery disease, heart failure, and atrial fibrillation.

During pregnancy, unmanaged high blood pressure can also lead to serious complications for both mother and baby. Monitoring your blood pressure during pregnancy is not optional. It is essential.

Know your numbers. Track your readings. Speak up if something feels off.
SAVE this post to remember why blood pressure checks matter. SHARE with a pregnant mom or someone planning pregnancy.

03/14/2026

Today we honor Black Midwives Day — and we celebrate the legacy, leadership, and lifelong service of Linda Sloan Locke, a trailblazing Black midwife right here in New Jersey.

Black midwives have always been the backbone of our communities — protectors of birth, holders of wisdom, advocates for justice, and champions for Black families.

Linda Locke’s work reflects that legacy. Decades of care. Education. Advocacy. And an unwavering commitment to equity in maternal health.

We stand on the shoulders of Black midwives who came before us — and we continue building a future rooted in justice, healing, and joy.

💛 Black midwives matter.
💛Black birth workers matter.
💛 Black families deserve culturally grounded care.

03/11/2026

Take breastfeeding out of the group chat and bring it back to the community.

When Black women gather in community, everybody benefits. Mama thrives.
Baby thrives. The village gets stronger. Support is a team sport — and it was never meant to be done alone.

Join a thriving circle and meet your new breasties — the ones who will encourage you, answer the questions you do not want to Google, and remind you that you are doing better than you think.

Bring your full, authentic self. No judgment. No code switching. Just you.

Our groups are led by Black experts who are mamas themselves. This is lived experience. This is cultural understanding. This is real support.

Trust us… we get it.

So what is keeping you from showing up to the next meetup? 👀💜

03/10/2026

Happening tomorrow, Brestie! 💜

Got breastfeeding questions?
Wondering if what you’re experiencing is “normal”?
Trying to figure it out without all the noise?

Join us LIVE on Instagram every Wednesday at 12 PM.

Our IBCLCs, Black women, mamas, and breastfeeding experts, are answering your real life questions with clarity, care, and no judgment.
This is a space for us. Bring your questions. Bring your concerns. Bring your whole self.

We’ll see you at noon.

03/09/2026

Protecting mothers means recognizing the warning signs early. Preeclampsia remains a major cause of maternal death, yet early detection and proper care can save lives. Support NJ Senate Bill S299 sponsored by Shirley K. Turner to strengthen screening and care for hypertensive disorders during pregnancy through the Blue Band Program. Every mother deserves a safe and healthy pregnancy.

03/07/2026

We’re so excited to announce our very first Mommy of the Month — Cherelle 💛 Cherelle is what we lovingly call an OG. She’s been part of our community for years and continues to show up, stay engaged, and pour into this work in meaningful ways.

Not only does she support the mission, she’s lived it. Cherelle has donated her own breastmilk to help sustain our Drops of Love program, providing nourishment for babies in need. That’s what community care looks like.
Join us in giving Cherelle her flowers 🌸💫 She embodies generosity, commitment, and the spirit of breastfeeding equity. We are so grateful to have her in the family.

03/06/2026

Black mamas deserve support, preparation, and community. 🤎Breastfeeding is a team sport, and Black mamas do better when we breastfeed in community. Breastfeeding is natural, but that does not mean it is easy. When we learn from other Black women, prepare before baby arrives, and build the right support system, we change the narrative.

Get the resources and tips you need to meet your breastfeeding goals. You do not have to figure this out alone.

Try a FREE trial class with PHEI on 3/10/ 26 at 12 PM. The first 10 registrants will receive a special baby gift upon arrival. Your journey starts now.