Black Infant Maternal Health Initiative

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Black Infant Maternal Health Initiative

Striving for birth equity through unity and empowerment.

13/04/2026

Black women in the U.S. are over three times more likely to die from a pregnancy‑related cause than White women—and more than 80% of these tragedies are preventable. During Black Maternal Health Week, we honor the strength, resilience, and joy of Black Mamas while recognizing the work still ahead. Guided by BIMHI’s mission to strive for birth equity through unity and empowerment, we’re committed to supporting a future where every Black birthing person receives respectful, safe, and affirming care. 💛✨

09/04/2026

Gather with others who understand the journey, build community, and uplift one another as we move toward stronger, more connected family experiences. Guided by the BIMHI mission of “Striving for birth equity through unity and empowerment,” this circle offers a meaningful opportunity to learn, reflect, and support one another.
📍 Church of God — 100 Oswell St., Bakersfield, CA 93307
📅 April 16, 2026
⏰ 6:00 PM – 7:15 PM
All fathers of Black/African American children are welcome. Come be part of a conversation that strengthens families and community.
Click the link in the bio to RSVP or visit at:
https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=teTy4BUFKECZ8i56Q_5TeXDLuE2Ex0JFol8KFkKKOtVUREc0WElEREpDVTlTMFZXWk9FWTdGWTlTTy4u&origin=QRCode

27/03/2026

Pregnancy brings many changes to the body — including the heart. ❤ Your heart works harder during pregnancy, and for many women, this is the first time it experiences added stress. If something feels off, talk to your doctor right away or go to the ER. 🚑
If you already have a heart condition, make sure your OBGYN knows. Diagnosing new heart issues during pregnancy can be challenging since many symptoms can appear “normal.”
👀What to watch for:
• Extreme tiredness
• Swelling in the legs or feet
• Shortness of breath
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat
• Chest pain or discomfort
👨‍⚕️Tell your doctor if symptoms:
• Stop you from doing normal activities
• Cause shortness of breath even while resting
⚠These symptoms are NOT normal:
• Blurry vision
• Fainting
• Heart palpitations lasting more than 30 seconds
• A racing heart
❗If you have chest pain or trouble breathing, CALL 911 right away.
At BIMHI Kern County, we’re committed to empowering mothers, protecting Black infant and maternal health, and striving for birth equity through unity, awareness, and advocacy. Join us in this mission — because every heartbeat matters. 💚

23/03/2026

When a woman stands up, a community stands stronger. This Women’s History Month, join BIMHI Kern County in our quest to champion birth equity through unity, compassion, and collective action. Together, we can make a difference!

21/03/2026

When you’re at a doctor’s visit, don’t ignore what your blood pressure is telling you. If your top number is over 160 and the bottom is 110 or higher, do not leave — you need urgent medical attention. Your health matters, and because some women show no symptoms at all, keeping up with regular check‑ups is essential. 💛✨
At BIMHI, we are striving for birth equity through unity and empowerment, ensuring every birthing parent has the knowledge and support they deserve.
Help us spread awareness and uplift our community—like, share, and follow to support the BIMHI mission. 💙

26/02/2026

Preeclampsia can be life-threatening. It can happen during pregnancy or up to six weeks after birth. Watch for these warning signs:
✅ Persistent headaches
✅ Swelling in face or hands
✅ Rapid weight gain (over 5 lbs in a week)
✅ Vision changes
✅ Upper right belly pain
✅ Trouble breathing
If your blood pressure is 160/110 or higher, get medical help right away. Regular prenatal visits are key to catching it early.
Your health matters. Your voice matters. Together, we strive for birth equity through unity and empowerment.

20/02/2026

After 23 weeks, your baby can hear you. Every word, song, and story helps their brain grow strong. Talking early is a simple way to give your child a healthy start—and it’s a step toward birth equity. When we share these moments as a community, we create unity and empower every family to thrive.
Drop a favorite affirmation for baby.

03/02/2026

This month we celebrate Black history and honor the courage that inspires change. BIMHI is on a mission to make maternal health care equitable for Black mothers because every birth story deserves dignity and respect. Let’s keep hope alive and make it happen. 💜

31/01/2026

💛 You deserve care that feels personal and supportive. Black women face higher risks during pregnancy and birth, and in Kern County those risks are even greater. Having someone by your side can make a real difference.
A doula is there for you every step:
✨ Before birth with gentle guidance, education, and encouragement
✨ During labor with comfort techniques, breathing support, and advocacy for your wishes
✨ After birth with postpartum care, newborn tips, and emotional check ins
When mothers feel informed and supported, it often creates a calmer and more confident journey into parenthood, something every family deserves. You are not alone. We are here for you.
Learn more: kernbimhi.com

29/01/2026

💡 Feeling prepared can make all the difference. Even parents who feel well-prepared can find a hospital setting overwhelming. Making decisions under pressure is challenging, and that is why it is so important to remember that you have the right to understand your options, make your own choices, and say ‘No’ whenever you need to. That’s why practicing your B.R.A.N.D. questions matters. These questions help you explore benefits, risks, alternatives, and what happens if you do nothing. Role-play with your partner or doula so you feel confident speaking up.
✅ Practice phrases like:
“Please give us time to decide.”
“What other options are there?”
“No, thank you.”
Save this post so you have these tools ready when you need them. Your voice matters. Your choices matter.
Learn more about our mission at kernbimhi.com

09/01/2026

BIMHI Kern County mourns the devastating death of Dr. Janell Green Smith, CNM—the “Loc’d Midwife,” who devoted her life to respectful, evidence‑based, equitable care. In her memory, we recommit to dismantling racial inequities in maternal health, strengthening accountability in care systems, and working alongside Black midwives, clinicians, and communities to prevent future tragedies.

If you wish to support her family, you can donate to their GoFundMe at https://www.gofundme.com/f/dr-janell-green-smiths-family

We extend our deepest condolences to Dr. Smith’s loved ones and the midwifery community.

13/12/2025

Dear Mama, you deserve warmth comfort and care this season. The chill in the air can make everything feel a little heavier. That is why this winter we are reminding you to slow down and pour into yourself.
Your body is doing something powerful and your spirit deserves just as much love.
Take a moment to breathe, to rest, to nourish. You are not alone in this journey.

Scroll for gentle winter wellness tips made with you in mind
If this feels good to you, like it, save it, or share it with a mama or sista who needs this reminder

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Kern County, CA

Website

http://kernbimhi.com/

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