11/28/2023
Today is Giving Tuesday and I know there are so many worthy causes to donate to but I want to make a plug for maternal health in the U.S. (we have the worst outcomes in the developed world - go us!). Please consider donating to the nonprofit I founded Portland New Family Fund . We provide birth and postpartum doula and lactation care to low income families. We've had an incredible year of growth in the org which I am so proud of - an amazing team of dedicated women, parents and advocates working an uphill battle against a system that doesn't give a crap about moms, parents and babies.
Many of our clients are single moms or recently homeless or victims of domestic violence or BIPOC (or all of the above and more) and they are trying to so hard to lift themselves up. The need for perinatal support (particularly postpartum) is so great, my friends, and I am so inspired by their stories of strength and perseverance.
One of our clients, a single mom with two other kids and zero support, burst into tears when I told her we can pay for a postpartum doula to come multiple times after the birth to give her a break, do laundry, help with nursing, prepare meals and help her heal from the birth. Most postpartum deaths are deaths of despair - drug overdose and su***de. And I don't know a greater recipe for disaster than being a single mom with no help with a newborn and two other small kids.
So in the spirit of making this giving season a time to support new moms and babies, we would love to have you join us in this mission.
I heard about PNFF through working with Liz and I am a huge supporter of the cause. It is critical to make doula services more accessible. This is a beautiful and highly needed non-profit program. I am glad BFD sent out the email to support PNFF.