iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Black Midwifery Collective @blackmidwifery.bsky.social · 27/07/2026

BMC Photo Call: Help us honor and document the legacy of Black midwives! Share your archival, clinical, or community photos for our "Our Images, Our History" project. Submit yours here: forms.gle/BGwzMvbRKDGb...

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Black Midwifery Collective @blackmidwifery.bsky.social · 04/05/2026

As of May 1st, Licensed Certified Professional Midwives (LCPMs) are approved to enroll and bill for midwifery services through Medicaid. You can read the details here: hfs.illinois.gov/medicalprovi...

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Black Midwifery Collective @blackmidwifery.bsky.social · 28/04/2026

According to recent date, the majority of out-of-hospital births in Illinois occurred at home, almost 3x more than in a birth center & other settings. #blackmidwiferycollective #midwiferyeducation #birthjustice

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Black Midwifery Collective @blackmidwifery.bsky.social · 24/04/2026

Our LCPM program at Kennedy King College has received accreditations from: ✅ IL Community College Board ✅ Higher Learning Commission This milestone expands midwifery education rooted in Black excellence & birth justice. 🤰🏾👣 First cohort begins September 2026 — we can't wait to welcome you!

Graphic announcing that LCPM program received accreditations from IL community college board and The higher learning commission.

Stay Tuned
Information Sessions
Community Meet Ups
Spring & Early Summer

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Black Midwifery Collective @blackmidwifery.bsky.social · 25/02/2026

We are launching the IL community-based birth justice strategic plan this Friday! Join us on zoom and be part of this insightful panel! Register here: us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...

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Black Midwifery Collective @blackmidwifery.bsky.social · 12/02/2026

Missed Session 1? Watch the recording of our first Birth Justice Workforce session here: birthjusticeillinois.org/events/ Then join us for Session 2 on February 13 (tomorrow) as we dig deeper into the barriers, needs, and opportunities facing the birth justice workforce in Illinois.

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Black Midwifery Collective @blackmidwifery.bsky.social · 03/02/2026

Our Founder and Executive Director Star will join the panel at the 2026 AAAC Symposium, We Got Us: Our Health, Our Rights, Our Future, February 21st. The symposium explores how health and wellbeing are shaped by justice, policy, and community power. Join Star and register using link below:

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Black Midwifery Collective @blackmidwifery.bsky.social · 22/01/2026

Birth justice is built by community 🌱 Co-hosted by Health & Medicine Policy Research Group and the Black Midwifery Collective, this four-part webinar series launches the Illinois Community-Based Birth Justice Strategic Plan. Swipe to learn more about why you should attend.

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Reposted by Black Midwifery Collective

Ms. Foundation for Women @msfoundation.bsky.social · 21/01/2026

In Illinois, Black women are 3x more likely to die from pregnancy-related conditions than white women. @blackmidwifery.bsky.social is reducing this disparity with their new Midwife degree program: audacy.com/wbbm780/news/local/chicago-midwife-fights-racial-disparities-in-maternal-health

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Black Midwifery Collective @blackmidwifery.bsky.social · 16/01/2026

Black Midwifery Collective and Health & Medicine Policy Research Group invite you to join us for a four-part webinar series launching the Illinois Community-Based Birth Justice Strategic Plan. 🗓 Feb 6, 13, 20, & 27 ⏰ 10:00–11:30 a.m. | Zoom 🎥 Sessions recorded Register below:

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Black Midwifery Collective @blackmidwifery.bsky.social · 04/01/2026

Black Midwifery Collective mourns the passing of Dr. Janell Green Smith. A midwife, scholar, and a compassionate advocate. May Dr. Smith rest in peace and power. We vow to honor her legacy in the continued fight for birthing justice.

Black Midwifery Collective mourns the passing of Dr. Janell Green Smith. A midwife, scholar, and a compassionate advocate.

Her enduring love for the community shone brightly through her steadfast commitment to improving Black maternal health, despite the challenges she faced. We extend our heartfelt condolences to her family and loved ones. Her work, her passion, and her love will be eternally remembered and cherished.

May Dr. Smith rest in peace and power. We vow to honor her legacy in the continued fight for birthing justice.

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Black Midwifery Collective @blackmidwifery.bsky.social · 13/11/2025

🚨Recall Alert🚨 ByHeart infant formula has issued a nationwide recall due to an outbreak of infant botulism. If you have any ByHeart formula, stop use & discard it. Watch for weakness & feeding issues in your baby, & see a doctor if needed. For help, call ByHeart at (833) 429-4327. Please repost!

DANGER PRODUCT RECALL Don't use ByHeart Infant formula!

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Black Midwifery Collective @blackmidwifery.bsky.social · 11/11/2025

Chicago: Looking for food, a hot meal, or support? Mutual aid keeps us strong. Click this link to find pantries, kitchens, and groups helping neighbors daily. Community is everything! static1.squarespace.com/static/5ed85...

See the link to find free food & resources in Chicago! Mutual Aid Chicago

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Black Midwifery Collective @blackmidwifery.bsky.social · 08/11/2025

The time is NOW for #BirthJustice in IL! After years of advocacy, certified professional midwives are finally recognized by the state. Midwives can step out of the shadows to provide safe, trusted, community-based care. This is a win for freedom, safety, and dignity in birth. Let’s keep going!

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Black Midwifery Collective @blackmidwifery.bsky.social · 07/11/2025

Only 6–8% of pregnancies are high-risk, but the birth-industrial complex treats nearly everyone like they are. Community midwifery is safe, evidence-based care that should be the standard for the 90% of people who don’t need high-risk intervention. #Midwifery #BirthJustice

Photo of a pregnant Black woman with long braids. Text reads: Just 6-8% of pregnancies are high-risk. Community midwifery should be the standard for 90% of people giving birth!

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Black Midwifery Collective @blackmidwifery.bsky.social · 01/11/2025

💀 On #DiaDeLosMuertos, we honor our ancestors, whose lives and legacies shape us even after they are gone. This season is about holding space for grief and joy, for cherished memories and community traditions. At BMC, we uplift the stories, strength, and love passed down through generations.

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Black Midwifery Collective @blackmidwifery.bsky.social · 31/10/2025

It’s spooky season! Remember that for centuries, midwives & women healers were accused of witchcraft for practicing body- & earth-based knowledge rooted in community care. We honor the midwives who resisted persecution to protect life, knowledge, & community.

salon.com

Were midwives the OG witches? How the history of mystic medicine and reproductive health intertwine

Were midwives driven out of gynecology because of superstition or patriarchy? The answer will not surprise you

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Black Midwifery Collective @blackmidwifery.bsky.social · 29/10/2025

October is National #HoodooHeritageMonth, and we honor the ancestral healers, midwives and conjurers who protected Black life through spirit, herbs and care. Their legacy lives on in our birthwork today.

A photo of a Black woman's hand lighting a candle. Text reads: Celebrating Hoodoo Heritage Month, Read the caption!

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Black Midwifery Collective @blackmidwifery.bsky.social · 27/10/2025

🧵: ✨Illinois Community-Based Birth Justice Summit Recap ✨ What an incredible gathering we had!

Star August with another Black woman, standing next to a tall Illinois Community-Based Birth Justice Strategic Plan summit banner

Star August with another Black person, standing by the summit podium; both are smiling

A Black woman with a mic in her hand puts her hand on the shoulder of another Black woman, who has her head bowed & hands folded, as if in gratitude

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Black Midwifery Collective @blackmidwifery.bsky.social · 18/10/2025

Today is National Mammography Day, a reminder of the importance of early detection of breast cancer. 💗 Black women are more likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer at a younger age, & at later stages. Access to healthcare is a matter of justice. Schedule your mammogram today!

National Mammography Day Early detection is best—schedule your mammogram today! Black Midwifery Collective

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Black Midwifery Collective @blackmidwifery.bsky.social · 15/10/2025

Today is #PregnancyAndInfantLossRemembranceDay. Black parents face higher risks for pregnancy and infant loss due to systemic racism, medical bias, and barriers to respectful, culturally-rooted care. We stand with every parent who mourns, and every birthworker fighting for safer births!

Pregnancy & Infant Loss Remembrance Day October 15, 2025 If you have lost a pregnancy or a baby, know that you are not alone. We hold your grief with you. Black Midwifery Collective [also has graphics of fading baby footprints, & drawn hearts]

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Black Midwifery Collective @blackmidwifery.bsky.social · 30/09/2025

Too many infants and birthing people are dying. It's a tragedy caused by: ➡️ Too few midwives of color providing culturally-congruent care ➡️ Barriers to becoming a midwife ➡️ The belief that doulas in medicalized births are enough That’s why we’re working to get a #midwife in every neighborhood!

A photo of an iceberg. Above the water it says "What you can see" & is labeled "preventable maternal/infant mortality;" below the surface it says "and what you can't" and "midwifery workforce shortage, narrow pathway to education, doula 'fix'"

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Black Midwifery Collective @blackmidwifery.bsky.social · 29/09/2025

The world will face a shortage of 310,000 midwives by 2030, hitting marginalized communities the hardest. Midwives—especially Black and brown midwives—are essential for safe, equitable births. Join the fight for a midwife in every neighborhood now! #BirthJustice

who.int

Nursing

Facts and figures on nursing

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Black Midwifery Collective @blackmidwifery.bsky.social · 25/09/2025

It's finally here—Thursday is the Illinois Birth Justice State Strategic Plan Summit! The first of its kind, it's led by and for community-based perinatal care workers. We're coming together to build a statewide vision for birth and reproductive justice in Illinois! #BirthJustice

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Black Midwifery Collective @blackmidwifery.bsky.social · 22/09/2025

As we get ready for Monday's event with actress/activist Tatyana Ali, please check out our ED Star August Ali's post on Tatyana’s Baby Yams blog from earlier this year. Protecting Black maternal health means investing in a powerful Black midwifery workforce for the future! 🖤✨

baby-yams.com

Investing in the Black Midwifery Workforce for Long-Term Sustainability and Impact

Discover why investing in Black midwifery is key to birth equity, better outcomes, and sustainable community care led by and for people of color.

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Black Midwifery Collective @blackmidwifery.bsky.social · 16/09/2025

Honored to announce that the Black Birthing Futures Project, led by Dr. Kaytura Felix at Johns Hopkins, won the 2025 Nexus Award for “Beloved Birth 50 by 50”—advancing midwifery, birth centers, and policy for safe, community-led care by 2050. #BelovedBirth50x50 #BirthJustice

Text reads: "Beloved Birth 50 by fifty Working to get 50% of babies in the US into the world with the care of midwives by 2050!" With the logos for: Birth Center Equity, Black Midwifery Collective, Commonsense Childbirth School of Midwifery, National Association of Certified Professional Midwives

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Black Midwifery Collective @blackmidwifery.bsky.social · 10/09/2025

🕯️Today is #WorldSuicidePreventionDay. Suicide is a leading cause of death during the postpartum period, and Black women are 2x more likely to report suicidal ideation at this time than white women. Let’s work together to break the silence, share resources, and uplift our community!

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Black Midwifery Collective @blackmidwifery.bsky.social · 09/09/2025

👶🏾 Today is Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Awareness Day. FASD can cause lifelong physical, behavioral, & learning challenges. But it's 100% preventable by avoiding alcohol during pregnancy. Every child deserves a healthy start! 👶🏿 #FASDAwarenessDay

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Black Midwifery Collective @blackmidwifery.bsky.social · 07/09/2025

Happy Grandparents’ Day! 🤎 Today, we honor the wisdom, resilience, and love of grandparents whose stories inspire and guide Black birth traditions. Thank you for uplifting generations and shaping a powerful legacy. #GrandparentsDay #BirthJustice

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Black Midwifery Collective @blackmidwifery.bsky.social · 05/09/2025

We’re honored to be recognized in the latest JAMA Health Forum article on Black maternal health for our partnership with a Chicago community college to expand midwifery education and access. Black-led, community-based midwifery is saving lives, & the world is taking note! #BirthJustice

jamanetwork.com

Community Innovations to Improve Black Maternal Health

This JAMA Forum discusses efforts to improve Black maternal health in the US and provides examples of community-based birthing centers and initiatives.

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Black Midwifery Collective @blackmidwifery.bsky.social · 03/09/2025

Volunteers are needed for the Illinois Birth Justice State Strategic Plan Summit with @hmprg.bsky.social! 🗓️ September 25–26, 2025 📍 Chicago's South Side Be part of a powerful gathering shaping the future of birth justice in Illinois! Register here: docs.google.com/forms/d/1XWH... #BirthJustice

Text reads: "VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! CONNECT learn organize IGNITE IL BIRTH JUSTICE SUMMIT SEPT 25 & 26 CHICAGO" with the BMC & Health & Medicine Policy Research Group logos

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Black Midwifery Collective @blackmidwifery.bsky.social · 01/09/2025

Every kind of labor shapes our world, especially birthing new life. Today, #LaborDay, we uplift our ancestors. They built, created, & delivered us, not just through toil, but through the miracle of birth. We honor Black midwives, birthing people, & all who labor for culturally-congruent care!

A photo of a Black woman in a birthing pool, wincing as she holds her newborn baby. Texts reads Happy Labor Day from BLACK MIDWIFERY COLLECTIVE.

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Black Midwifery Collective @blackmidwifery.bsky.social · 30/08/2025

🤱🏾 Breast milk = liquid gold! Packed with nutrients, antibodies and love, it fuels growth, boosts immunity and strengthens the bond between mama + baby. Every feed is nature’s perfect recipe. #BlackBreastfeedingWeek

Image reads Why is Breast Best? Has Polaroid-style photos of Black people breastfeeding Black babies.

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Black Midwifery Collective @blackmidwifery.bsky.social · 09/08/2025

Calling all midwives, doulas, & other birth workers & advocates! Join us & @hmprg.bsky.social Sept 25–26 in Chicago for the IL Birth Justice Summit. Free for students & birth workers, childcare included! Register here, help shape the future: bit.ly/ILSSPsummit

Register today! IL Birth Justice Summit Sept 25 & 26 Chicago. Black Midwifery Collective. Health & Medicine Policy Research Group

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Black Midwifery Collective @blackmidwifery.bsky.social · 08/08/2025

Reviving midwifery is key to ending the maternal health crisis. With safer births, lower costs, and deep cultural roots, midwife-led care empowers families and saves lives. Let’s fight for equity and honor birthing traditions! #BirthJustice #MidwivesMatter

nationalgeographic.com

Could midwives be the solution to the America's maternal health crisis?

Midwives are making a big comeback, and solving a crisis in maternal health care.

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Black Midwifery Collective @blackmidwifery.bsky.social · 05/08/2025

Calling all small business owners, birth workers, artists, & wellness pros! Apply to be a vendor at the 2025 Milk & Melanin Festival Sat., Aug. 23 in Chicago. Share your gifts, support families, & celebrate Black breastfeeding! Vendor spots filling fast; sign up now! docs.google.com/forms/d/1oni...

Apply to be a vendor! Milk & Melanin Festival August 23 South Side, Chicago

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Black Midwifery Collective @blackmidwifery.bsky.social · 05/08/2025

📣 Volunteers needed for the 2025 Milk & Melanin Fest! 🧡 Help us celebrate Black breastfeeding on Saturday, August 23 in Chicago. Be part of the joy! Click here to sign up! docs.google.com/forms/d/1M-R... #MilkAndMelaninFest #BirthJustice

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Black Midwifery Collective @blackmidwifery.bsky.social · 02/08/2025

Join BMC & @hmprg.bsky.social for a powerful summit to connect & build a shared vision for birth justice in Illinois. Sept. 25 welcomes all interested in shaping the future. Sept. 26 is a private session for invited birth workers & stakeholders. Register now: www.eventbrite.com/e/illinois-b...

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Black Midwifery Collective @blackmidwifery.bsky.social · 31/07/2025

Community midwifery should be the standard for over 90%+ of births—safe, relational, and proven to protect birthing people, especially in Black and Brown communities. This is common-sense care. Let’s make it the norm! 🖤🩸👶🏽 #BirthJustice #MidwiferyForThePeople

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Black Midwifery Collective @blackmidwifery.bsky.social · 28/07/2025

In case you missed it: Our staff member Shariah Sanders was featured in Ms. Magazine exposing how the “Big Beautiful Bill” harms Black & Indigenous maternal health. We’re proud to have fierce advocates like her pushing for real solutions. 🖤✊🏽 #BirthJustice #MidwivesRising #ProtectBlackMamas

A photo of Shariah smiling, wearing a Black Midwifery Collective tee that says A MIDWIFE IN EVERY NEIGHBORHOOD. Text reads: The Big Beautiful Bill? A Big Bad Blow to Maternity Care Ms. x Groundswell article by Shariah Sanders ARTICLE LINK IN BIO!

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Black Midwifery Collective @blackmidwifery.bsky.social · 26/07/2025

🎉🎉🎉 We are celebrating a victory: Certified Professional Midwives in IL will now earn the same as CNMs. Pay parity means respect, equity, & midwives who can care for their families. It means more culturally-congruent care. Thank you to all who fought alongside us! #BirthJustice #Midwifery

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Black Midwifery Collective @blackmidwifery.bsky.social · 22/07/2025

The Illinois Community-Based Birth Justice Plan centers community voices to drive real, ground-up change. We’re building just, culturally rooted maternal health systems led by those most impacted. 🌱 Click here to learn more: blackmidwiferycollective.org/illinois-bir...

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Black Midwifery Collective @blackmidwifery.bsky.social · 20/07/2025

The Community Birth Study in SE Cook County uncovered gaps in perinatal care, assessed interest in midwifery-led services, & elevated Black & Brown birthing voices. It affirmed the need for culturally-rooted, community-led birth options. Read here: blackmidwiferycollective.org/community-bi...

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Black Midwifery Collective @blackmidwifery.bsky.social · 16/07/2025

We’re thrilled that actress/singer/writer/producer/activist Tatyana Ali has featured our ED Sister Star August on her blog! Click here to read: baby-yams.com/blogs/yam-ho...

A screencap from Tatyana's Instagram. It's a photo of her & Star, both smiling. The caption reads: Stop what you're doing and read this.

Tatyana's Instagram post text continued: “Before there were hospitals, there were midwives—healers held in high esteem for knowledge and skills that went far beyond catching babies.” @sisterstarmidwife’s words shook me to my core.

In this powerful guest post, she breaks down how Black midwifery was intentionally dismantled—and how we rebuild. She shows us the way forward with clarity, urgency, and love.

Tatyana's Instagram post text continued: If we care about the lives of Black mothers and babies, we must invest in the Black midwifery workforce now. Not tomorrow. Now.

Thank you @blackmidwiferycollective__ for this labor of truth. Please read and share.

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Black Midwifery Collective @blackmidwifery.bsky.social · 04/07/2025

This Independence Day, we celebrate a different kind of freedom— ✨ The freedom to birth safely ✨ The right to bodily autonomy ✨ Liberation from the birth-industrial complex True independence means reclaiming birth on our terms. Because birth justice is freedom.

A photo of a smiling pregnant Black woman on an outdoor picnic, with the words Celebrate Freedom and Liberation means birthing on our own terms!

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Reposted by Black Midwifery Collective

J Brown (they/she) @jfbrown.bsky.social · 25/06/2025

Read this amazing work by ARCC Seed Grantee @blackmidwifery.bsky.social

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Black Midwifery Collective @blackmidwifery.bsky.social · 01/07/2025

Meet Kristen Mantell, our strategic designer! She is a graphic designer & birth advocate with 18+ years’ experience. Combining visual storytelling & strategic design, Kristen supports birth workers & justice initiatives, creating impactful materials to advance safer, more equitable maternity care.

A photo of a smiling white woman with light brown hair

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