LA County African American Infant and Maternal Mortality Initiative

We don’t have to continue to lose our Black babies and mothers. Learn why this problem exists and what the solutions are. This discussion will explore the benefits of having a Doula, the difference between Doula’s and midwives, the different types of birth experiences you can have and how you can get free services. Find out about getting the support of a Doula, home visitation, mental health support and having a joyous and healthy birth. You are not alone. blackinfantsandfamilies.org

Meet the Panelists

About the author

Melissa Franklin, Ed.D., PRITZKER FELLOW
Dr. Melissa Franklin is Founder and CEO of Growth Mindset Communications, and is a communications and organizational development consultant with over 25 years of experience in developing communications strategies designed to engage stakeholders and ignite positive change. Dr. Franklin specializes in multi-stakeholder engagement communications and has dedicated her career to efforts addressing harmful narratives about communities of color and inspiring organizations and individuals to see the possibility for positive change, and then pursue it together. Dr. Franklin was recently awarded a Pritzker Fellowship on behalf of First 5 LA. In this capacity, she is tasked with helping lead Los Angeles County’s efforts to reduce Black infant and maternal mortality rates through communications and countywide stakeholder engagement, including building a county-wide coalition of public agencies, community-based organizations and philanthropic interests. The initiative is led by the LA County Department of Public Health in partnership with First 5 LA. As a Black mother of two girls, now ages 10 and 13, who were born severely premature, she has a deep connection to the issue African American Infant and Maternal Mortality.

About the author

Michelle L. Sanders
Los Angeles native and mother of 3.

Certified Doula, Certified Lactation Educator Specialist, Certified Surgical Technologist and the Project Coordinator for the LACounty DPH AAIMM Doula Pilot Project.

Michelle caught her first baby 21 years ago and have supported many family members, friends, and clients through my private practice, Beauty for Ashes Maternal Wellness. Saving Black moms and babies is my passion and my purpose.

She believes that consistent unbiased support during pregnancy and postpartum are invaluable but greatly underutilized in our community. She prides herself on being able to provide this support for families. It has been an honor to be invited into such intimate spaces with the families I have served.